Tool - Fear Inoculum - Album Review

For my 1173rd review, I finally discuss my complicated and frustrating feelings on Tool and their long-overdue comeback album.
Best Songs: '7empest', 'Pneuma', 'Descending'
Worst Song: 'Mockingbeat'
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iTunes bio: We could keep agonizing over why TOOL took so long to release Fear Inoculum, or to put their catalog onto streaming services, or all the ways the world has changed since the alt/prog-metal band’s last album came out in 2006. But we just spent 13 years doing all that. Instead, put on the best headphones you can find. It’s time to explore the 87 minutes of music we waited thousands of hours to hear.
Tool - Fear Inoculum - Progressive metal - Album Review
#SpectrumPulse #Tool #FearInoculum

[@blindertherabbit]

tfw when the background song is so long it plays thru the whole review

[@DFMusic811]

As a massive fan of the band (in fact, they're my favorite of all time), I completely understand why you have the issues you discuss here. They are edgy, nihilistic, and in turn, drenched in a 90s aesthetic that, in many ways, could be considered dated. However, that's never been a problem for me. They captivated me at a very young age when I first experienced them on guitar hero world tour and I haven't looked back since. Yeah, part of my love is nostalgia, but their uniqueness paired with their technicality and way of perfectly blending ambience and atmospheric builds with intense agression never ceases to amaze me. 9/10 and definitely worth the wait for me.

[@johnmarcdegaard6589]

dfm Don't Fear Music yooooo that game was quintessential for me, specifically cause I was in a group that covered some Tool songs around that same time haha

[@operationalbattlestation5477]

dfm Don't Fear Music I also found out about Tool through that game and since then they have become my favorite of all time as well

[@shevandaalfaridzi_fe7852]

Same score as mine. I personally don't mind the slow-burner music on the album.

[@TitaniaBird]

90s/00s TOOL resonated with me because it hit me with both complex composition and fatalism in a time when I thought I had the world in front of me and couldn't wait to get out of my hellhole hometown. As an adult, stuck back in my old hometown despite much having changed about me mentally and emotionally, Fear Inoculum still resonates with me in terms of ambiance and continued complexity.

[@NotsoseriousNick]

Love the bisexual lighting Mark

[@p.n__]

i think he's trying to tell us something

[@DJsocial7102]

Bisexual lighting????

[@mikemargheret3174]

I did hear a hint of a lisp.

[@ahri3887]

My first Tool album, I actually quite liked it, but i completely get what you're saying

[@jtlovescodelyoko]

ARTV: 4/5 Spectrum Pulse: 5/10 theneedledrop: 4/10 The Rock Critic: 5/5 Rocked: 9/10 ViralRak: 7/10 Not Real Music: 5/10 Track X Track:

[@leetorry]

What about CKN?

[@taveontimmons5284]

I can totally see your point of view here. I like this album personally, but I understand that this band isn't for everyone.

[@patricklauer4452]

taveon timmons yeah same

[@josehernan4466]

7empest is life changing

[@patricklauer4452]

why walk a dog yes

[@benallan2328]

8/10 Best Tracks: “7empest”, “Fear Inoculum”, “Chocolate Chip Trip”, “Pneuma”, “Culling Voices”, “Descending” Worst Track: “Mockingbeat”

[@Onmysheet]

Mockingbeat isn't exactly a full song. It's an interlude.

[@Rex_Crackerz]

i haven't read the description yet but i bet it says watch/10

[@ronstoppable5659]

Mark's shirt sums up this album very well

[@mickeyakerfeels7298]

Never heard of big four of prog metal, the more you know.

[@OpulentJoe911]

Mickey Akerfeels same, I didn’t even know who the other 3 were. Except only maybe Dreamtheater

[@Ravenscannotfly]

Only really got into Tools full discography this year and this album is already my third favorite

[@Ravenscannotfly]

@@kevinl9988 no I've been listening to tool for years just this year in particular I listened to their albums in full instead of tracks of theirs at random. It is their worst album in your opinion Their third best in mine

[@PrincipalSkinner3190]

Long time TOOL fan but I couldn't agree with your criticisms more.

