LATERALUS

OK, I've talked a big game in the past about Tool, so it's time I get down to brass tacks and write a review or three. Let me first address the fact that because this album is my favorite recording of all time, and has been since its release, that this review is terribly biased and therefore worthless. Tool get bashed on this forum for being 'overrated' and 'untalented', just because they are not shreddy prog metal or symphonic balladeers. Tool are their own band, they always have been, and hopefully always will be. This album is everything a progressive metal album should be: technical (but only when necessary), dense, complex, intricately arranged, thoughtful and original. Tool integrate visual art into their music in unprecedented ways. The conceptual art on this album is brilliant and matches the music perfectly.

Since the album has been broken down track-by-track in at least a dozen other reviews, I will just highlight the fact that the title track is the very pinnacle of prog metal composition. I can't be 100% positive, but I think Tool are probably the first band to match their time signatures to mathematical sequences which tie into the themes of the song. I could write an essay on that idea alone, but I'll spare the reader at this point. The section that starts at about 4:50 and goes to the end of the song is a prime example of four artists, each at their peak, weaving together to create something greater than themselves.

It is not necessary that 'everyone' like this record, and clearly everyone does not. But I do think it is essential that everyone at least give it a shot, even if it isn't your proverbial 'cup of tea'. Sorry to have a fanboy moment, but I needed to make my feelings about this record known. Have a nice day.

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