TOOL - Fear Inoculum | Overkill Reviews

[@GowanDylan]

I meant to say "Invincible" instead of "invisible" my apologies.

[@Strugen.]

You're only human. As someone who is getting a bit longer in the tooth as well I really like Invincible

[@GowanDylan]

@@Strugen. Thanks man, I appreciate it.

[@danrobichaud]

The peasants are revolting, Dylan! Run!

[@rmtaillefer]

You’re all good man, thanks for the review

[@DL500316]

Great review man! Agree with just about every point.

[@jacklord4418]

My God, Does anyone EVER give the bass player his do ?? Just blows my mind that Justin is ignored..

[@Shawn_M]

That bass *IS* Tool!

[@white.river.restoration]

No player in tool can be ignored! Every note is considered and its volume is intentional!

[@ankit1400]

Don't mean to be a spelling Nazi, but it should be Does anyone EVER give the bass player his Due (not Do)

[@SeanFarFlung]

You think? I dunno maybe it just depends on the circles one frequents but the tool fans I've always identified with will often give Chancellor his due recognition as an integral part of the tool sound as well as just being a brilliant bass player

[@geoffmoore1828]

ALWAYS! You’re so right! Let’s form a Justin Chancellor army. Also, he’s the friendliest member of the band.

[@thetrentmeister]

‘Culling Voices’ lyrics are pointing to a person’s inability to have authentic communication with another person. It describes a human condition whereby a person is controlled by the voice of the ego. The egoic mind creates false realities and the person believes a selfish and distorted view of what is happening within that relationship. ‘Imagined interplay’ occurs where there are conversations happening internally within each person which they each believe to be real within themselves. This alters the trajectory of the relationship as each person is believing the imagined stories about the other person to be true. It kind of is along the same lines as ‘Schism’. This kind of behaviour is common and creates a lot of emotional pain and causes conflicts.

[@thetrentmeister]

Bryce I agree! This LP is exactly what they should have released and solidifies their legacy as a near perfect band. I couldn’t say it’s their best album, but I couldn’t name one that I prefer more. They’re all wonderful and unique artistic expressions in their own right. Tool showed everyone what great quality compositions and overall songwriting and presentation can be. It made me realise how poor a lot of music being released these days really is. They delivered another masterpiece that will keep giving for many years to come. What a time to be alive.

[@neilanderson7669]

Excellent explanation. As a psychotherapist for 23 years, this album contains what I consider the most advanced ideas Maynard has presented, and that’s saying a lot.

[@thetrentmeister]

Neil Anderson thanks Neil. I agree with you completely.

[@Samickmalibu]

I believe it is relating to the situation Maynard was in about a year ago, when he was accused of sexual harrassment. There are many lyrics which could be connected to this situation. (Imagined interplay, heated altercations we've never had, judge condemn and banish... Without evidence).

[@brandontadday6288]

If anyone is interested, in psychological literature this cognitive process is known as projective identification. It is most commonly observed in the context of interactions with individuals who fall within the categorization of cluster b (destructive and dramatic) personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.

[@dydy0928]

Melodies from Pneuma and Culling voices give me chills and I like these songs more than others

[@LorriSanga]

That song is up there with the best on the album..... Just wish some of those parts weren't so close to Schism.

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Pneuma one of my fav tracks!

[@azwris]

Culling Voices. The best!

[@reflexgaming8351]

Culling Voices is underrated one of the best on the album.

[@nathanaelcole8466]

Not a common sentiment, but Invincible is probably my favorite. I think being old news with the live versions all over KZbin didn't help, but more than any other song on the album it gets me going and I want to listen on repeat. 7empest is right there though. Pneuma is good, but it doesn't seem to do it for me like a lot of others.

[@Ghouliano]

Culling Voices is my favorite track off this album, it's so dang good

[@danrobichaud]

Yeah, ditto. First 2/3 of that is my favourite part of the album. Ending 3rd if very derivative (of themselves), but I guess I can't have it all.

[@jonathonedwardmiller]

Funny is that I think it’s the weakest. Still a DAMN good track. I love invincible, chocolate chip trip, descending, 7empest and ESPECIALLY pneuma

[@TechOutAdam]

Fear Inoculum itself is absolutely underrated. That one is the most well balanced song in every way on the whole album. I think it's because it's the first song people heard and they got used to it. That one hits me harder and harder. It may not have hard sections like Descending or haunting melodies like Culling Voices, but Fear Inoculum is #1 for me on the album.

[@Ms666slayer]

And yeah I agree that 7empest it's one of their best songs, it doesn't even feel 15:45 minutes and that's a good sign.

[@MK-oz2lf]

WE KNOW YOUR NATURE!

[@princealigorna7468]

Honestly, that song makes me wish that there was a second half that was all heavy songs like that! Like, to me the first songs are good, but they're more on the meditative side of Tool. They're a batch of songs designed for fans of 10,000 Days. Me, I'm an Aenima guy. I love Tool at their most contemplative, but to me Tool is best when they're at their most crushing. It's good they ended the album on a track like that, especially one that good, but it also feels like it could have been the album kicking into gear and I would have been happy to sit through another 90 minutes at that point

[@sugarshane8622]

Not one of the songs seem long.

[@toribiogubert7729]

@@princealigorna7468 agree with you, the álbum is well crafted but a bit boring. I really like more when they mix things up, a little bit agression here, psichodelic stuff there, meditative stuff and so on. Strange to said it about Tool but a little bland album.