[@JamsandTea]

God bless you mark. Thought I was gonna be alone in this.

[@StarsDie88]

I don't buy into all the shit Maynard is on about in this album, but holy hell is he good at emotionally selling it. I really do feel he's a very good singer in this regard.

[@Strugen.]

He is very unique I really love his voice and have always been able to relate to him in some way or another. Especially with Tool, some good stuff on early APC too for me

[@DL500316]

Hey man, great review. While I disagree and I think the album is a 9/10, it’s nice to see a different perspective on it rather than all the praise I see a lot of people giving it, even though I also praise it. I’ll definitely be checking out your other reviews. Cheers!

[@itzsimulate1121]

Fair review. Think you are off on some points but a comprehensive review. Good work man. Loved the Album. Invincible is quickly becoming my favourite Tool song of All Time! 🤘

[@juneauz]

This album is a total masterpiece. I honestly can't get enough of it.

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

juneauz maynard farting In a fibonacci sequence in a mic as a song would be a masterpiece to you

[@DashieNegan41]

Tool rules

[@DashieNegan41]

I'm gonna disagree with you on this this album was bloody brilliant in my opinion 9/10

[@isaiahsmithproductions9866]

I understand your problems, but as a massive Tool fan, I loved it! It's one of the best metal albums of the decade in my book. Creative, well-preformed, and while a couple of songs could've been shortened, it's was worth every minute of my time.

[@lukegregg5944]

The amazing thing I find is that none of the songs seem as long as they are. I really don't get the people who say it is lifeless either.... are they even listening to some of the drumming and playing generally? Ahh well.

[@TheRareVideosXL]

Great review.

[@Calpinable]

I have to say, one thing irks me. I grew up in a small french towb and enjoy tool around when 10k days came out. Never really been a die hard fan though. Since tool came out on streaming and with this new album, I heard SO MUCH complaints about tool fans on music nerd circles, it shocked me. I myself never met, online or irl, any tool fans so I guess my view is flawed but like, come on, there has never been a day without someone complaining about tool fans these months, this starts becoming really tiring.

[@jackpaint6968]

THANOS MARK THANOS MARK

[@eduardoserpa1682]

Yeah, I agree on the non-existent transitions in some songs. This does feel way more melodic than most Tool albums, though.

[@gabeguarin1096]

All too fitting that Mark's wearing a 'Pretentious' shirt during his review of Tool.

[@shamanism171]

Appreciate your honesty

[@alexddragame]

As someone who loves all 4 Tool albums, I'm saying that your review was pretty good and kinda a lot of points you made similar to ones I made then I listened it, even if I'm a bit warmer to this album (6/10 for me). Good luck dealing with the most annoying fanbase in the genre, where every fanbase of every band is annoying

[@jackyvstheworld]

im still waiting on the GINGER review, mark.

[@MrInitialMan]

Hoo boy, if Crash Thompson sees this review...

[@kompy2k]

they collaborate and interact on social media pretty regularly, so I don't doubt crash will see this. Still, this is far from the first time they've disagreed on an album and I think they're both mature enough to chalk it up to the simple difference of opinion that it is.

[@MrInitialMan]

Oh, doubtless. But I can imagine they might bring this up in the future.

[@Kittylover074]

Salty that the new tool album came before the Leafs have won a Stanley cup? ;)

[@bimblor7945]

They released a boring album. But, sure. This comment doesn't look fucking stupid at all ;)

[@Onmysheet]

I think it'll be the opposite. This album will stand the test of time in the years to come. Just like 10,000 Days is as incredible now as it was in 2006.

[@zladvevo9724]

this comment aged about as well as the album's reputation among Tool fans.

[@Onmysheet]

@Zlad! Vevo My view of it as of today. It's great but certainly doesn't reach heights compared to earlier albums.

[@GoldFellaTim]

I don't think this Tool album will die down, there's too many supporters. and honestly coming from someone who was expecting the album to be really boring I thought this was a very rememberable solid album that fits perfectly in their discography.

