Vocal coach REACTS - Tool 'Lateralus'

[@ZDPQC]

Imagine hearing Lateralus for the first time again...

[@davidritchie9344]

This entire album was intense. I was in 11th grade when I first heard it and it totally changed my view on what music is.

[@DTredecim]

The first time I listened to this song I didn't understand. Many years later I was able to listen to it, and feel it. I felt like I was hearing it for the first time again, and I cried.

[@ZDPQC]

@@akira_kei_ very vicarious. 😉

[@aphexlane]

@@akira_kei_ same!

[@TxPathfinder1836]

That's what psilocybin is for my friend.....

[@MichaelPaine]

Why am I hooked on watching people react to Tool?

[@prateek752]

Because deep down you crave for the validation of your musical tastes

[@brandoncunningham263]

I just asked myself the same question

[@OlBl00dNGuts]

Every Tool fan does. We all want our friends to react the way he does.

[@NorthernStare]

I've elevated myself to new level now, seeking affirmation in Tool Reaction Video comment sections.

[@noneyabizz8337]

I remember doing this same thing listening to tool. Listening, stopping, dissecting. Doing the same with friends, or blowing someone's mind for their first mention. It's really rewarding to watch someone with a music background appreciate the complexity right off.

[@Thequillss]

This helps: 1 Black 1 then 2 white are 3 all I see 5 in my infancy 8 Red and yellow then came to be 5 reaching out to me 3 lets me see 2 there is 1 so 1 much 2 more and 3 beckons me 5 to look through to these 8 infinite possibilities 13 As below, so above and beyond, I imagine 8 drawn outside the lines of reason 5 Push the envelope 3 Watch it bend

[@b-c-r-o-s-s]

People need this

[@VynxeVainglory]

Dope. I never realized this.

[@BricktowneMedia]

Perfection!! Excellent breakdown!!

[@mbochum83]

Also, the beats in the measures when the band comes in are 9,8,7 (987) which is in the sequence. The time the band comes in is in the sequence. There's a long video on youtube that covers every reference/relation to the sequence and it's incredibly amazing.

[@felipecampos3045]

Up

[@serafin2550]

Last time I listened to Tool with one of my kids in the room my four year old daughter looked at me and said, "Dad, I feel like I am going somewhere."

[@emmullgn]

It's amazing what children can pick up on, especially when you consider how hard it is for some adults to just listen to something let alone comprehend it..

[@Monkeynumber99]

From the mouths of babes

[@someonesshadow6]

first time me listening to this song by tool too and it gave me goose bumps haven't felt like that from a song in a lil while but you know if a song makes you feel like that its something different and its an amazing feeling and different from feeling your emotions come up like maybe aggression to a heavy song

[@Penitten]

Or: My god, *shit the bed*

[@mikestavisky8009]

lmao "kids say the darndest(truest) things"!

[@remylefevour]

Ken: What time signature is this? Tool: Yes.

[@jamesb0255]

All of them

[@Euminide]

They change time sig often. The range is between 2/4 and 5/8.

[@Sd3cinema]

Lol!

[@TheNerdshire]

My son's a drummer and still geeks out on time signatures and meter.

[@louplacente463]

Sometimes it’s 5/4. They are all over the place with their timing and it’s brilliant! 😎❤️✌🏼

[@gilhuberman261]

"Out of sync, but perfectly in-time" - you just summed up the rythm of Tool

[@dsbassman4184]

Audio engineer here - he's layering different tones and octaves and not fixing the slight timing inconsistencies that are usually (over)corrected in most radio mixes in pop and rock. One normal track, one breathy, and one an octave lower is what I'm hearing in that section. Possibly a slightly time modulated quick "slapback" delay that goes in and out of alignment with the original as well. You can also do this with the early reflections of a room reverb too. Usually pop/rock and even hip-hop doubles try to have the double sound as exact to the original as possible, whereas this is more like two different guitars playing the same line to sound bigger.

[@KenLavigne]

Thanks Dan for piecing that together. That approach makes sense. I have listened to it a few times since and really love Maynard’s vocal in this and keep hearing new layers. Thanks for the comment!!!

[@irpugsley]

There is also a digital “reversed envelop” effect also a forment shift. They are both polyphonic DSP effects. There a number of devices/softwares that do this. What one they used no idea.

[@scottshoe842]

I think you’re overthinking.

[@MegaJufy]

If audio enthusiasts didn't overthink, we'd still be using sheet metal strapped to an amplifier for distortion.