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Toribio Gubert funny what you define as bland I say creative masterpieces

[@mjnation7876]

Yeah I think 4.5 is fair. Great album. Really enjoying 7empest and Pneuma.

[@clinteastwood5299]

Also my faves

[@rellik0098]

yeah I agree 4.5 on 10

[@IceKoldKilla]

I love those melodic psychedelic soft instrumentals that "drag on". I was excited to hear this album be more mature yet have a kind of futuristic sound with, funny enough, old synthesizers.

[@ryanwilliams7407]

As a casual tool fan, I think some of their lyrics are supposed to click over time. I don’t always ‘get’ everything after the first few listens

[@brucanthwood]

I feel like this was his most straightforward tool work as far as lyrics go.

[@devolutionary]

Given the slow build of most the songs (except 7empest), I'm surprised this has clicked immediately with me much faster than even 10,000 days.

[@Morgan.iiiviix]

The lyrics makes sense for me. I mean, MJK's lyrics are always hidden, but obvious and imagery is his thing.

[@edtlonsway]

Can we talk about how slick the actual CD case is? Unlike anything I've ever seen w/LCD screen. Art is, as always, pretty sick.

[@platonicdescartes]

It's an easy 5/5 for me. It might have been a 4.5 on first listen, but it grows in prominence with every subsequent listen. As someone who has been listening since the very early days (I heard about Maynard's "side band" when he was singing for Green Jelly), I love how their sound has evolved over the years.

[@jamesdjl4359]

Agreed. Easy 5/5 for me. Especially after about a half dozen play throughs.

[@rellik0098]

Such bias lol...

[@efcdk92]

Ridiculous

[@rellik0098]

@Travis B finally someone sees the light

[@rellik0098]

@Travis B We're thinking the exact same, then.

[@kristiankrastanov5995]

I'm happy Dylan reviewed this, he probably enjoyed the album more than anyone on Banger would

[@gui4816]

So glad you talked about karnivool and rishloo That karnivool record is one of my all time favorites

[@themetalpig7613]

Try Cog - The New Normal, you'll love it!

[@alilhighalillow]

Soen is by FAR a band with the MOST prominent TOOL worship, yet still writes good material.

[@gui4816]

@@themetalpig7613 I started listening to it but the vocals totally turned me off haha

[@chrisjr1247]

Karnivool is a trip!

[@charlieo.possum5501]

The Source is another great band in this vein, especially their first album.

[@daywalker0082]

I love this album can’t stop listening to it I’m new tool fan and I get the hype now just happy I did not have to wait 13 years lol

[@IceKoldKilla]

Justin confirmed in an interview that there's many pieces that were from even before his time. They try not to get rid of stuff so they were able to use riffs from before Ænima.

[@keithbrass8350]

The whole album cleansed my soul!🤘🤘🖤thank you Tool👏🤙

[@alternativefandotcom]

Not enough talkbox on the album. I'd give it a 7/4. I have to admit it's still a pretty good album.

[@kingv1331]

Great review. While I'm a bigger fan of early Tool as opposed to the later, I really enjoyed this record. Pleasant blend of the stuff I enjoyed most with a more modernistic take.

[@kandrewr51]

The new TOOL album is great in my opinion

[@tudoot]

It is

[@massive_legend_here4720]

It's not

[@TV-yf9kn]

Worst album they’ve put out

[@massive_legend_here4720]

@@TV-yf9kn Definitely. I happen to think it's actually terrible. It's bland, boring, dull, flat, monotonous, repetitive, and it's too fucking long. It tests your patience, and I hate it. Dont get me wrong, I love TOOL. All of their other albums are basically perfect. This one fucking sucks tho.

[@sbuzzard69]

MASSIVE_LEGEND_HERE!!! Keep listening my man! That was my first interpretation. I have listened a ton and really appreciate it now. Of course I also saw them in Denver last week as well.. Descending in particular. The slide and guitar work on that track alone is killer.

[@awwwebster]

Funnily enough, the more to-the-point songs have never been my favourite parts of a tool record - I'll take Pushit any day over Jimmy, or 46&2. But the absence of these on this record show me why they were important to the balance of their records. Right in Two needs The Pot and Vicarious to help move things along. That being said, I do love Fear Inoculum. There are pieces in each song that are the among the best in their catalog. I'm still getting into Culling Voices, but I've only heard it about 5 times, so early days.

[@white.river.restoration]

What do you think of Adam's guitar in 7empest?

[@musicunites]

Liked the Karnivool plug. Sound Awake is an amazing album by one of the best Aussie bands. A sonic masterpiece!

[@vincegrvs2651]

Totally agree ! TOOL and Karnivool changed my musical world forever.

[@maurobilotti]

One of the best albums I ever heard.

[@ccchase420]

yeee BCI shirt. i am so starved for new material from them

[@jonhumphreys7498]

I know! It's been way too long. At least they are on tour again!

[@williamarseneau3961]

You're gonna shit your pants

[@longshelton]

Chase CCC420 Fuckyes

[@Idontknowone1able]

@@jonhumphreys7498 Played a new song on tour, sounds promising

[@Fuckaue]

I knew them this year. Amazing!