[@gabeguarin1096]

Mark, your issues with Tool amuse me. Not necessarily because I don't see where you're coming from, but because it's surprisingly easy to go through this review and be like "Well, OK. That was a thing." I'll admit Tool is a band I respect, admire and like but not one I listen too a whole lot.

[@DJsocial7102]

Its better than fantanos reasons at least.

[@operationalbattlestation5477]

At their best Tool is what perfect music sounds like In my opinion, but sometimes 'perfect' is boring and this particular album really highlights that

[@TheJokesterSCR]

Check out Ne Obliviscaris. THAT is perfect music if I've ever heard it. They're an up and coming prog metal band. A lot more extreme in their heavy moments than Tool, but also just as mellow in their softer moments. However, EVERYTHING about Ne Obliviscaris is better than Tool. Their songs never feel bloated even though they go over the 10 minute mark on some of their best tracks. Also, don't listen to them WANTING to dislike them just because they're way better than Tool in MY opinion. Just give em a go. They're an absolutely brilliant band, and NEVER boring.

[@MysticMindAnalysis]

I like tool, but I've gotten my fix of Prog many times over from different bands. Some on the softer, more djenty side like TesserecT and Haken, the more extreme side with Gojira and Mastodon, and even bands that for me are genre defining, like Dream Theater and Threshold. The new Dream Theater showed just the right amount of restraint, taking things back to basics a little while still being prog at its core. This Tool album? There were so many long periods of ambience, that any actual heavyness became barely noticeable. I might listen to it one more time, but I don't think this is going to live up to the hype for me. There are far more prog bands that do click with me, so no sense wasting time on something I just find dull.

[@Ensource]

yep. the more you hear the more your perspective changes. I bought the album, so I will def hear it again. whether or not that will change things, I cannot say..

[@matthewroberts3125]

It's a real grower

[@DFMusic811]

Also, I get how some of their writing can be 2 dimensional in subject matter and themes, but you can't tell me that both parts of Wings for Marie and hell most of 10,000 Days doesn't have emotional depth.

[@AnonymousMan115]

I'm a tool fan but I can understand why people wouldn't be into it

[@aaronclift]

Hey, Mark. I love your reviews, and I find myself agreeing with you on this one. I've been a casual Tool fan for 25 years and listen to lots of other progressive rock and progressive metal artists. I don't think that "Fear Innoculum" is very good. Tool always had their tendencies to meander, recycle themselves, and be monotonous, but they kept those tendencies to a minimum across their other albums and almost always delivered a tight set of songs. I don’t know what happened with “Fear Innoculum,” but these new tracks don’t feel like finished songs - they sound like Tool jam sessions with Maynard occasionally singing over them. Tool happens to be a group of very talented players, so that jamming can sometimes be really exciting and interesting (like on parts of “7Pest” and “Culling Voices” - the only 2 decent songs on the album), but most of the time, I found myself saying “get to the point, already.” The interludes are pointless wastes of time and should have been left on the cutting room floor. On another note - Maynard’s vocals on this album are very lackluster compared to those on other Tool albums. Maybe it’s because he’s older now and can’t deliver the screaming that he used to do, but he sounds checked out on every song except “7Pest.” From everything he’s said in past interviews, I got the feeling that he would rather do anything but make another Tool album., so maybe that could explain why he doesn't sound that good on "Fear Innoculum?" With some judicious editing, more effort put into the songwriting, and better vocal performances, this album could have been really good. Unfortunately, the tracks that we got don’t cut it for me, and I find myself not wanting to return back to the album. I'd give it a 4/10 - bump it up to 5/10 if you're one who's impressed by the technical aspects of the album. Only recommended for die-hard Tool fans. P.S. Your shirt is spot-on.