[@川新-k4i]

Ken Lavigne I can’t call myself professional audio engineer, more like a hobbyist, but what was often done especially in the earlier days of digital recording and in the metal genre was doubling the vocal track, shifting the duplicated slightly back or forth, and spreading both tracks in the stereo field. This obviously is very similar to a very short delay effect; due to the very short time shift (I think around 50-200ms, it is now 20 years ago that I last used that) and because both tracks are identical - not only similar - one will get typical phasing effects dependent on present frequencies. Reason for doing it this way instead of just using a delay effect: a delay effect costs calculation performance, doubling the track - not so much. As said, I consider myself an amateur, but this was recommended to me back in the day by professionals. Lateralus to me always sounded similar, especially the kind of „thinned out“ but widespread vocals. Of course you get similar effects when using multiple takes. I’m by far not knowing enough to analyse Tools track regarding what they used.

[@avedic]

"I feel like I've got all these memories that aren't my own...that are flooding into my brain." Wow...honestly, best description of Tool songs I've ever heard. Ever. I just subbed. I sincerely hope you do WAAAAY more Tool songs. Seriously. You clearly have the ear and mind for what they create. It's a glorious rabbit hole to fall into. I only wish I could re-experience it all anew. Been a fan since I was 16....21 years ago.

[@jimmyg.6487]

Why hasn't he done more reactions yet? We demand more.

[@AlmissaGaming]

U have new album

[@zackofalltrades8118]

Best comment here...

[@johncintron2339]

I went to the comments just to find this one 🤣🤣🤣

[@mikestavisky8009]

yeah about 20 years now... where has the time gone... fuck.

[@charlesharpringerify]

"Overthinking, overanalysing? Tool, this was your idea."

[@sandybeeable]

So true 😁

[@aphexlane]

classic line lol

[@ryanagee5540]

This is a perfect example of Maynards sense of humor!

[@jake.porter]

whenever i see a tool reaction video pop up this is literally the line that i think of haha

[@TristanTheGamer01]

"I don't understand.." No one does.

[@arlescure]

My whole body tingles whenever I hear this song. I've heard it 10000 times and it always does. I hope it never stops

[@Andy-Bodhi]

64.167 days used wisely

[@theoompalompa]

Yip. Me too

[@kccrenshaw6090]

They are beloved on Saturn. All 7 rings.

[@davidseamal]

same here, goosebumps

[@tatiaromero]

Sometimes if I'm in the right mind space, I cry. It's so fucking beautiful

[@ryanbeske5654]

This was deeply satisfying to watch. Not everybody who I talk in to listening to tool reacts to it with actual open-mindedness. Seeing someone hearing laturalas the first time and really paying attention and feeling the song is so nice to see.

[@jaydeus]

Watching tool react videos is my kink

[@granthamlin8126]

"laturalas" Come on dude, it's in the video title.

[@thetalantonx]

Agreed. It clearly was still new to him, but he was up for the ride and took it seriously enough to take it in.

[@leafface5890]

Yesssssssss

[@joeyattaway756]

Listen to the ghost notes in this song. It is your brain telling you stuff.

[@darkchiron]

For me, this song is their magnum opus. It is incredible musically and lyrically. It's a song that both asks you to delve into the secrets of the universe and everything there is to find, while also warning you that going too far can make you detached from reality and your everyday life. And them you have all these polyrhythms playing, and all the instruments aren't in time with each other but they all weave around each other and meet back again at various points. A few people have discusses working with Tool on music around this time, and how their studio was just covered in whiteboards and documents detailing mathematical formula and other scientific references. I know Maynard now talks about the whole affair like it was a juvenile attempt at being deep, but I can't imagine how much time it took for them to actually get this to come out the way it did.

[@dmanton300]

I feel the same about the whole arc of Parabol/Parabola. Funny what we see isn't it? SO much beauty in Tool.

[@magpieMOB]

@@dmanton300 I'm with you both - Parabol/a feels like a more personal experience to me (possibly because of the music video) - the discussion of being alone or held, the transience of the body's mortality. Lateralus feels like the Mission Statement for the whole album, trying to find a balance between the personal and impersonal until finally realising there's no real divide between the two - we don't exist within the cosmos, we're parts of it like blueberries in a cobbler. It's the title track and "As below, so above" - it's a nested, compacted and condensed version of the larger whole. So are we, each life a universe unto itself because everything that we think of as our lives happens inside of our perception. We are reactions

[@cube1007]

I feel same about almost EVERY F* SONGS OF TOOL

[@SeditiousJerk]

Couldn't agree more with this take. I've always enjoyed TOOL, but I feel like this is the first real "adult" album they made. It's not to say their previous work was juvenile, but this just seemed like such a thoughtful and mature effort and it was kind of the stage two of the booster rocket for me.