[@alexodonnell5587]

life long Tool fan . this record is fantastic like f*$king fantastic. Epic drum and guitar work ethereal openings, crushing endings and a million parts per song. Look y'all Tool are human, they got older and they got slightly slower with age . That doesn't make any part of this album less worthy of their cannon of works past, its makes it a natural progression of a naturally progressive band. Maynard doesn't scream but he does have an aggressive tone, Adam and Justin don't have the blistering pace of Vicarious but they shred in a totally new and amazing way and Danny is Danny, the time keeper of a band that doesn't have a time signature. In my opinion, and i understand its mine, if you don't like this album then you don't like or understand Tool. This album isn't Lateralus or Aenima and its definitely not as hard as Undertow and that's fine. The most important thing is that this album sounds like Tool and after 13 years and all the bitching and moaning. we have an album from a band that understands how to cope with changing times, not by changing themselves or the band, but by changing the way they deliver the messages they use there art to get across. This album isn't perfect buts it's damn close. It's hard yet soft, it's intricate yet basic, its progressive yet metal. It's Tool in 2019 and we should be happy and grateful we have it. Appreciate great art people, there went many left that can pull this kind of thing off.

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Alex O'Donnell well stated!

[@bigpiper2103]

I like it and want to like it more, but it feels like they building and building tension and then... move on to the next track with no resolution. Also the tempos feel similar. Everything feels measured and calculated, a bit of insanity and wildness would make this album a lot of good. But maybe I need to listen to it more...

[@marstopia8992]

I feel the same. A lot of tool-by-the-numbers in here. But its still Tool, so we need to give a few more listens.

[@elevatemindset]

Found a cool trick to amp up the sound of Fear Inoculum. Sounds like classic Tool now with much more slam and authority, and Maynard comes though with more presence. Just speed up in Audacity from 15% to 25% using the "Speed/Duration" function.

[@idunevenknuw742]

building and building tension and then... move on to the next track with no resolution. Wrong!

[@jasonclark9963]

Big piper it’s still overall a good album but it is the kind that needs to grow on people same with the new Alice In Chains album which is also great

[@TheBlackfall234]

@shane h SOUND THE DREAD ALARM. I agree, but i wouldn say "most epic" i would say "most majestic" album. Also my favourite tool album. Not even kidding, i know alot of people disagree - but this album sounds to me as it was just made for me.

[@newartmov]

I've heard most of their stuff through the years. Never been a huge fan of Tool but I was very excited to hear this after such a long time. Listened all the way through and IDK.... I feel like the whole thing is a huge build up to something that doesn't happen. I kept waiting for some emotional or heavy burst of emotions and sound exploding everywhere that would give me chills or something... Didn't happen.

[@soakedbearrd]

Yeah for sure, even Lateralus had Grudge and Ticks and leeches. The only song with any real heft is tempest.

[@nilsmcmountain2377]

Would have liked to see Blayne review this with you.

[@mcclendon1981]

Blayne probably didn't even listen to it lol

[@StraightPunkEdge93]

"Queue the prog shit"

[@mikeb4858]

Maynard did some juvenile "lol fuck vegans" shit with his winery a while back. Combined with his famous distain for complicated music, I doubt Blayne would even give this a listen.

[@fmainier]

I doubt he would even listen to the whole album

[@stewhv94]

This is one of those albums where, if I'm in the right mood, it hits hard and I'll listen to it for a few days at a time. It's not as easily accessible as Aenema or Lateralus for me, but I always go back to it eventually. 10,000 Days is kinda in the same boat. Love all of their albums but they all have different vibes, which isn't a bad thing at all.

[@THEDonnyB]

This entire album is complete bliss. I feel like I could listen to it and transcend space and time, leave this mind, body, and spirit behind, while I navigate the astral plane, and find the meaning of my existence.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Absolutely. It is f'n beautiful. I've been listening to it nonstop!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@mikesclassicrock9745]

Like a prog fan ( love King Crimson) first time listening Tool this album and I love it 9from10 from me

[@coreylong7694]

Culling Voices is one of my favorite tracks on the album. When I first dug into the lyrics after a few listens, it really started resonating with me. Here's my take: It's all about the inner voice within the subject which makes assumptions and judgements about others and even creates "heated altercations" and "imagined interplay" that never really happened with other people. This inner voice is so compelling that the subject is being guided by things that never happened. This verse really encapsulates the song for me: "Judge, condemn, and banish any and everyone Without evidence Only the whispers from within " Such a great song and really a departure from "normal" TOOL songs in that they actually layer guitars which I don't believe they've ever done in past albums. Would love to see them play this live to see if Adam is using a looping pedal. Great review!

[@Shawn_M]

I thought he was talking about social media. It really seems to fit. People are condemned without evidence constantly. Calling for boycotts for minor transgressions, even that happened decades ago. Don't point that at me!

[@GrandmaHank]

second half of the song descending is my favorite part of the whole album adams best parts

[@Nope-sq6dv]

Trex Arms: Great song from the start. But you’re right, the last 7 minutes or so of that song is some of the best music I’ve ever heard.

[@kmsharley75]

@@Nope-sq6dv yeah it's pretty colossal

[@MrMultiPat]

I made a playlist of the album and took the interludes out. I love their music, and I liked one of the interludes, but I'm really in it for their actual tracks.

[@beenperv]

I did the same

[@danmarshall5895]

Honestly, many of the tracks go on longer than I feel the songwriting justifies, a few bars chugging through some of the cool rhythmic syncopations are nice, but then it goes on 20 more bars with nothing really added. 7empest is virtually perfect, but I think a couple minutes of editing on Pneuma, Descending, the title track and Invincible could have gone a long way.