[@BrandonRutledgeS]

As a huge TOOL fan, I completely respect your view on the album. As I don't agree with your assessment of the album I do understand your points. I can agree that the songwriting was a bit sub-par, but the album as a whole is very technical in nature. TOOL's main appeal is that it is transcending and this is NOT for everyone. 10 minute long songs with many transitions can be a time sink. In order to get the full effect of the music, it's like letting a wave wash over you. For a lot of people, I can imagine that this is uncomfortable and at times a boring experience. If you are not of the right mindset, I can understand how their music can at times be uninspiring. This being said, I have to say that some of TOOL's best work is on this album. I can tell that a ton of time and effort went into the production of this album. Not to mention the countless number of people that worked to make this album possible. In my opinion, this is nothing short of a masterpiece and one TOOL should be proud of. The intricate details on this album are truly amazing. To note such details really does require many playthroughs. It is totally acceptable that some people will listen to this album and think it's too long for what it is and that it sounds "blah". As someone that has been a TOOL fan since the days of Undertow, I can say that most of their albums have this effect. The first few time you listen to the album you can be slightly underwhelmed. On the 5th or 6th time listening to the album is when the appreciation of the intricacies start to pour through. This is when the album goes from "meh" to "OMG mind blown". Again this is not for everyone and not everyone should like this album. I appreciate the fact that you did give it a solid chance, given the fact that TOOL is clearly not your "cup of tea". I hope the legion of the Toolarmy gives you a break on this review, as I felt it was a fair assessment of the album overall.

[@BobrLovr]

1:35 and 1:50 you fucking NAILED it

[@evasemmorflleh]

Been a pretty big Tool fan for quite a while. This album is a strong 6/10 for me. Where'd you get that "pretentious" shirt? I need it

[@RubixCube-nq4wi]

evas em morf lleh I want the shirt as well! But I also agree with your grade,it’s melodies are really nice but the album is pretty long & the lyrics are kinda hit or miss but I like his voice so much that it helps the album!

[@sastruganarmada9126]

Behold, a band that doesn't care! Like some mythical trickster from the past, they return to remind people that there's more to life than catchy tunes and microwave dinners. The truth is that this album is simply so dense and meticulously thought out that most people will tap out due to fatigue before being able to comprehend it in its' totality, which is where the true glory lies; the album at large. Apparently, early on, the band had planned for the album to consist of one single song, conceptually divided into "movements", not unlike classical works. And although the single-song concept dissipated somewhere along construction, there are still many residual aspects that nod to that original conception, with reoccurring motifs that weave throughout the album, tieing it all together. And I believe I read that the drummer still suggests listening to the tracks as movements. The compositions can be challenging because of their scope and ambition and I think that people generally have poor memories and thus fail to recall having been challenged by Tools' songs in the past. Personally, I didn't consider 10,000 Days a masterpiece upon first listen; same with Aenima. Super solid albums, yes, but masterpieces from the get-go? Not quite. Parts once considered weak grew strong with time. I think the same will become true of this album, for many fans. Fear Inoculum is a slow-grow, again, because of the scope and momentous scale of it. Are there stylistic shifts in the music? Definitely; years ago, Maynard said in an interview that his "voice was toast!" From then on, I knew that expecting harsh vocals and heavy yells on this album was a pure pipe-dream.. Does it detract from the potential violence of some of the heavier passages? Sure, but in no way does it ruin their ability to still crush you with tectonic sonics. "It's just not the same." Alas, some people will always prefer to be haunted by their favored ghosts long gone, gripped by a memory of how things used to be. And there's nothing that anyone, least of all the band themselves, can do about that. Will every single person that hears it love the album? No. But Tool fans who love Tool because they never fail to bring something new and fresh to the music scene will be able to do more than merely salvage from this work. It's a classic en embryo.

[@tiago9679]

big fat yikes right there

[@Lowko4456]

You should review nightwish human:nature it is an amzing album

[@АртёмДенисов-з7ю]

i saw the rating and.... well, god help you, man. But yeah, ballsy as fuck

[@blendernoob64]

I am a huge Tool fan. I really love this album, but yeah you have to buy a lot of awkwardness to truly absorb their music. Their messages and fan base can get very pretentious and full of themselves when deciphering Tool’s music. I never got the whole transcendental aspect of their sound, I just think they have a cool sound that appeals to me. If I wanted transcendental music I would listen to Sunn O))) or Gregorian chants.

