Tool - Lateralus - Koto Ensemble Version

[@radialaxis]

It looks as though this is now the most-viewed video of Japanese koto music on KZbin. Thank you all.

[@lilleed]

Cover a few more Tool songs and you'll have more most-viewed Koto videos!

[@deadflight84]

More tool always please, and thank you

[@deadflight84]

Thank you.

[@teddy.d174]

The Tool Army always shows up. Absolutely brilliant performance! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Lateralusaint.]

it better be i will start changing ip just to watch from Japan ;)

[@puerquitoDeSatanas]

And not a single head was banged, those japanese are some serious dudes

[@aumoaum]

come on, theyre body banging, esp. the chick with the cap on; theyre rockin! :D

[@Verifraudreports]

Nope girl in the back in playing most of justin's part near the end gives the utmost polite head bang near the very end.

[@matthewramroop]

It seems anyone who plays an instrument loves Tool

[@isaacwells8557]

Matthew Ramroop that's because Tool is Tool.

[@TN_Travesty]

Tool is Life!

[@PhilDesigns]

unique and difficult time signatures are appealing to any creative mind

[@lonelypotato520]

Schism on the slide whistle when

[@taylortucker4602]

So I am a classically trained musician and not to say that qualifies me to be master of opinions but dude tool has been a long time love and the composition reminds me of any great composer from the past... A good question is present and answered where stories can only be told with sounds because words can't suffice and the beauty is eternal. :)

[@adhemaripina8872]

Still coming back after years to listen this master piece

[@joannareed7443]

I keep revisiting this cover, it's my absolute favorite. The difficulty of composing and performing this is off the charts! Thank you to the performers and composer for creating this beautiful rendition.

[@radialaxis]

Thanks very much. I can't take any credit as composer, though, just the arrangement.

[@dominoscr]

The thing I think I enjoy the most is the flexibility in the group reacting to one another. This is not some perfect mechanical run through. There is nuance and artistry that makes the whole of the performance cohesive and unique. This isn’t a cover video, it’s a record of achievement in what these inspired people created together. It’s truly wonderful. 😀

[@Lateralusaint.]

me3

[@radialaxis]

It appears this is now the most-viewed video of Japanese koto music on KZbin. Thank you all.

[@maijin007]

That is wonderful. It is obvious the amount of effort that must have went into such a performance. Tools ever-loyal fandom treasures and respects that. I have listened to this piece many time myself. It is a personal favorite, as one can just get lost in the complexity of the layers.

[@notsohandy7868]

What just happened? Why is it June 2020 and I am only being crushed by this for the first time! Reading comments and feel like it's dipping my eyes in an unknown history just carved out in this tiny corner of the internet. Thank you for recording this and never ending jealousy for those who could witness that

[@shellienerd5107]

i stumbed upon this when i was in my 20s. stumbled upon it again now at 31 and it still brings tears to my eyes, such a beautiful song played on an equally beautiful instrument that is relatively obscure to most of us.

[@Matt463634]

94 people have spiralled inward.

[@redsiren5729]

Zaphod hahaha

[@samblack5313]

😂

[@boseifrit5480]

Lol I see what you did there

[@doortech8227]

Absolutely. People who believe we are finite and this pain is real. I feel sorry for them.

[@skyguy5587]

148 now. Fuck em

[@AylaMarianna]

Wow, I am actually choking back tears right now. Lateralus is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever had the privilege to hear; it's one of my most favourite songs of all time. This rendition is absolutely breathtaking.

[@radialaxis]

Thank you.

[@molliejmichel4212]

My favorite of all as well!!

[@KrampusDerWilde]

Idem

[@jakecameron2976]

It truly is inspiring.

[@hankbagels6150]

Same here not even an exaggeration of the TRUTH for an impact full comment

[@Roxfox]

Awesome. I feel like anyone who steps out of their way to criticize the technical aspects of a performance like this is really missing the point both of the performance, and worse, the song. What do we know about overthinking, over-analyzing? What happened to opening wide to suck it in? Feeling it move across your skin? Yeah, I'm just as into managing as accurate a cover of whatever I'm playing as the next guy, but that's blatantly not what this is about. It's not a showpiece of accuracy. If it were, it wouldn't be played on an instrument that was never meant for this kind of music in the first place. Whether this interpretation (and that's ultimately what every performance is, an interpretation of an art piece) is "correct" or not is completely beside the point. There is so much energy in it, and obviously so much passion and dedication, that I must pity anyone who can't find it in themselves to enjoy it. Excellent job, to everyone involved.