[@danr154]

I agree, all those other songs have great bits in them that are worth hearing for sure. But yea Pneuma takes forever to build and Invincible has a distinctly boring section from like the 9th minute through 10:30-ish with the same simplistic chug with like one drum hit over it and no variation the entire time. Weird choice.

[@VampiricLight95]

Dylan is a good fit for reviewing this record but i wonder what Blayne think of the album. Also i agree 4.5 out of 5 for this record it is great.

[@jorgeubonilla3092]

I don't know if I'm late or early, or if Banger TV is late or early. What even is life?

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Jorge U Bonilla life is late and early at the same time 🤫

[@michaelbarry9038]

My interpretation of mentioned lyrics "Disembodied voices deepen my Suspicious tendencies" Imagined voices in his head making him paranoid. "Conversations we've never had Imagined interplay" Playing out conversation with people in your head with voices which by the tone of the song don't end well "Psychopathy" Thinking this is madness "Don't you dare point that at me" Resenting being called mad. So basically playing out scenarios in your head so vividly you convince yourself that's the way it will go to nearing the point of madness but still being lucid enough to consider yourself not so. At least that my take on it

[@unx4xgiven]

Sounds like the songs about social media and how everyone is immersed in the digital world and arguing with people they've never met. E.g., Suspicious tendencies = lurking . Just a thought

[@Strugen.]

Yeah I take it as someone who is going through scenarios in their head and causing anxiety

[@Laros82]

Dudes great points these make really Sense

[@kiddypoolbar]

Your interpretation makes sense to me. Reminds me of the story about the hammer in paul watzlawicks book „the pursuit of unhappiness“, where a man wants to borrow a hammer from a neighbor. But he starts to overthink it, because the neighbor didn‘t greet him the last time they met in the hallway, so he makes up a conversation in his head that escalates to the point where the man goes up to the neighbor and shouts at him „you can keep your stupid hammer!“

[@michaelbarry9038]

Yeah that was pretty much my life until the last few years which is why I see the lyrics that way

[@temporarymomentary]

Bless this record.

[@bridge4241]

Ah yes, my favorite track "Invisible"

[@LorriSanga]

Has a magic about it that song.

[@MK-oz2lf]

Warrior struggling To remain relevant Warrior struggling To remain consequential Cry aloud Bold and proud Of where I've been But here I am Where I end

[@SlimeSquare]

Yes, it's almost as good as "Decepting"

[@bridge4241]

@@SlimeSquare or my favorite Big Bad Storm

[@danrobichaud]

So invisible I can't even find it on my copy... Still my favourite though.

[@andrewkelley3434]

Justin Chancellor deserves some major love for this album too. Every musician more than pulled their weight, Maynard was great - as always - but I think a lot of the people complaining about the album are just disappointed that he doesn't sing more. Personally I thought the album was amazing, the music was fantastic and I will be listening to it for years to come.

[@rusco6666]

Great review, and awesome to see Soen and Karnivool recommended 😁

[@HeavyMetalGamingOfficial]

The lyrics you mentioned are about depression and anxiety for situations that haven't happened. The voices in your head are creating dialogue between you and other people in great detail. This behavior can also be linked to psychosis, creating a disconnect from reality, hence the psychopathy part.

[@tehCostHD]

Not a tool fan here. I never was. I heard songs like schism, sober, 46 and 2 and thought they were pretty decent especially schism I always did really like that song. But I’d never really given them a chance beyond that. Plus hey weren’t on iTunes or Spotify which was another big reason. But when this album came out I downloaded it just to give them a chance because they are so loved and I thought I might be missing out. First listen, I was laying in bed with my eyes closed and listened to the whole album all the way through. My thoughts were that it was boring. Had some good parts here and there that caught my attention but I just wasn’t all that excited. I woke up he next day and on my way to work I started listening again. And on the way home. And then next day after that. And no here I am almost a week later and holy fucking shit this is the best album I’ve ever heard. I literally CANNOT stop listening. It’s addicting. Every song has something new and interesting for me to hear every time I listen to it again. Every track is so amazing and I have a hard time deciding which one to listen to next. 7empest might be one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. I can safely say I’m now a tool fan

[@Van020280]

"I'm not a Tool fan." Then go away.

[@tehCostHD]

Van020280 you clearly didn’t read my comment

[@Strugen.]

Sounds like you are on you're way to becoming one tho

[@tehCostHD]

strugen oh I am one now. 100 percent. They are incredible

[@pariskotsaros]

4:42 i think those lyrics refer to when Maynard was accused of being a rapist by a random twitter post without evidence Nice review btw

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Peste Noire is nightcore for nazis change my mind good point!

[@thegoodguy44]

Guarantee he did it too. Many girls have stories about him from that era. Shameful and criminal.

[@MetalDogma666]

@@thegoodguy44 It was a 23 year old male that created multiple twitter accounts who then fabricated stories involving MjK and also Trent from NiN. The stories are false. This has been proven.

[@2doobsmcjubes555]

I was just thinking that but i'm glad you said it first because your handle is God-tier.