[@cube1007]

MannStooka believe me you don’t know what you’re talking about, this is not because the music style has changed that it’s more “adult”. The proof ? Go have a look at the lyrics from the others albums !

[@DerekR87]

wow how has no one commented on the fact that this song just made this man have a damn near DMT trip. fractal kaleidoscope geometry images??lol

[@sgtjonray]

I kept waiting for Joe Rogan to ask him if he's done DMT lol

[@andresvollbracht4188]

@@sgtjonray LOL

[@CousinCreepy]

Probably one of the straighter dudes I've seen react to this song, great job!

[@dadouttolunch6486]

Hahahahahaha!

[@chasebalcziunas4289]

That elk meat

[@AmandaHugandKiss411]

KZbinr: tries to explain Lateralus Tool fans: yes we know

[@My_eyesburn]

Hahah yea

[@n00exec]

LoL exactly my thought

[@superhumanben]

@@cools6560 30 years later I'm still trying to understand. Lol

[@joshuaperkins1732]

My sentiments exactly Amanda. My friend in school exposed them to me in 1993 with opiate. Have compared ever band to them since.

[@rastomasstanford7708]

🤣😂🤣💯☠️

[@phildavison1269]

Watching singers trying to nod along and find a quarter note is hilarious, it never gets old.

[@coloradodude9442]

Semi syncopated seizures... The best

[@mikestavisky8009]

lmao

[@MainelyW212]

Watching someone elevate to the Tool plane, when they aren’t ready, is my favorite thing in the world. And this dude gets it.

[@arnoldsoncarlson9487]

Oh god, we've created a monster.

[@sacredbob7126]

I ain't even mad!😊

[@rubaidaallen2764]

@@sacredbob7126 Ikr 😂😂😂

[@flutter8712]

This video should be called: "A listen of Tool coaches a vocalist"

[@4amwaj]

bahahhaa yep

[@ryanagee5540]

👏👏👏

[@ryanramsey2074]

A vocal coach who reacts to the music not the vocals? Yup noticed.

[@lnicholl90]

More like vocal coack has psycadelic experience listening to tool

[@RobertHasty]

LOL

[@veramooch4598]

I love seeing the reactions of people who are open to new things to songs from this seminal album. The little crooked smile, the eyes going everywhere, the moving with the unknown rhythm... It's everything, man.

[@BobbyDukeArts]

Lol, this was great! Spiral out. Keep going 🤘

[@krisosphere9940]

Glad to see you making the rounds Bobby always keep making no matter the medium.

[@coochiemane8833]

Didn't expect to see you here tbh 🤣

[@christinavaughan3095]

I'm not surprised to see you here, with you wearing your Tool shirt when you made those wings... Lol

[@petermccarthy1555]

🤘

[@germ4bass]

Hey Bobby rock on man🤘🤘🤘

[@stevenlankford9910]

"Tool, this was your idea!" Still laughing my ass off at that 😂

[@dprob1985]

Me too!! Hahaha

[@ophidicism]

That was a great line.

[@maggottdude]

You can see his mind blown... and then.. he says that!! Hahaha

[@brittanyblue4495]

I literally did a little spittake. 🤣

[@raerth]

"There was some... sort of polymetric... rhythm going on" Yup, that's Tool.

[@pudermcgavin4462]

Tool is a band of science really it's fucking brilliant

[@lurezpe8655]

So what's the rithm on this?? Fibonacci

[@philiphess8499]

lur ezpe 7/8, then 8/8, then 9/8, then back again. Interestingly, 789 is like the 15th number in the Fibonacci sequence, or such

[@Syncopated_]

"I like planting things." - MJK

[@char_lou]

Great reaction 😎

[@JohnnyK3886]

I was so amused that you used the phrase "spiral out" a few minutes before that part of the song. I was over here like "Well boys, he's ahead of schedule" - Also, I vote 46 & 2 for the next Tool React. Lateralus is my favorite - but that one is a close second.

[@lilithlozano2582]

I second this notion

[@bigl0892]

Agreed on the 46&2. And for some reason H. has a special place in my heart.