[@CawCophony]

As someone who listened to this one and doesn't plan to do so again, I'd call it a 6/10 or so. But you pretty thoroughly pointed out all the issues I have with it here (though I don't really give the slightest damn about the lyrics, as ever). But yeah. I experienced only positive emotions watching this review. Go figure.

[@Falxifer95]

You do you. I'm not gonna lose sleep because you're the one reviewer that's more pretentious than Tool themselves.

[@loathy4528]

Undertow: 9/10 Ænima: 10/10 Lateralus: 10/10 10,000 Days: 9/10 Fear Inoculum: 5/10

[@CultureDTCTV]

I feel like Fantano will be giving this a 6 or a 5 , since he's taking so long to write the review

[@facilegoose9347]

Moderate to Critical reviews (that are articulate) are hard to come by. *_Every other Tool LP had something to offer a new/prospective non-genre listener_* -- A Tool LP for Tool Fans, but in the least relevant, least desired version of themselves (past-riff salad jam band.) It's fine live material and could have been marketed as that and negative reviews would be cut adrift -- but as a concept album and recording, it's weak to just OK in its very strong selection of stable mates.

[@Rhasneth]

While I mostly enjoyed the album, I definitely understand where you're coming from. I am, however, baffled by the "Big four of prog metal". Fates Warning, really? I don't think I have ever seen them mentioned in a conversation like this in last decade. Opeth or Meshuggah would make much more sense to me. Even if they were to be included then Queensryche should get the boot.

[@findoe8586]

What most people never consider is the story of the conscious evolution of tool in this respect its a moment in their continued evolution. The music is almost secondary to the ideology, I dont think any of their music should be seen as a singular work of art.

[@petropaoloaguilar6673]

can't believe your review of Fear Inoculum is shorter than 4 of the 7 main tracks in the album

[@vsannappa]

This guy's reviews are too self indulgent

[@bimblor7945]

You're watching a review for the new Tool album and complaining about self-indulgence. lol

[@mikemargheret3174]

Tim Burke u missed the point of the comment

[@Bbpagewolf]

Hey man, you don’t like the band, you don’t like band and that’s perfectly fine, but I don’t know if leading people to believe that you like them more than you do was necessarily a good idea. Personally if I don’t like a band or artist I’m gonna let you know about it. You’re not any less of a man for not liking a legendary name in music, it is what it is. Hell there are plenty of legendary bands and/or artists that I can’t stand but that doesn’t make me any worse of a person than anyone else. And I’ll even say now that it took me a very long time to get into Tool as I was not very familiar with their work for pretty much my whole life. I only got into them towards the end of last year and now I’m absolutely crazy about them and that includes this album (it’ll inevitably be high on my personal AOTY list), but I also am aware that they are a different breed of progressive metal compared to the Dream Theaters, Queensrÿches, and Fates Warnings out there. But hey you know what, it’s completely understandable that you really aren’t a big Tool fan and don’t let anyone give you shit for it. Just don’t mislead people into thinking otherwise in the future. You’re a great dude and I love your content so cheers man.

[@eduardoserpa1682]

To be fair, he spent over 3 minutes doing just that. I think he made it clear enough that he's not interested in most of what Tool has to offer.

[@XBludclahtX]

This is how critics try to cement their opinion. They first try and say they ‘get it’ that is, the appeal, what the band is ‘trying’ to do and then try and strip it away with ‘Objectivity’ and over analysis. To be perfectly honest ‘critics’ in way shape or form are the more pretentious and scummy of them all. I can’t stand movie critics for example that think they can define the whole movie with one cleverly worded sentence. Whoever this guy is trying to pick it a part, The fact is he doesn’t like and I wasted the 5 minutes I did give hearing this guy trying to turn his subjectivity into objectivity. That shit is incredibly fitting.