[@thegoodguy44]

Nope

[@EH1745Cane]

Why does everyone call "Invincible" Invisible? As a Tool fan I absolutely love this album but it took me several listens before it came together for me. Fear Inoculum is packed full of goodies but you must be patient in order to find all the good stuff. This record is very sophisticated both melodically and rhythmically in unexpected ways which again force the listener to be patient as it takes a little time before your brain sorts it all out. In my humble opinion Fear Inoculum is Tool's masterpiece. Brilliant! 10/10

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Save The Republic absolutely agree!

[@jacklauder8226]

There’s a channel with two guys reviewing hip hop records; they reviewed an Eminem album and one guy said, “there’s a lot here...this is gonna be on replay for a minute to catch everything.” The same with this record. 👍

[@brockhays7721]

Because auto correct puts invisible before invincible.

[@danr154]

Yea it honestly drags a little in places. Pneuma is great but god damn it takes forever to build. Invincible is again good but theres about two whole minutes in it that hangs on to the same simple chug and drum hit for too long without any real variation. Specifically the 9:15 to 10:15 area I'm just like "ok..........ya ok cool.........right yes I get it, simple 90s head bang c'mon let's goooooo". before getting to the next main thing. It's not perfect but I enjoy it.

[@ronsin9490]

Save The Republic I agree. Loved it from first listen and by the time I was through listen 3 I was blown away. I think it’s up there with their best without question and is definitely a masterpiece. I understand where and why people will critique or dislike it but for me it’s a pure gem. Happy to hear so much love coming from all over the world for this one.

[@Jamie.Laszlo]

I've listened to this CD at work on my headphones and in my car. And both experiences didn't match up to playing it at my home on a five-speaker and sub-woofer stereo system. When I crank it at home the walls and floor literally shake. It was so intense that it made me laugh out loud a bit. Remember that scene in Jurassic Park when the cup of water was vibrating because the T-Rex was coming? This album is a lot like that. It's the T-Rex of prog-rock albums.

[@jasonclark9963]

Their best drum work is on this album

[@Morgan.iiiviix]

I have to agree... Lateralus is great, the drums are so tight and concise. But the drums on Fear Inoculum sounds spacious and ever expanding, like a bit loose, but still right on the pocket. Dan Carey sounds like more comfortable and more free on his drumming here.

[@rebelduck9077]

Did not think Danny could bring more Danny....sweet 9 pound baby Jesus!

[@4lteredbeast]

💯

[@jasonclark9963]

Wilbur Wafer that comment cracked me up

[@rmkellogg12]

Here here! One of the most impressive parts

[@atomicvinylreviews3420]

Solid review man, totally agree :) This album is really captivating, the more I listen to it, the more I love it !

[@andyfox8377]

So far my album of the year and thats after listening to nearly 150 new releases this year

[@DarthGrimby]

Me too

[@nathanaelcole8466]

Empath? That won't be topped for me. I would put this higher than Distance Over Time. Leprous has something new coming, we will see.

[@andyfox8377]

@@nathanaelcole8466 Empath is number 4 underneath Thank You Scientist at 2 and Swallow the Sun at 3

[@fasjab]

The wait was definitely a blessing in disguise for me not only because the album is great, but all those bands you gave a shout out to I discovered during that time while trying to find new music to scratch by itch. A couple of really small bands that definitely have the Tool influence that I fell for during that time were Kaura and Socionic.

[@jf4447]

I love tool, enough to keep it real. It's not a great album, its also not a bad album. Didn't live up to the hype.

[@nostro1001]

Here, here....too many afraid to say it like it is!!

[@Van020280]

Wrong.

[@panchamk3721]

For the lyric at 4:53: Its basically about latching onto negative experiences, and overthinking about it. For eg. A bad conversation with a person will entail more made-up conversations inside your head, imaginary arguments with the said person, where you seem to win every time, in spite of whatever he/she has to say (imaginary ofc). THESE are the disembodied voices, and Maynard is (trying to or wanting to with conviction) coming to terms with this and letting it go.

[@infinittrob9409]

Based on interviews I've heard I think Culling Voices is about how people behave on social media and think the worst automatically about people nowadays. Judge and jury before the evidence comes in type of internet vitriol.

[@fabigreentea]

Like the accusations one of them suffered

[@w_stew8912]

Pretty good review. I happen to love the slow build ups that result in amazing payoffs. But I can see how some people could find it tedious. I’ve been a huge Tool fan since 1993 and Fear Inoculum is already my second favorite album behind Ænima.

[@sablemae8853]

The lyrics are left open to interpretation. They mean what you want them to mean

[@elvistheripper]

The band has seemingly finally submitted to the fact that they are mere ornament to Danny Carey’s 10 min plus long drum solos. It’s not a bad record it’s just that it’s not terribly interesting or engaging. They just seem more detached than ever. More power to those who like this kind of slick mechanical music and can stay conscious to reach it’s completion. I lack the endurance for tedium

[@adamherring6356]

Its groing on me for sure. With any tool record. Its an exoerience. That needs multiple listens right out of the gate. But yes 13 years but well worth it.

[@lrwiersum]

They opened with this song in Phoenix. It vibrated through the building, best opening to any concert for me.