[@POISONxIVY]

Forty six & 2 is my favorite Tool song. I would love for him to do a video to it!

[@POISONxIVY]

Robert Luoma Both are in my top favorite Tool songs!

[@notyourmom7876]

I concur. 46&2 is such a GREAT song, and you will learn psychology from that one (Carl Jung). I'd say it's one of my favs...but they're ALL my favs!!

[@liammurtagh8122]

"I've got all these memories that kind of aren't my own flooding into my brain" that would be the collective consciousness Tool speaks about in their music

[@My_eyesburn]

Carl jung bro

[@GeorgeTropicana]

What a crock of shit

[@michaelcomisse9478]

First time watcher but when you said "I feel like there are memories that aren't mine that are flooding into my brain".....you completely and utterly nailed it.

[@xhighone]

first... you are a good egg. don't ever change. you do human well. second... as a musician... one of the best reaction channels i've come across. prob the best. i'll watch more for sure. keep it up.

[@ZrankFappaH]

He seems so genuine with his reactions and you can just see the enjoyment coming from the beautiful band that is Tool. I've recently found this channel, and I'm getting fond of Ken. A man I will likely never meet. But his reactions brighten my day, I hope he sees this. :)

[@AngelsintheWings]

Well said both of you! Welcome to the Tool experience, Mr. Lavigne!

[@jonathansadlermusic]

I am thrilled to see someone primarily versed in the classic musical traditions enjoying and appreciating the multi-faceted layers of a Tool song! Bear in mind - Maynard, while he takes his art seriously, is also a major jokester. Don't put too much stock in the seriousness of his lyrics - there is a lot of fun as well! Happy I subscribed! I enjoy your reactions to other bands as well!

[@adambrice99]

Its because he knows that as soon as you take your self too seriously your creativity suffers

[@insaned4666]

Just like Maynard claiming he isn’t deep and isn’t hiding Easter eggs in songs ... claiming it’s fans going wacko ... when he actually IS doing stuff like this ... Maynard is a world-class troll.

[@ngcastronerd4791]

While I agree that Maynard likes to use humor. I believe in this song's particular case, he was trying to inspire the listener to reach out beyond his immediate horizons. To push your limits... and I think it was sincere.

[@jonathansadlermusic]

@@ngcastronerd4791 I agree wholeheartedly. Lateralus is certainly one of Maynard's deep cuts. But if one's first exposure is something so moving as this, it's easy to think, mistakenly, their whole catalog is so cerebral. 💘

[@textualstew9025]

This song is an all time favorite of mine, not just of Tool's, but generally. One of the few that literally brings me to tears and fills me with an optimism as rare as innocence. Pure masterpiece.

[@loboespacial2780]

EXACTLY THE FUCKIN SAME HERE!

[@watcherofyoutube9678]

You, by far, have put the best description of Tool into words. This is exactly what I felt like listening to Lateralus for the first time, except I couldn’t explain the beauty of it in words.

[@TheVerucAssault]

Yeah that bass pulsing still gives me a shiver down my spine and goosebumps. Been listening to this album since it came out, this is one of my favorite songs EVER. I can't count how many times I have listened and it still gives me a spine tingle.

[@TheVerucAssault]

frisson The phenomenon of chills or goosebumps that come from a piece of music (or from any other aesthetic experience) is called frisson, and it's been one of the big mysteries of human nature since it was first described.

[@iconofsin1043]

@@TheVerucAssault Same here bro, and thanks for the term def!

[@Codeaholic1]

It never gets old seeing people discover Tool for the first time. Give Fear Inoculum a try.

[@AlmissaGaming]

Their best album to me

[@robynholley2180]

one doesn't simply listen to Tool. one experiences Tool.

[@butcheyler23]

Yes Like doing peyote , leaving your body and entering the spirit world!

[@AdrianvanNunen]

You rode the spiral. Welcome to Tool Army, brother! Really enjoying your reactions.

[@kham08]

Goosebumps. Still goosebumps after nearly 20 years.

[@denniswijker7162]

DUDE! I've listened to this album hundreds of times... and I've NEVER noticed the doubling of the vocals and the whispering before :| That might be the absolute magic of this band (and this album particularily). Even after years of listening to it, there is STILL new things to discover!

[@PatstarDeluxe]

No, that doubling isn't there normally, there's two tracks of it playing at the same time but they're just ever so slightly out of sync.