[@pitufinDH]

YES

[@MysteryHardRocker]

I think you're overthinking, over-analyzing

[@lurezpe8655]

@@MysteryHardRocker bruh

[@radialaxis]

Thanks for this. I agree about the energy and passion that went into this, but fundamentally the intellectual concept behind covering this was to try to make it as close to 100% accurate within the constraints of the instrument as possible, while simultaneously making it as ergonomic, or as natural to the instrument from both a playing and listening perspective, as I could with as few extended/unnatural techniques as possible. Those constraints helped produce the emotional impact, IMHO.

[@shantanudhiman8194]

I was actually waiting for such an awesome comment ❤️❤️❤️

[@benjaminpayne3005]

That IS absolutely the soul of that song set free through different instruments. Genius arrangement. That is magic.

[@radialaxis]

Thanks very much.

[@benjaminpayne3005]

​@@radialaxismore specifically, I love that you guys found a way to keep that beautiful melody in the middle of the frenetic tension around it that makes that song feel like something more than just sound like something. I think we love that song the same way:)

[@gabriellatravaline3990]

another [incredible] example of Tool as being Timeless and Boundless, stretching limited perspectives to broaden and evolve....love it

[@theshuttergrind]

all this pain is an illusion!

[@gabriellatravaline3990]

knowing pain is an illusion leads us to enlightenment if we are capable of grasping the concept...thanks for pulling that quote out..i needed a reminder!!

[@theshuttergrind]

find "spirit Science" on youtube, they talk about pretty interesting concepts. Let's say Tool led me there on the first place. Cheers Gabriella. :)

[@gabriellatravaline3990]

thanks, ill check it out!!!

[@sandermalschaert2336]

Can not love this rendition enough. I am really lost for words. This is magic for the soul.

[@AdamWoodhams]

And a proper silence at the end. Absolutely amazing.

[@wccrispy]

I can never really get over this cover. It's too great.

[@radialaxis]

Thank you. And thanks to everyone who helped put it over 500,000.

[@ScrubBuster9000]

This is one of the most beautiful renditions of Lateralus I have ever heard. It brought a tear to my eye the same way that Lateralus does. Absolutely beautiful

[@jborgelt311]

UNBELIEVABLE. I have never left a comment on a youtube video before, because I never felt it was worth it. Many have already said that they had chills and tears, and I am no exception. I live in Kagoshima, Japan and I have had the privilege of playing the こと　once... Yet in addition to these physiological responses I was invigorated with a new sense of what this song was written to inspire in the first place: the transcendence of music and humanity. Thank You.

[@Nizchul]

I feel proud to be a Tool fan after watching this.

[@johnschrup4399]

I have to pop back in and listen to this every so often. Really good stuff!

[@thakrak]

So do I; once a year at least! :)

[@radialaxis]

Thanks, John.

[@danzigvssartre]

Yep, so do I

[@reynoldsair]

Mistakes be damned. Best cover of Lateralus ever. 感動した！

[@markwohlfart5974]

👍

[@radialaxis]

Thanks.

[@alfakennywon]

Agreed. Just imagine if they had some percussion though.

[@timothyreff6750]

Listen to the Break of Reality version of this song. Three people playing cellos accompanied by a drummer. It’s damn good 👌

[@radialaxis]

@@alfakennywon That would be a different concept from what this arrangement was intended to achieve.

[@benelphick5870]

Absolutely stunningly amazing. Extraordinary musicians doing something epically beautiful

[@malgorzatafrymel4834]

Why did I never hear that before? Why am I crying? ... so beautiful!

[@PieceOfDuke]

Crying now. Hope Tool members watched this.

[@radialaxis]

Thanks. It still hits me that the emotional impact comes across all these years later. Tool posted it to their website back in the day. Honored.

[@erichzann2966]

A LOT of hard work went into this, thank you! I loved it

[@radialaxis]

Thanks. It was hard.

[@edoardoteani3681]

Hat off! This performance caught me and made me smile! I also laughed out so much at the "whammy bass solo" wich is perfectly given justice on the koto! Congratulations for your arrangement, it definitely shows some SOUL!

[@radialaxis]

+Edoardo Teani Thanks.

[@sangfroid4376]

Sod the critics let them do better or leave, great stuff love it.