[@GMHG777]

Good review by Dylan, that said I heard quite a bit of Tool fanboyishnes in there and that’s all cool as well dude ! Here’s my take on the new Tool release, (and I wasn’t dying for a new album tbh that ship honestly sailed quite a while ago, but I was curious to see what 13 years to make it may have yielded for sure !) . After 3 full immersive listens, it’s a pretty cool Adam Jones/Dany Carey and sometimes Justin C jam session album that feels like Maynard happened into the studio one day and the guys all said “Maynard we left all this space and cool meditative vibey areas of this song, and that song, and this one here too fornyournvocals and lyrics” and Maynard threw some “Maynard like lyrics” together and then phoned in his over all performance. As for the riffs, yeah their are some cool ones specifically Pneuma and 7empest, but for anyone out there that’s been listening to Tool since Undertow or Opiate when they came out (as I have) you aren’t being honest with yourself if you are saying you haven’t heard most of these guitar and bass riffs (and even some of DC’s playing and fills - which is fucking off the charts great) before, because I know for damn sure I have. The interludes are mostly lame except Culling Voices and Chocolate Trip Chip is a one time listen for me no matter how fucking great and insane Danny’s playing on it is. The final elephant in the room is the massive lengths of some of these songs... sadly some of them are marginally boring as a result (for me that is). The one bright spot is that amongst ALLLLLLL the guitar riffing/jamming, Adam Jones plays some chilling and tasteful solos throughout, thank Satan he didn’t suddenly start channeling Yngwie. It’s a decent Tool by the numbers album for me overall. Not terrible (not even close) but not that stunning either, it’s basically just another Tool album tbh.

[@Assimilator702]

MetalMadness66 What’s your 10/10 releases from the past 5 years. Just as a frame of reference what impresses you.

[@nicholasromig5506]

@@Assimilator702 see, check it out: give anything other than a glowing review to a new Tool album and their fans get SOOO haughty.

[@GMHG777]

Not sure there are any 10/10’s in recent memory but give me a few hours to give that some thought and I’ll throw a few of my personal faves that rate high later tonight. Just as a disclaimer I don’t hate the new Tool album it’s certainly solid and has its moments, but I’m just not caught up in the hype that it’s the greatest thing that’s ever been released in the last 13 years (said tongue in cheek of course).

[@nicholasromig5506]

@@GMHG777 I don't generally label anything recent as a 10/10. that's a ranking that has to stew for a bit. my top two from last year were Nothing's Dance On The Blacktop and Hamferð's Tamsins Likam. both are remarkable records, neither one is a 10/10. maybe someday they will be. 10/10 is reserved for an all-time classic.

[@GMHG777]

@@nicholasromig5506 As a child of the late 60's and predominantly the 70's my reference point for classics (ie 10/10 masterpieces) is probably pretty different than many on here, but even then I would really have to sit down and give a list like that some really serious thought. Honestly not even sure I could do it w/o literally making several lists and slowly coming to some conclusions (one of which may be that I don't actually have any pure perfect albums). That said, most likely the classic bands (Beatles, Stones, Yes, Tull, Led Zep, King Crimson) all have an album or two (or three lol) that I probably would say are damn close to perfect but not sure any of them are dead on perfect. One album I've been revisiting that has little to do with metal or hard rock directly that is perfect for me is Tangerine Dream's Phaedra and Zeit (oops, thats two ha) but that's just cause i have been overdosing on TD recently so probably recency bias is in play there. I'll keep plugging away at it and come up with a few here in the next day or so.

[@countscottula8772]

Spot-on review! Also massive props on the Black Crown Initiate shirt 🤘🤘🤘

[@Hamptainment]

Spot on? He barely had an opinion at all.

[@floyd1912]

Was waiting for this soooo baaaaaaadly. Gonna come back after the video to say what I think :D

[@floyd1912]

Totally agree with Dylan. I also love the "heavier" side of Tool, but the sound of the last two albums is also fantastic. Obviously is one of the best of 2019 contenders, but not just by the hype, in their own right is a fantastic album.

[@matthewgodding777]

Is it overhyped? Yes. Is it worth the wait? No. Is it fucking excellent? Hell fucking yes

[@perfecteleven5177]

"Disembodied voices deepen my suspicious tendencies" Could be referring to listening to talking heads on television who use fear to sell the news of the day, or it could flow into the next line of "Conversations we've never had. Imagined interplay" - In relationships, we sometimes invent and anticipate arguments or conflicts with other people. I know I've had entire conversations with someone else entirely in my brain (disembodied voices), and all that is born out of fear and paranoia of what you think someone else will say about you, when you're really just projecting your own feelings onto them, which *is* psychopathic to do- not only to yourself, but to them, because you're using your own fears and insecurities as a weapon against others.

[@matthewscherer9681]

Perfect Eleven I thought the same thing 👍

[@Shawn_M]

I thought he was referring to social media and it's negative effects. (imagined interplay) is the convos we have online. It's not actually talking to another person. (Don't point that at me) is the offense and rage machine ready to pounce on any perceived misbehavior by celebrities. Your take is interesting tho.

[@albertomarin2220]

Really happy that you mentioned Rishloo, they deserve a lot more recognition. Nice review.

[@dhahaj]

I was surprised to hear them even mention Rishloo. I found them by accident many years ago

[@5amplewhor3]

Also those lyrics don’t seem too esoteric, it seems more like someone battling self doubt and mild ocd/being stuck in their head.

[@white.river.restoration]

Yeah, I honestly think this guy doesnt really know the depths of previous lyrics and how these could be the ones that confuse him. This fecken band made me do research to understand the lyrics in previous albums...

[@psukebariah3435]

Having had many many *many* (gods, so many) imaginary conversations in my head...and imagined scenarios, and those horrible self-flagellating/self-hating thoughts, I understood those lyrics immediately. Lucky him, I guess, if he hasn't and thus didn't.