[@Gabriel_Moline]

10:20. It’s ok to cry, here. I am moved to tears almost every time.

[@deminybs]

tons of music makes me cry lol

[@Gabriel_Moline]

deminybs Right on. Life is hard.

[@w4wumbo23]

That point, to me, is when I reflect on my life. Then the heavy stuff at the end is when I release my emotions.

[@ThatGuyYouArent2]

Ditto. Lots of points in this song do that to me. It's like a religious experience.

[@tarlane]

I do love the dualities of this song. On the one side they create a song that is built off the formulas that show so much of nature is built in a mathematical way and just begs for you to study it, but at the same time the lyrics challenge you to not get hung up on that. To break out of the formula of life and not get stuck in analyzing things where you limit what you can do or even perceive to just what you expect to be possible. There are those lines there, but you've got to color outside of them. Also, love your reactions. Keep them up!

[@ugg10video76]

Cracking reaction, so many hidden Easter eggs in this song. “Ride the wave”, waves when breaking have the same spiral geometry, there’s a great KZbin video on it all, worth finding it. Next up, polyrhythms masterclass by Danny Carey in Pneuma live, one man, four limbs and seemingly a separate brain for each! Saw tool live last year, 100,000 people, one band, one song but all nodding their heads to their own individual groove, epic.

[@erinraecowin]

He's already done Pneuma live

[@DroctorKloebner]

I know what you mean with people nodding in their own groove. But that's simply because 90% of the audience don't get a 7/8. Infact they don't get anything that is not 4/4. But well, as long as they still enjoy it, it's fine :)

[@Shake69ification]

If this is what Russel linked to, apologies, but look for “Fibonacci in Lateralus.”

[@HammerTheAlchemist]

Next Tool reaction should be "Schism" Rick Beato did an amazing breakdown of it on his "what makes this song great" series, with meter and notation breakdown. Amazingly insightful!

[@dangerds1]

I can see the enlightenment just pouring into his soul.

[@fret2fret221]

He’s like: “It’s very trance like...” and we’re all like (in the State Farm guys voice) “well it’s tool so...”

[@gbo9816]

Greatest comment of all time😂

[@Duct_Tape.]

"Well they sound hideous!" (In wife voice)

[@p.o.9964]

Are you married bro my wife as well

[@mattsmith3839]

I was gonna like this comment, but the I realized it had 123 likes..so...don't touch it!!

[@VandyZD]

I’m sorry brother but it looks like you just had your first toolgasm

[@SirFigsAlot]

I've been a fan for 15 year and still have them.

[@imawreck6586]

It hit him at 8:30

[@heavenlypete4641]

@@imawreck6586 honestly it hit him once the opening riff came at 2.08

[@ralphwiggum6385]

Nope, that happened during Pneuma 😜😎

[@lenn7272]

Toolgasms never stop.

[@phantomlord3280]

I love watching intelligent people listen to tool for the first time, you’re not alone with how you feel bud! Great video

[@lvincent8843]

The Fibonacci sequence follows a pattern where each successive number in the sequence is the sum of the preceding 2 numbers so it starts with 0 and 1 which equals the next number, 1 making the next number the sum of the preceding 2 numbers which are 1 and 1 so the next number is 2 which is added with the preceding 1 to make 3 which added with the preceding 2 equals 5, so the sequence goes 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, and on and on. It's a commonly found pattern in nature which represents a pattern of exponential growth but most interestingly this sequence is found to be intimately tied to the golden ratio which is a ratio found by dividing a full line into a longer and shorter line such that the proportion of the full line to the longer line is the same as the longer line to the shorter line with the resulting golden ratio which is 0.618... or 1.618.... Also known as "phi" and commonly written as the Greek symbol phi it is an irrational number that never ends nor repeats similar to "pi". The odd relationship between the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio was discovered by dividing any 2 successive numbers in the Fibonacci sequence. The further down the sequence you go you will notice that by dividing any 2 successive numbers the closer the sum approaches the golden ratio. In fact if you follow down the sequence and divide every 2 successive numbers the sums oscillate slightly higher and slightly below the golden ratio, getting closer and closer to the actual value of the golden ratio but never quite reaching it. The golden ratio is found throughout nature, art and architecture and is considered to be an aesthetically pleasing proportion. The golden spiral derived from the golden ratio is also found throughout nature from the growth of nautilus shells, in galaxies, in growth patterns of plants so the concept fits in with the overarching theme of the song which is about personal development, striving, evolving, discovering and feeling interconnected with the world. You'll notice the lyrics "as above so below and beyond I imagine" equals 13 syllables as the vocals follow up and down the Fibonacci sequence, best exemplified in the 2nd verse which goes "black (1) then (1) white are (2) all I see (3) in my infancy (5) red and yellow then came to be (8) reaching out to me (5) let's me see (3) there is (2) so (1) much (1) more and (2) beckons me (3) to look through to these (5) infinite possibilities (8) as above so below and beyond I imagine (13) drawn beyond the lines of reason (8) push the envelope (5) watch it bend (3). So the syllabic formula of the vocals swings up and down the Fibonacci sequence, a sequence intimately related to the golden ratio/golden spiral, as the lyrics urge listeners to swing on the spiral of our divinity and still be a human and spiral out, keep going, spiral out, keep going.