[@DeltaKT]

Aye nice Profile pic!

[@BlackCobra009]

I found this videos many years ago and until this day it still gives me goosebumps when i listen to it. Really love this.

[@darealjansolo]

I cry every time I listen to this.

[@radialaxis]

So do I. Thanks.

[@darealjansolo]

@@radialaxis aaaaand here we go again.

[@anthonycox9904]

Tool fan for over 20 years, this was amazing! Well done.

[@radialaxis]

Thanks.

[@timothygonzalez3194]

This is a fucking masterpiece!!! it transcends, a amazing song translated to this magical instrument. Priceless.

[@LONE-WOLF-FILMS]

It's not just coz it's Tool, it's not just coz of the song, it's not just coz of how beautiful it sounds regardless of whichever instruments are used to play it cover this song, it's not just coz that all I seem to see lately is people jumping in the Tool reactions bandwagon, it's not just coz of people from all walks of life are coming together and witnessing and recognising a fantastic band with super technical and emotional music that normally wouldn't be given the time if day, it's not just any of that.... I mean look.... Look at how it's brought so many different people together here, to sit and play and work together and do this in harmony with one another. That's what music does to you, that's what it does to the soul, it brings us together as a community in appreciation of one thing! Thank you Tool, you inspire so many people and you are a force for good. That's why they are my number 1 band of all time.

[@carlfranklin2421]

I found this years ago and still listen to it regularly. Amazing. I don't care if there are technical flaws.. they're not there in the moment and it's an amazing and powerful piece that surprises everytime I hear it. Thank you for this amazing work!

[@radialaxis]

Thank you, Carl.

[@headknocker2020]

YEEEEEEES soooo good! I've seen so many Tool covers on various instruments and they always sound amazing, I think thats a hallmark of a good song is being able to sound good on any instrument

[@SeraphimKnight]

I come back to this video at least once a year just to remind me of how awesome it is.

[@SeraphimKnight]

SeraphimKnight Here I am once again a year later and man this is still just as awesome.

[@radialaxis]

+SeraphimKnight Thanks.

[@tonyslark7368]

same here this tyne always brings me back

[@SeraphimKnight]

Hey I'm here again. Last time I didn't comment.

[@brsmckr7087]

Seraph Ha, it seems like quite some people keep this in their memory and so do I. Nice. I just recommended a friend to watch it today and had to listen straight I came home. :)

[@tomblue2246]

MJK , Danny , Justin and Adam must be so proud that people with various styles and instruments cover their songs. this was just awesome.

[@sandyburbach7101]

Oh my! I have just found this - 11 years too late to the party. I have listened to so many versions of Lateralus over the years, but this has literally made my jaw drop. Stunning. Thank you so much.

[@radialaxis]

Thank you. It's never too late.

[@cbpzombie5462]

It’s been thirteen years, since this was made, and I just found it. I’m glad I did, great job to all involved

[@radialaxis]

Thank you. It meant a lot.

[@orijimi]

I swear the video compression wasn't this excessive a year or two ago. Sometimes I could swear KZbin implemented some kind of digital decomposition process.

[@Anonymous-ff8hq]

+orijimi I think the good old imagination has a fantastic anti-bad quality filter...I never remember the graphics on old video games being as bad as they are!

[@MrfishyVG]

+James Salsbury That's actually kind of profound my dude.

[@AlexRetsam]

They did actually do exactly that, but then you try and upload 300 hours of video to your website every minute and then have it instantly accessible to everyone, anywhere, at any time, literally 5 billion times a day and not make it look like hot garbage. Then email KZbin your compression algorithms. ??? Then profit maybe????

[@judecastaneda8956]

@@AlexRetsam still, not good for the quality of audio

[@chmod1777]

This is INCREDIBLE.

[@petergregg447]

I actually laughed out loud two times with pure joy whilst listening to this. Just brilliant. Thanks.

[@pauljackson8143]

Really love this. Living in Japan for 8 years, it’s cool to see classical Koto players playing one of my favorite songs.

[@stevegriffin9905]

Absolutely beautiful. Nicely done! This brought a tear to my eye. Its so beautiful.

[@blindthrall]

In ten thousand years, when the radio waves and electronic fields are no more, a diminished humanity will play this music. Though the words will die with the language, the meaning never changes.