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Great to see Soen getting a shout out! Cognitive very Tool esque! All albums after that they carved out their own distinctive sound.. amazing band!

[@soakedbearrd]

I love their second album. But I just wish that the singer expands his tone and style a bit. He's a great singer and I know he has it in him, but after a while he starts sounding like a gregorian monk.

[@nategregory1196]

Based off several listens to the new Tool, and the 2 songs Opeth has put out recently for their new album, I gotta say I'm way more excited about the new Opeth!!

[@ridethespiral5498]

Great review. Dig the honesty. I am really loving the new album. I don't understand how so many people have formed a bad opinion of the record already. I feel a proper TOOL fan understands that you need to spend a lot of time with their albums to really feel the nuances of their writing, to get in the groove and let them take you on the journey you signed up for by pressing play. I don't think a week or two is at all long enough to say it's no good. I'm a couple of weeks in now and I'm just loving learning all the detail they put in. Fair enough if it's not what people expected but I feel people really need to sit with this and give it a chance to explain itself. I'm hooked.

[@hopespotbrand.1725]

The sound of the instruments is awesome. Real drums not over processed shity sounding drums.

[@nathanaelcole8466]

That is a good point too, the engineering and production does seem top notch on this album. While the band doesn't do that work, they have the final say on what they release with their name on it.

[@MrSonofagun45]

I love it. It's dark. I think it's Adam's best guitar work. I love Maynard's haunting melodies. The formulas do feel redundant at times, but overall a great record.

[@white.river.restoration]

Having listened to all previous Tool albums, the human brain really tries to peg Adam Jones as the "weakest link" or "a mediocre guitarist"... ...and then you listen to this album and how even though he might be playing the same seven notes, every note is given a new intention, and trying to follow his intention is mentally exhilarating. He might not play 4000 notes a second, but he can make a guitar sound like an emotional thought. Side note: Danny Carey plays his drums like hes touching the face of God... His drumming makes me feel inadequate in the bedroom. LOL

[@Jess-gf4os]

And or other toxic people as well I believe!!! I truly believe this whole album is about their personal growth. I mean each album has shown that but 10,000 days and this one are major!!! All of their music they have a lot to say but the past to now just get deeper and deeper in their own lil ways if that makes sense. To me this is mix with several old songs a few in each one the more I listen I can point out sounds from older songs just in new was brought to new light!!!

[@ChrisLT]

Rishloo is a killer band.

[@lukegregg5944]

what's your favourite album by them?

[@entertherealmofchaos]

After all the schoolboy hype for this LP was it any good?

[@Morgan.iiiviix]

My fave on this album: Pneuma Culling Voices Fear Inoculum

[@Morgan.iiiviix]

@80's Film Fan cool..🙂

[@splorqqqq]

Love the shirt! Seeing them in Halifax was a dream come true and they need all the love they can get!!

[@bwilson9521]

they didnt take 13 years so they could "make an album they're proud of and not release something that was just good enough" They weren't allowed to record for Tool due to a copyright lawsuit from some artwork for 10000 Days! So they worked on side projects in the meantime and they also won the lawsuit

[@squirlmy]

yes. This makes the start of the review sound more based on press releases than verified facts. So I ignored the rest of the video.

[@brandonglassock148]

I thought it was a lawsuit based on artwork from AEnima. And then their insurance company sued them and they countersued and won both cases. I drink a lot though.

[@MetalliBucket]

For the Culling Voices lyrics, it’s possible that it’s about the short stint of accusations toward Maynard a while back. “Imagined interplay” “hearing conversations we never had”

[@brensavage]

Justin doesn’t even get a mention!!! Wtf. Bass on this album is awesome. His tone is tool

[@wrsamson]

My favorite Tool album hands down is Undertow, and I definitely get that heavier, darker vibe with their newest release. Thanks Tool I'm enjoying it quite thoroughly.

[@anakagungwidimandalasastra6149]

Really agree with your review about the lyrical + sounds

[@elevatemindset]

Found a cool trick to amp up the sound of Fear Inoculum. Sounds like classic Tool now with much more slam and authority, and Maynard comes though with more presence. Just speed up in Audacity from 15% to 25% using the "Speed/Duration" function.

[@danielflorio4739]

Addicted to the album. It’s very good. I see a lot of mixed reviews for it.

[@hamzagehad4182]

Well the lyrics you pointed out in the vid (and the whole song actually) is about overthinking relationships/friendships and about anxiety where u keep imagining scenarios and convos that you think would happen and u get sad and depressed because of these thoughts and end pushing these people away because of it...its very sad when u can relate to it

[@__ZANE__]

On my first listen, i had uncontrollable crying fits. On my second, I had an L.S.D. flashback, and tripped for hours. For my third, i plan on wearing a space helmet! :-D BTW, Culling Voices is Maynard talking about those assault allegations that arose on twitter about him.

[@MiSoScraben]

I know that it's almost a year later, but for the regard of the lyrical question asked... it's about something like this: "If you have ever undergone surgery & things are groggy when you awaken, the lines between being awake + knowing real life from the mind's creation(s) become blurred. So, for some time, you're liable to be confused over what's really gone on & what did your mind muster up. It's something akin to waking up from a really deep sleep. How it might take you a few moments to fully regrip your placement within your own life. Imagine being stuck like that for days, weeks or even months. Even more challenging is when folks are depending on you while you are stuck within that fog. So, you're kind of battling that weight on your shoulders while trying to clear & focus your mind." Daunting, isn't it?