[@derekelery7937]

How cool, he really understood tool in a way that takes many listeners like myself years to grasp. It was fun seeing him embrace the experience, and you can tell it's not his kind of music but he says "ok I can see why you guys love tool so much". Awesome dude

[@novembercrust]

There are so many 'vocal coach reacting to metal' type videos, but Ken's pure and precious enthusiasm for discovering Tool are the only ones I've found worth watching.

[@jimwalsh7755]

Rebecca Vocal Athlete and Charismatic Voice are both great with the metal genre as well.

[@DrewRolly]

Watching you listen to this song was like watching a small child learn the joys of ice cream for the first time. The joy and amazement in your face. Priceless.

[@aphexlane]

well said. this was a treat.

[@johnpower29]

'Holy mugglenuts' may just be the whitest thing anyone has ever said 😂😂

[@mistybenefield5796]

I'm pretty new to this channel but I'm quickly realizing this guy is even whiter than I am. I kinda thought that was impossible.

[@larrydj549]

Cheese n rice you may be right!!

[@metalmellie4371]

Not whitest, most nerdiest.

[@Syncopated_]

@@larrydj549 Oh my god that was amazing.

[@lisanewcomer4672]

you didn't hear the "ohhhhh shiitake mushrooms!"

[@lateralis186420]

“Over thinking, over analyzing” isn’t talking about you listening to the song, it’s about life in general. It’s saying that we’re too much in our own heads and we need to connect to things other than ourselves. The world, nature, other people. We need to think outside our boxes, move away from the center of our spirals, branch out, evolve and become better.

[@AngelsintheWings]

Well said!

[@samcee8659]

❤

[@Sizzox]

Someone finally said it! People like to point out that people shouldn’t analyze the themes if this song because of that one line. But analyzing and over analyzing is not the same thing. To simply analyze the song or anything else in general is to see it for what it is. Tye song tells us that the search for meaning may not have any complex answers. The answer to everything may be hidden in something simple. Like how the fibbonachi sequence is very simple in theory yet it connects so many different things.

[@sacredbob7126]

I literally cackled like a witch when he said "Tool this was your idea. I don't understand!" Don't understand, just feel it.

[@nolagale]

I randomly got my mom to buy this CD for me when it came out just based on the box art. I was 15 at the time, and listening to it really redefined music and artistic expression for me. Yes, it was hard and heavy, but it was also meticulous and thoughtful and so far outside my box at the time that I didn't have any real way to describe its effect. Needless to say the album stuck with me, and I even managed to seem them live on the Lateralus tour which was another expansive experience. I remember towards the end of the show, Maynard exhorted us to live in this moment of pure art and creativity, and I tried really hard to do so; I was a bit of a mess at the time, and living in the moment was something I was not at all good at. I think that's what hit me so hard about Tool. Tool's not something you listen to casually. Their music absorbs you as you absorb it, creating this connection that pulls you from the hyper-vigilance that a trauma-based society forces you into and enables you to just feel that moment with that song you love so much. It's so much more than just experiencing this one band's artistic expression - it's art that lets you experience yourself, which is what every masterpiece in any medium does.

[@b4uc2far95]

Very well said.

[@silvervial]

Excellent summation of Tool's effect on people. I wish I had gotten into them when I was younger, but the instant I heard "Intolerance" sometime in the very late 90's-early 2000's, I was hooked. Been listening daily ever since, sometimes exclusively like right now - nothing but Tool - and they are literally a lifesaver in these times.

[@fredbarr394]

You get it

[@djvariant88]

I actually saw them the night this album came out. It was insane hearing it for the first time then seeing it later that same night.

