LATERALUS

This, to me, is definitely one of the prog masterpieces of the past 15-20 years. I think that those who arn't really into prog metal or those who do not like Tool's earlier stuff should at very least check this out.

The album begins with the masterpiece that is "The Grudge". Danny Carey's drumwork is the highlight here, as it is throughout much of the album. This song is varied and complex, ranging from soft and brooding to heavy and explosive. Although I don't hold Keenan in the "God" status that he seems to have obtained among Tool diehards, I think his lyrics are somewhat thought provoking and his singing is excellent--very expressive.

"Eon Blue Apocalypse", a soundscape introducing "The Patient" (or is it ending "The Grudge"?) follows. "The Patient" is another dynamic rocker in 5/4. The layered guitars are very interesting here. One of the highlights of the album for me.

"Mantra" is another sort of ambient track. It sounds almost like whale calls. It is more or less a filler, connecting "The Patient" to "Schism".

"Schism" is a solid song, definitely some interesting bass work and drumming here. It builds in a similar way to "The Patient" and "The Grudge". The lyrics here are good, discussing communication, I believe.

"Parabol" is the softer beginning to "Parabola". I enjoy this two song set a lot. The riffs here are pretty powerful, and there are some more good lyrics. "Parabol" is an excellent introduction, as the themes presented here are presented again in a heavier fashion on "Parabola".

"Ticks & Leeches" is by far the heaviest song here, and many cite it as the weakest. My opinion, is however, that it is one of the best. There are some truly sublime guitar parts here, and some very technical yet expressive drumming. The volcals are pretty incredble as well, as they put incredible strain on Keenan's vocal cords. This song has only been performed once, I believe.

"Lateralus" is the second true masterpiece on this album. The lyrics deal with the fibonacci sequence, and interestingly enough the patter of syllables in the opening lines is the first part of the sequence. I can't really explain what it is I like about this song so much, but it might be the way it flows and just fits with the rest of the album.

The "Disposition/Reflection/Triad" trilogy is interesting, and incorporates a lot of ambient elements. Disposition is entrancing, and the steady groove and build of Reflection holds my attention througout the song. Triad is the weakest song in the trilogy, and possibly of the album (excluding the "filler"), and is just a hard rocking instrumental in 3.

The album concludes with "Faaip de Oiad", Danny Carey's percussion piece. He solos madly in the background while a hysterical man warns the listener of the infiltration of the US government by extradimensional beings. An amusing (yet spooky) end to a serious album.

I think that this album works very well as a whole, and should definitely be given your full attention. It flows well and is very atmospheric. The packaging is very good. No liner notes here! Just a cutaway of the human body. The production is excellent. Every instrument comes in clearly, even in the heaviest of passages. The "HDCD" format sounds full and bright. This album is an experience. A gripping masterpiece of prog.