[@thomascreanza6425]

Spot on man, everyone dumping all over this thing. I’m not a die hard tool fan and think this is a GREAT album. I’m also a drummer and Carey shines on this. Cheers.

[@Ensource]

I really appreciated the band shoutouts! A few MORE bands to mention on this topic: Ceterum's album Fathom (they still make music), etched in red - dilate, and a band not as much tool influenced but should have gotten bigger before they split are codec (singer from 32 leaves). check all these out, you won't be disappointed. Add more things below! Sharing is caring ;)

[@thesoultransferprotocol721]

TOOL is not Heavy Metal. TOOL is a legendary, multi-dimensiomnal-compositional-human -progression-group. This project, "Fear Inoculum", SOLIDIFIES this TRUTH. I am not a die hard, DIE HARD, TOOL fan, but this is truly something else...............Entirely....

[@aggressionsessions7839]

Anyone interested to listening to Karnivool, listen to the track "we are", incredibly soothing start with emotionally driven chorus, lyrics are very reminiscent of early Tool.

[@ItsNotDurbo]

It could only have been Dylan

[@MrDaniyil]

Brad would have done a better job.

[@ItsNotDurbo]

@@MrDaniyil maybe, but Dylan is their designated Prog guy afterall

[@chkchrycla]

@@MrDaniyil LOL! Ummmmm....no. I don't even care what Brad reviews anymore, I wont watch it. I hate his dirty diaper criticism.

[@NavarroSkyrim]

Completely agree with this review! Fear Inoculum is my favorite album of 2019 and one of the best metal albums of the decade imo.

[@taylorshred]

“Point the finger , blame the other “ “Don’t you dare point that at me “ Maybe he’s talking from ‘the others’ perspective?!...

[@tplummer217]

Interesting idea. A 13 year old argument spanning albums between lunatics

[@timoshi2]

More like 18 years. I also thought of Schism when I started to digest the lyrics of Culling Voices (my favourite from the new record). To me the lyrics talk about getting stuck inside your head, in your own thoughts. I guess you can also relate it back to Lateralus, "Over thinking, over analysing, separates the body from the mind"

[@white.river.restoration]

Hes talking about how we all play out arguments in our heads while we work. Its psychotic.

[@brianderhen9392]

Good catch!

[@ericflores5465]

Very glad there was some recommendation to Karnivool. This album reminds me of some of their work

[@LorriSanga]

I think overtime FE will hold itself. When a different generation gets into Tool, it will be the mellow meditation album. But still having all the trade marks that Tool are known for.

[@danr154]

Yea for sure. It was already like that. I got in at Lateralus and 10k days and those are my two favorite. I like slightly mellower clean vocals and couldn't care less whether or not if Maynard screams. To me theres parts of Undertow and Aenima that are too grungy and discordant and weird sounding. The parts where they go "soft" on those old albums dont sound nearly as polished. Some people are like "yes that's the POINT". And I just dont get it. Why would objectively worse production value and harsher sounds that dont actually sound as good be your preference? It just feels like people clinging to the angst of gen x or something as opposed to objectively looking at what's going on with the music. Like goddamn people was the occasional Maybard scream really THAT important that it was the basis of your entire ability to appreciate music?

[@scottwerner1635]

Pneuma and Descending are blow your face off awesome. I’m blown away by this album.

[@digindaz1]

tempest..best song tool have ever written?? are you kidding??

[@laynevlogz4922]

darren stephens it’s good, but there is way better

[@brianderhen9392]

7empest

[@MoonOvIce]

It's unbelievable how big this band is, and at the same time they have always flown under the radar for me. I never met a metalhead that was into tool, and I've been to hundreds of shows or more. I only met people that happened to like various types of music, but not metal that much, that liked Tool. I remember a lot of emos in the early 2000's were into Tool (not a knock against them, I respect their music). I knew they were progressive and have pretty interesting and intellectual lyrics...just never paid that much attention to them, I just might have to.

[@soakedbearrd]

Im a metal fan and I love Tool, theyve been one of my favorite bands for almost a decade now, but I just cannot get into this album. Its mediocre at best in comparison to their previous works.

[@slnd]

13 years is not worth the wait 3/5 for me.. SOEN, Karnivool, RIshloo definitely filled in for those years

[@joshlauze1944]

Kevin de los Santos 3/5 feels right. Too many people are either giving this album too much blind praise, or hate. It’s just alright

[@mikeramsey599]

I think you pretty much nailed the review , good job . So my two cents is similar , i am enjoying the album and i would have the same opinion if the album came out 5 yrs from now , i just cant wear out a tool album . Now about the interludes you mentioned . Tool gets me into a place in my mind wherever im at be it while at work or at home doing stuff around the house and i think the interludes are a big part of that, very interesting . Without those i dont think i would not enjoy the album as much . So im grateful for those interludes! ....in the back of my mind i wander if in 13 yrs they actually made 2 albums ....

[@Eccentricjuices]

I like this record, it’s definitely for the true diehards like me who love this band to death. But in my humble opinion, it’s not their best. Lateralus and Ænima will always hold that title for me.

[@HilmiMasrafchi]

I would recommend another album for "Tool" fans: "Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster ‎- Exegesis". The tracks "Exegesis" and "Sungazer" are insane!