[@jessecroft3984]

I was fifteen as well. Changed my life. Let me know I would never be the best at drums as long as Danny Carey is on this earth.

[@ArtexHardstyle02]

Hands down my favorite reaction to Tool. There's a lot of good ones out there, but they miss it. They miss all the little details of Tool. But YOU! You focused and listened very intently to try and understand it. Like you were trying so hard to find the answer. It was very refreshing to react again to this song with you.

[@concertino58]

I love the kaleidoscope reference/imagery. When looking through one, there’s this never ending, constant feeling. When you’re looking through one and everything is just reflecting off each other and it’s beautiful. I never thought about that until you said it. If you listen again, you can hear some vocals in the distance which are playing off the main vocals, kind of like an audio kaleidoscope.

[@mylessinger]

Very introspective, but I suggest taking a largish dose of a psychedelic of your choice sometime in your lifetime. That is indeed what Alex Grey is attempting to emulate in his paintings, and I believe that is what Ken’s referencing in a literal sense of ‘seeing’, and he has no friggin clue that he’s seeing a very lvl 1 surface layer of the closest thing to God that anyone will or has ever physically seen. More rabbit holes, dammit. Though he’s not under any influences(visibly), these hallucinations can be achieved through meditation as well as yoga, as I’ve seen ‘the void’ as a 7th grader trying to fall asleep on the school bus with my iPod way before I even dabbled, you better believe everything clicks into place once triggered into it. A couple tabs of clean acid or three hits of DMT will definitely do the trick, but again. Sometime in your lifetime. Maybe ten years down the line. Don’t worry, It’s not exactly something you can get addicted to, but whenever the safe, loving opportunity comes around and youre emotionally stable, I recommend giving it a shot. Every human has the alienlike ability to achieve temporary ego dissolution- most people describe a light at the end of a tunnel when facing death, and I can personally vouch for that lack of ego state. It usually starts from a moment of truth, objectively or otherwise, will instill a very fractaly and spiraling reason for most religions, architecture, artistry, and especially the 1.61 golden ratio that EVERYTHING naturally grows from. Think trees, or cauliflower, or pineapples- or even your own hands, limbs, body. This song references that very ratio. It’s ironic, because he was also describing that state of mind/place. Many layers, spiraling colorful (EMOTIONALLY AND THOUGHT INTERACTIVE)very real hallucinations, and the eery feeling of nostalgia- as if you’ve been there before. Or more theoretically accurate, as if you’ve always been there.

[@mylessinger]

Also I make music- referencing what you mentioned, when adding on a Delay effect, most softwares or plugins allow for a wide range of manipulation. Depending on the style and thesis of the delay effect(what whoever made it is trying to achieve), you can usually change anything from the duration of the delay, to the desired time signature, to what kind of note it is, from 1/1 to 1/128th beats. And yes, my music is very psychedelic-inspired

[@concertino58]

@@mylessinger I tried DMT for the first time during lockdown, I do shrooms often. Have 2 gel tabs waiting for me lol Thank you for this very informative post.

[@kimyunger5082]

Your Tool reaction videos are quickly becoming my favorite. I so enjoy watching your discovery and exploration of one of my favorite bands, and I argue, one of the greatest compilations of musically artistic geniuses of all time. Seeing the pleasure on your face when you are genuinely moved by the greatness reminds me of my experiences listening to this band. As a vocalist with a moderate amount of music theory knowledge, I’ve always found the complexity of their compositions most interesting. Over the past 20 years or so, I’ve find it so fun to listen to a song I’ve heard a hundred times and suddenly “discover” a new bass line, guitar solo, drumming sequence, etc., that I had yet to hone in on. It keeps my mind engaged and enhances the experience that is “Tool.” I’m quite jealous that you have so much Tool left to explore. What I wouldn’t give to go back and hear their songs for the first time again. It makes my heart happy for you. Enjoy! 😊

[@Purity65dos]

'Overthinking, overanalyzing... Tool, this was your idea!' has me dead.

[@brittanyblue4495]

Please listen to "Wings for Marie Part 1&2" off their 10,000 Days album. Even if you dont make it a video. Just do yourself a favor, clear some time to lie down with your eyes closed and a good pair of headphones. Both tracks, uninterrupted. Trussssst.

[@JasonSmith-hs5dj]

But preferably a video for sure

[@l337dta]

Was gonna say this, so i'll just bump what brittany said. full body tingles every damn time i listen.