[@mansah707]

Tool are such legends , i cannot express in words. They fall short. Look at the various covers of their songs. every one of it is a unqiue masterpiece in itself. Name any other artist/band whose music is covered like this. Just fu*iing beautiful man. TOOL FOR LIFE baby

[@BrandonPetrucci]

I can't believe it took me until 43 years old to 'discover' Tool, what a world they have created with their music. I see this and I realize that they are more 'compositions' than 'songs', just amazing...

[@alonsaidaz]

I would love to know what Tool members think about this master piece...

[@azrealalvarado9707]

Tis' in my opinion *Noiccee*

[@molliejmichel4212]

I was thinking the same!

[@Daithi1183]

i think about this version of this song often and come back to this very video just to listen to it all over again. This is absolutely amazing.

[@radialaxis]

Thank you. Welcome back.

[@mokisaur]

This is utterly captivating and astounding. And honestly if I hadn't read that mistakes had been pointed out, I wouldn't have noticed them. whatever they were felt like a natural part of the music. i love everything about this so very very much. Thank you to every single person in this group who made this happen!

[@johnnyklism8278]

It sounded beautiful to me, very well put together. It put a whole new spin on an already beautiful song

[@foxfollin2730]

Kind of attains a chaotic feel to it at the end. Not as in sloppy or messy, because throughout it's beautifully executed, but epic and cinematic. Very irregular sounds. I like it. lol

[@danyukhin]

Magical! You've allowed me to experience the song like it was my first time again. The meaning behind it resonates with me a lot. Thank you for the detailed description as well. I cried.

[@radialaxis]

Thanks.

[@brianbieniek7883]

I still come to this video throughout the year every year. Still my favorite cover of tool. Yes, I know some kids from middle school do some awesome covers, but I think this beats everything! Hands down!

[@radialaxis]

Thanks.

[@kennethwilson6591]

Tool is transcendental man, this video was so random and I embraced it. Good shit!

[@GasMaskedMidget]

This is the coolest thing I've ever seen/heard

[@Jacob-ht7im]

This is amazing on multiple levels. First and foremost, they nailed it. An amazing take of a beautiful song that takes it to another level. Second, the fact that TOOL is world renowned and loved all over the world. TOOL is one of my all time favorites and to see the impact they've had on all of us is really humbling and shows the power of music. Music, the universal language. Thank you for taking the chance and doing this song absolute justice.

[@bshwalker]

This is more than I can express. Awesome ain't even close, but I'll just leave it with that. It jut makes me happy

[@MosesSoto]

That song took on a completely different feeling. I agree bshwalker​

[@FearghalDuggan]

this is absolutely marvellous. i hope any of the members of tool have seen this, i'm sure they'd be incredibly proud and blown away. truly magnificent

[@JerryDodge]

That moment when I try to sing along but can't because I'm choking back my tears.

[@187macabee]

Lmao exactly

[@syrinx8311]

I found an orchestral cover of “Schism” that did the same thing to me.

[@wrenchist]

i have had this song begin playing in my head and i certainly have weeped like a widow. might have been the acid tho

[@LogsMaggot]

Been there, done that, I feel you

[@mathewpryor82]

Yup right there

[@knutdrve9359]

This is the most beautiful thing I`ve ever seen!

[@tulkasino]

11 y latter still one of the best Tool covers , thx agein for this

[@METALdude10]

WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL THIS TIME! AMAZING!

[@nonamegirl2.71]

This gives me goosebumps, what an incredible performance!

[@radialaxis]

Thanks, Anna.

[@MissHannibalhannah]

This is absolutely beautiful. I can't watch it without crying

[@globalgourmand]

How brave. I'd love to see this piece come back to life again someday. The song seems almost built for such a phenomenal challenge and you came impressively close for the time you had.

[@SoundChilde]

I've listened and watched a LOT of Tool covers.. but after more than a decade of having stumbled upon your Koto rendition, this still remains my absolute favorite version by far! And I still revisit it from time to time, thank you for this gem!

[@radialaxis]

Thanks, I genuinely appreciate it. Hard to believe this was fifteen years ago. Comments like yours reaffirm that we hit on something special that night, even if it was only that once. But better once than to have never gone there.

[@s_motorwerks1312]

The cultures that MJk and company have touched. Flawless art their music, in my opinion .

[@konasurfah]

There are very few pinnacle moments in human history, this is one.

[@radialaxis]

Thanks very much.

[@konasurfah]

@@radialaxis All thanks to you, my friend! 🍻

[@alexandermoloney6426]

This brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.