[@ytaccountchannel]

here at 0 dislikes

[@AtrocityEquine01]

Why is your review a lot more reasonable and gentle compared to the RateYourMusic shoutbox on the album.

[@ronstoppable5659]

or Crash Thompson, I love his content and respect his opinions, but I was kind of pissed when he said that this is one of the best albums of the decade

[@Sound_Judgement]

I’m split on this album, as someone with a respect for Tool but also many issues with them. In some ways, this album is an example of exactly every problem with progressive rock/metal, yet I also can hear where the depth and variety is there. The track lengths can sometimes feel earned, and sometimes feel like they would have three times better as if they were half as long. Conceptually, the band is at least more focused than they sometimes have been, but at an expense for some of the dynamism. The technical skill is as undeniable as ever and the emotional heft is delivered unlike their last album, but it doesn’t feel like they build everything to real catharsis. Overall, I’m just split between thinking this album lives up to the high expectations, but also is exactly what I expected in the worst way possible.

[@woahhbro2906]

Hey, at least you didn't give it a 4/10 like melon did

[@OctoberRust02]

You said you would disappoint with the next review. You did not disappoint in disappointing. Good review nonetheless, though.

[@legrandboche712]

Who would think Mark would like the album more than Anthony Fantano...

[@patricklauer4452]

Le Grand Boche yeah

[@UntitledNameGangIsTouringAmmos]

Have all my Fears Inoculated? Tool has become bitterly average? Imma give it five more listens to be sure.

[@lukegregg5944]

Average implies there is a lot of music better than this. In my opinion there isn't.

[@UntitledNameGangIsTouringAmmos]

@@lukegregg5944 Not even the rest of Tool's catalogue? I respect your opinion though. Im honestly hoping it grows on me more.

[@lukegregg5944]

@@UntitledNameGangIsTouringAmmos yeah Tools older catalogue like Lateralus and Aneima is better. But I mean if this is average then there must be a lot of better music coming out now? Opinion is opinion though.

[@TheMiels]

Here before the dislikes are coming in

[@jkingisbeast]

To be honest, my biggest problem is the length of the tracks. Besides 7empest, do any of the tracks warrant being this long? The album felt bloated beyond all belief and I just wished I liked the album more than I do.

[@Strugen.]

I find it a bit bloated too. They could have cut some minutes of each track and had another song. It has grown on me but I guess time will tell with this one

[@matthewroberts3125]

I found the thumbnail a little misleading. You looked happy and positive in the thumbnail and the review did not reflect that. Therefore, thumbs down!!! (relax everyone it's just a joke) Joking aside, it's a fine review. While I don't entirely agree with it, I see where your coming from. It's actually rather refreshing to see a different perspective from my own. We all can benefit from that.

[@ronstoppable5659]

This record sounds like every person that despises all mainstream music's dream album. One of the most self-indulgent, bloated, and lifeless pieces of music that i've heard in years, with a total lack of compelling melodies and anything remotely memorable that almost every track (except 7empest) sounds like glorified white noise

[@lukegregg5944]

Couldn't that be said about mainstream music... lifeless and self-indulgent? So why would people go to Tool for that if what you claim is the dream despiser of 'mainstream music' album... doesn't make sense if you think about it.

[@ronstoppable5659]

@mobius drummer Most Tool songs aren't hook-driven like most mainstream pop, rock, rap, or even metal, even some of the worst songs of those genres are insanely memorable because of their infections melodies. As a fan of catchy and memorable melodies in music, I'm just not into prog at all and probably never will be, it's great that you enjoy it though

[@lukegregg5944]

Try Karnivool. they are more melodic and you might dig them a bit more. :-)

[@jeffreychandler8418]

which is weird cause i feel descending has probably the best thirty seconds of a song this decade

[@Strugen.]

@Katie Thompson I can't believe that there is even a genre called pop punk? Could there be anything more contradictory

[@StringTips-gr2ig]

I'm not crazy about all there material.... but Dream Theater?!

[@MiguelGonzalez-vz6qi]

Dream Theater? Dafuq?

