10,000 DAYS

I will start by saying that I give this album a 3-star rating with some reluctance. I think a 2.5 would more aptly hit the mark. I can't say much more than what Proghat and mbd3675 have already stated about the record, but I will gladly reinforce their opinions because I am extremely disappointed with Tool this time around.

Before I tear into the band, I can say for sure that 10,000 days showcases Danny Carey's best drumming to date. He blew me away with just the first track. The other three boys, however, display usual fare. Does Adam Jones really not care about experimenting with tone anymore? I'm not sure what kind of setup he used for this record, but I'm willing to bet a generous sum that it is basically the same setup from Lateralus, which is (by the way) my favorite Tool record. The tone of the album feels like Lateralus through and through. Hell, it sounds to me like (and a few "Toolhead" friends of mine have concurred) that Adam stripped riffs directly from the last record. Listen to Intension (track #9) and tell me it doesn't remind you of Disposition.

I could cite other examples, but I shouldn't have to. After a five year hiatus, and when Tool fans expect so much after the prog genius from Lateralus, I shouldn't have to bring attention to the fact that this record sounds basically the same as the last record. 10,000 days is simply dull and boring. Though, I do like a few tracks a lot, namely Vicarious and The Pot, most of the tracks don't seem to go anywhere at all. And this is coming from a guy who eats up everything Beefheat, Zappa, and Zorn have released.

I will, however, continue to listen to the record. As of this writing I've heard it three times through. Perhaps it will grow on me a little more, but I don't think I can overlook the obvious similarities to Lateralus and the long, overarching progressions that end up nowhere.