Lateralus by TOOL

Lateralus by TOOL, released in 2001.

 

Tool is an American alternative / progressive metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1990.

The initial lineup consisted of Maynard James Keenan on vocals, Adam Jones on guitar, Paul D'Amour on bass (who left the band after contributing to their first album, Undertow, considering "their creative process" … "excruciating and tedious" and was replaced by Justin Chancellor), and  Danny Carey on drums, who we recently saw performing on the wonderful project  BEAT.

 

Their sound is a fusion of heavy metal, progressive metal, and alternative rock, resulting in masterpieces that have earned them four Grammy Awards.

 

Lateralus is a complex masterpiece that blends progressive metal and heavy metal, with atmospheric sections that convey feelings of tension and mystery, or that induce meditation and reflection. This is thanks to Maynard James Keenan's extraordinary vocals and the technical prowess and virtuosity of each band member. This album is not an easy listen, requiring close attention.

 

The concept is also complex, addressing the idea of ​​elevating consciousness through the interconnection between mind, spirit, and the universe. The concept blends mathematical and spiritual principles, using the Fibonacci sequence and sacred geometry to represent the "spiral" of life in music and with powerful lyrics.

The central theme is the expansion of thought, going beyond physical reality through "lateral thinking" (hence the album title), to develop the ability to think creatively and solve problems from a different perspective.

 

I have personally become passionate about this topic throughout my life, reflecting on the imperturbability of facts and events and the realization that overthinking the inevitable is futile and that it is far more useful and effective to rationalize and benefit from the experience of understanding.

 

It is the intersection of mathematical concepts and spiritual and alchemical ideas, including the golden ratio and the seven alchemical steps, in an attempt to create a comprehensive spiritual vision of the universe.

 

The title track, "Lateralus," has a structure and rhythmic meter based on the Fibonacci sequence, in its syllable counting and the use of words whose syllables form the first six numbers of the Fibonacci sequence. This has given rise to many theories, one of which is that the actual listening sequence of the tracks should be spiral-like rather than linear (the song contains lines containing the word "spiral").

The transitions between the tracks are such that they blend together for an inevitably unified listening experience, embodying the theme of interconnectedness. According to some theories, the "holy trinity" is represented by the album's final tracks.

 

The 13 tracks, over 78 minutes long, feature frequent and impactful changes in tempo and dynamics, with the stunning vocals of Maynard James Keenan, guitar licks, and a more present bass than in the past. The atmosphere is metallic and claustrophobic.

 

- "The Grudge," the album's stunning opening track, powerful hard rock with complex rhythms and sudden, impressive boosts.
- "Eon Blue Apocalypse," a splendid instrumental with exceptional guitar work.
- "The Patient" is a spectacular progression that starts slow and soft and becomes overwhelming and disturbing.
- "Mantra," a short instrumental animated by eerie, almost ghostly sounds.
- "Schism," a Grammy-winning song with extraordinary bass, is a very complex track with a magnificent vocal performance.

- "Parabol" and "Parabola" are two sections of a single song, differentiated by the dark and captivating atmosphere of the instrumental "Parabol" and the explosive power of "Parabola."
- "Ticks & Leeches," a very heavy song with Maynard James Keenan's raspy, very aggressive vocals.

- "Lateralus" is a powerful masterpiece, with its mathematical progressions at the heart of the composition.

- Disposition, Reflection, and Triad are a spectacular sequence of songs that make up a long suite that engages with different atmospheres, from the constant and protracted tension of Disposition to the power of jam metal with Triad and its oriental influences, up to Reflection, which induces reflection and thought.
- Faaip de Oiad closes the album with an audio recording of a hypothetical Area 51 caller on a radio show.

 

The cover art, designed by Alex Grey, represents a different side of the human body, including the spiritual. In one of these, the word "GOD" is hidden in the brain.

A difficult album, completely different from other Tool works, but in my opinion, a perfect album.

 

Tempo shifts, complex arrangements, alternating heavy riffs and softer atmospheres, song fusion, superb vocal and instrumental performances featuring Maynard James Keenan's extraordinarily powerful and wide-ranging voice, and instrumental virtuosity from all the band members make this an engaging, captivating, and emotional album.

An essential album, TOOL's masterpiece, in my opinion superior to any other album in their discography.

 

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.

Tracklist

1. The Grudge (8:36)
2. Eon Blue Apocalypse (1:04)
3. The Patient (7:14)
4. Mantra (1:12)
5. Schism (6:47)
6. Parabol (3:04)
7. Parabola (6:03)
8. Ticks & Leeches (8:10)
9. Lateralus (9:24)
10. Disposition (4:46)
11. Reflection (11:07)
12. Triad (8:46)
13. Faaip De Oiad (2:05)

Duration 78:18

LineUp

- Maynard James Keenan - lead vocals
- Adam Jones - guitar
- Justin Chancellor - bass
- Danny Carey - drums and percussion, samples

Featuring:
- Eric "Statik" Anest - electronics (12)