[@dolphinmoaner2984]

Ginger please

[@rodrigoquiroz]

Giving a person to review an album of a band he clearly dislike is like giving a peanut to a person who is allergic to it.

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

rodrigoquiroz without negative reviews reviews are worthless

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

rodrigoquiroz no album is perfect

[@lukegregg5944]

I don't know why you bothered reviewing this Mark if you say at the start that you like a song that is melodic with a tight song structure..... this album was never going to work for you. Appreciate your honesty I guess.

[@spiderpigforlife1632]

Well, why wouldn't he review it? It just helps to establish that for anyone coming into his account. It's always great to establish consistency, and reviewing things that you know aren't your thing is a big part of that.

[@itchyvinyl]

I don’t care if you hate Tool. But stop trying to cram them in a “prog metal” box with “prog metal” rules. They are their own recipe.

[@Tenebyss]

itchyvinyl I may have lost a few brain cells reading your comment. Congratulations

[@itchyvinyl]

Tenebyss Thanks! 😃

[@SaxyStephens]

I was a little bit surprised to hear about your lack of interest in this band. This is essentially a post-metal album with its emphasis on ambiance and atmosphere and. Sure, the hooks aren't all great, but you listen to black metal! Ah well, I completely understand where you are coming from with this.

[@Emmachantiri]

I agree with you, tbh I was more pissed off at your Weyes Blood review lmao

[@themodereviews3182]

Nice T-Shirt

[@rcurl44]

Sounds like you've gotten bullied by a Tool fan in high school and now hold some deep resentment for anything Tool

[@fpalillero7304]

5/10

[@SleepDirtyJazzySet]

Certain music: You're either feelin' it, or you're not. It's nice to see a review from an admitted non fan. About this idea that the band is touted for being creative, i would say they're more touted for being influential to other meal bands; because all their albums sound way too similar to crafted by people obsessed with being creative.

[@jakefranklin5838]

Pseudo intelligent, over wordy review

[@MusicLover-ko1mq]

It’s a 7 or 8/10

[@andee3090]

the dad band!

[@lukegregg5944]

that's literally said about every rock band now where the members are over 40 lol.

[@copperdragon9214]

As a Tool, i am quite irked. But, you have introduced me to Dessa, Aesop Rock, and Daughters, and you have gone on record saying they are not your thing...........so i’ll let this pass.

[@jc1424]

I often seek whatever an artist is going for the most in their music, so if Tool isn't even going for emotionally melodic tracks, then I can't bother looking for that. This is my least favorite Tool album since Undertow, but satisfies almost as much as 10,000 Days. My only true disappointment here is the lack of quantity achieved by its attempt to force quality. That and a bridge or introduction going numb on me after a while here and there.

[@grantinskeep6039]

There’s no way this album should be lower than 6/10, and no way it should be higher than 8/10.

[@gokusondbz]

I will say when it comes to Progressive Metal "Tool" is not my favorite that would be the kings of progressive metal "Dream Theater" .

[@benjamin78987]

And Opeth does progressive metal better than all of the bands he mentioned.

[@lukegregg5944]

One problem though, Mark says Tool is his least favourite out of the big four. But Dream Theatre especially come off as more self-indulgent and lifeless. Despite them all being superb players.

[@isaiahmilde]

My biggest focus in music is the lyrics and how they flow together with the vocals. You can push as much emotion in your voice as you want, but how can you expect me to actually feel anything if, A) I don’t know what you’re even saying, or B) the lyrics just fucking suck. Fear Inoculum manages to fall under both of those categories while simultaneously trying to focus solely on repetitious, pseudo-psychedelic, melodic riffs to the point where any vocal presentation is almost completely drowned out.

[@minusp895]

Dream Theater is poop. Tool is bloated? That's Dream Theater.

[@alex_flamer]

Sorry Mark, I love you but you're super wrong here! Also how can you give Swans To Be Kind and The Glowing Man both 9s when that band is even more boring than Tool, both albums longer than this one, and both also not hook or melody driven or lyrically diverse? I'm not mad at you, just disappointed in your decision.