[@radialaxis]

Me too. Thanks.

[@michaelgerstner9272]

This is great! Whoever tries to point out mistakes or otherwise is simply missing the passion, work and commitment that went into creating THAT moment in time!

[@chriszewski]

Really dig this! Spiral out...

[@terencerabe5169]

Thank you for this performance, utterly beautiful. I read your comments about how there were mistakes... I can't say I noticed them but what I must say that this performance was entrancing and moved me on an emotional level that's hard to explain.

[@ynoteroifid5100]

Music not only crosses the barriers of oceans with ease, it also crosses the barriers of space...

[@frenzii8332]

Coming back for another listen, it's been a decade since I last thought of this. Man this was so good.

[@bobaka999]

This is really powerfull piece, tense and full of emotions.

[@IcthysSapien]

Tool have been blowing my mind since 1995. Took them 13 years to come out with Fear Inoculum. Seems only fitting that I've just found this video, 12 years after it was recorded. I mirror another commenter's sentiment regarding the jealousy of those who had the privilege of sitting in that audience. Congratulations on this wonderful, wonderful piece! You would undoubtedly make its creators immensely proud. Heck, I'm proud of you just by watching this video! All the best to you, Koto Ensemble.

[@missrachel9291]

The music trancended the mistakes. Beautiful!

[@ghalibad]

no words to express my feeling.... i thank you people for this great work!

[@phorestpsy]

this is amazing.... but why has no one commissioned a high quality studio recording of this, since most people will probably never have the pleasure to hear this live, it would be an amazing gift to the world

[@kjrandom4238]

There are 8 of them playing the music of 4 of Tool. This is amazing!

[@SedDelMar]

Such a worthy rendition. Kudos.

[@alexiusrainer9116]

This is so beautiful. I love it. These people did an amazing job with this.

[@radialaxis]

If you're part of a koto group capable of playing this, please feel free to message me directly.

[@indicabunny]

i cried when i heard this for the first 3 times, it was so moving and powerful, my heart sang/felt every word thank you

[@EptaPsyches]

WHOOOOOOH another majestic tool cover

[@WeTheJourney]

that's too amazing, unexpectedly amazing!

[@RonCollins]

I watch this at least once a month. Amazing!

[@jacksamuk]

It brings me joy, not only to my heart but my musical existence, to see that such a devotion and sincerity of purpose towards music is being poured here, that is the true magic of music, transports us to another realm, where emotions are translated into notes and " infinites" are presented, the true expression of one's emotions through instrument, no further need of words or explanation, I feel my soul knows yours for so long !

[@radialaxis]

Thanks.

[@BagasW]

the teacher must be a metalhead

[@violinfairy]

every time i listen to this my mind is completely blown. absolutely incredible. thank you all so much for sharing your unbelievable talent.

[@Mario_BR.]

Increíble.!! Un disfrute absoluto escucharlo, relajarte un momento y apreciar esta tremenda canción interpretada por los señores de Koto Ensemble.

[@gabearcos]

I’m actually getting choked up with y’all’s comments. Always love reading about what TOOL means to other individuals. So proud to share this passion with you all!

[@sylvainsears]

That's what I was telling my wife. Imagine sitting there and they start playing this song. I started crying watching this video; I can't imagine what it would be like live.

[@PieceOfDuke]

why so many people are crying watching this? Including me..

[@yunggunz3000]

This is one of the coolest covers I have ever seen. Not an easy song, not an easy instrument, overall props to you guys. You guys could have toured.

[@AdamWoodhams]

Imagine one good mic at the front. Beautiful stuff.

[@lylewhite479]

This is what KZbin was meant for. If every video on it was like this, sharing something positive and beautiful then the world would be a much better place😊. I love tool and now I love you

[@SuperGorak]

I believe this version has even more energy to it than the original.

[@lilleed]

What I find interesting is that it's taken 7 very proficient musicians on the koto's here to produce what 4 guys in the band produce and play live consistently.... Mind boggling!

[@richevans3136]

How have i only just seen this! it's fucking amazing!

[@wccrispy]

Pretty freakin' great :) I have it added to my music playlist so I'll always come across it again in the future.

[@ultramegax]

I'd never thought I'd see something so original in a cover. Wow. Blown away.

[@muchmerol]

Phenomenal.

[@lorizeppelina2286]

My gosh I love this arrangement and performance! Wonderful job all!