[@icebear4181]

“I can’t believe you like this album that I don’t like, but you don’t like this album that I like. Can’t you see your hypocrisy! I’m disappointed in you, Mark. 😑

[@rei9185]

To Be Kind and The Glowing Man more boring than Tool? Get out lmao.

[@rcurl44]

@@rei9185 Yeah, by miles. To this day, I cant possibly understand the praise for TBK. That album is more long winded, boring and pretentious than Tool or their fans could ever be.

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

BEast Mortuary do you realise Tool is exactly like that

[@lukegregg5944]

@@rei9185 it's quite similar in a way if you think about the formula. Repetive sequences so much they become hypnotising. I like both these bands anyway.

[@DashieNegan41]

At least it's better than Lana Del Sleep

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

Dashie41 opinions are an asshole Judas Priest fan

[@DashieNegan41]

6026961 Shut it Joker Sherk

[@orlock20]

This is great if you are looking for stoner rock, but for me it's too formulaic to itself. If it's under 10 minutes, the song is New Age music and if it's longer, the first five minutes of the song is an intro.

[@peterfabietti2803]

Lol love how the tool fans are getting so triggered... it’s just an opinion

[@Strugen.]

Glad you love something

[@DuggieDug111]

I'm not triggered Lol. It actually feels more like an taunting attack when you write something like that. You hate Tool fans so much then tell that to the Billboards

[@peterfabietti2803]

Duggalo I never said I hated tool fans lol

[@skinsfan1013]

Gtfo of your mom's basement bro .. Sorry not sorry

[@funhat900]

Ok... This guy is more pretentious then the album itself.

[@jasonguarnieri4127]

A Perfect Circle is better than Tool.

[@lukegregg5944]

Erm, no.

[@homelesstreesable]

why you make a review on a band that you dont like?

[@xiuxiuforlife8173]

Do you realize how vastly is stupid what you just said?

[@-brandon.-]

If negative reviews didn't exist there would be no point in having a review system.

[@lukegregg5944]

@@xiuxiuforlife8173 music critics are not meant to be biased though. He clearly had preconceptions going in to this. Even if he tried not to.

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

mobius drummer critics are always biased that’s why we have more than one in this world.

[@michaelavanessian8558]

@@lukegregg5944 literally everybody has preconceptions going into literally everything

[@rbdriftin]

Not negative enough.

[@julianics]

Ok, so you don't get Tool. Not liking it is conceivable. Not all music is for everyone. But saying "nahhh, they just don't quite cut it for me...they lack melody", is ignorant and therefore not that brilliant when making a 11:23 minute video opinion on it.

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

Julio Roberto Alvarado García there’s that Tool is holier than thou response from a fanboy

[@jc1424]

No he has a point, Tool's music lacks the emotion music is supposed to have in general. It is more structure and performance focused. Every song comes from a feeling of angst or wisdom that at this point can leave a stale taste in the mouth of someone seeking more.

[@MistyDusker]

I tried to get into them at a point but felt pulled back by all the scientific and math references. As if they band was displaying themselves as more than they are. Then seeing how standoffish and kind of snobbish Maynard can be. I will admit there are interesting ideas in some lyrics and riffs with the time signatures. But like you said about the beliefs they seem to be really vague and try to play more into the power of the emotion. I mean, to an outsider who wants to listen to a band where all you hear about is a guy and his wine business? Like really? This is all surface level and kind of humorous but musically the band is talented but you have to like the off kilter personality and almost condescending nature. I think they're more interesting in the abstract over the actual practice for me. Some lyrics kind of read like a South Park commentary. Substance but over importance which can cause an obnoxious fan base to build from. Just my input on that. I didn't expect you to love them, honestly. Ha.

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

Misty Dusk say do you like minor threat

[@MistyDusker]

@@Moth-ManRemasters I tried getting into them at a point. I respect their energy and impact. Why you ask?

[@Moth-ManRemasters]

Misty Dusk I just saw that you liked black flag