[@Curzyk]

I'd dig this. I didn't know who Judith Marie was until after listening to these songs and looking her up. The story for 10,000 days, clued me into H and Jimmy as well. Edit: Oh, and "Judith" from A Perfect Circle.

[@MattMuirhead]

Amazing set of songs.... but he's not ready for it yet. He needs to build his relationship with the band before diving into something so personal for it to have the full effect.

[@Verifraudreports]

Ding ding ding

[@kaguya75]

WOW! You are the only person I have ever seen to react to this video and actually look up some of the terms used like 'As above, so below' from Hermeticism. Truly, I am so impressed with your reaction so far! Everyone else rips their genitalia off on the prospect of it being the "Fettuccine" sequence, but not you. I really like to see that the song connected with you on a level that seems very personal. Stay awesome!

[@killinbildvow80]

Whats done on earth so it is in heaven.

[@amonamarthfan666]

The best part, is you’ll have that experience EVERY TIME. Even on the 10,000th listen. More toooool. 🤘🏻

[@Peaches1116]

“I feel like I’ve got all these memories in my brain that aren’t my own” this is how I feel having been a tool fan for 25 years 🎉

[@jedimark5260]

I love when someone tries to describe the journey of listening to a tool song. "I feel like I'm looking into a kaleidoscope ", "words don't make much sense right now", "intensity but you're not meant to focus not it", etc.

[@jaymzsutton]

ken listening to tool is always a total pleasure. he analyses the songs with a great technical foundation and then also talks about the songs emotional and mental impact on him as a listener. quality / thanks mate

[@crank01]

"im seeing this constantly evolving and changing yet, perfectly symmetrical..." Almost like a perfect circle? I wonder if he knew....

[@DanielHarris-tq4px]

I see what you did there!

[@TheeFinchLynch]

Ken: "It feels like there's layers upon layers..." Tool fans: "Buddy..."

[@aaronburt845]

LOL well said :)

[@aphexlane]

LOL

[@gasch3928]

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@GeorgeTropicana]

One of those weird coincidences where I read this comment as he said it lol

[@mikestavisky8009]

"if you don't knowwwww, now you know n****"

[@Snowy0123]

People are so lucky if they've never experienced Maynard and Layne before.. those guys just give me chills every time I listen

[@Jacob-ht7im]

"Holy muggle-nuts!" I just picked up a new catchphrase. I love seeing people's reaction to TOOL. It's like showing your favorite band to your best friend. Thank you for sharing this. Spiral out my friend, keep going.

[@avisgoth]

Mind expansion continues: Pushit from the Salival album is a must.

[@TaraBrooke1981]

Listen to the original first....then take the real ride on the Salival version of Pushit.

[@Porter_John]

@@TaraBrooke1981 Yes to both of these.

[@WilkodeZeeuw]

Pushit from salival is a must!

[@pain420sxwx]

Completely amazing how they took one of my fav songs and changed it but its still so awesome

[@BrianPvanOers]

The live concert version is even better XD

[@SavageDawgJoshua]

"I embrace my..... desire to.... I embrace my, desire to... Feel the rhythm... to.... Feel connected, Enough to step aside, and weep like a widow, to.... Feel inspired to... Fathom the power, to.... Witness the beauty, to... Bathe in the fountain, to... Swing on the spiral to, Swing on the spiral to, Swing on the spiral of, Our divinity and, Still be a human......"

[@emmullgn]

H is the first song of tool that I listened to, other than on the radio. I listened while watching the sun set sitting on a beach, listen to them while in nature. Tool means something different to every listener, it's part of their beauty. Take time to listen to them when you're alone, don't hold yourself accountable to us and think you can only explore them here with us. They should be personal to you, we're just glad you're listening at all 🙂💗

[@MH3GL]

"I feel like I'm looking into a Kaleidescope" This may be the best description I have ever heard of this part.

[@BoilerBloodline]

Who would’ve ever thought I would one day be addicted to watching TooL gain new fans. It simply doesn’t get any better. The apex of rock and still growing. \m/\m/

[@shapeshifter7676]

Tool fans" They're geniuses. They used Fibonacci sequence. Maynard: It was an accident.

[@666morpheus]

there are no accidents

[@Xakslied]

Shape Shifter No, Maynard: it was a dick joke.

[@dallasfreeman9833]

He’s just trying to not seem like a nerd

[@numbdigger8558]

The 9/8/7 was an accident (it's not that interesting anyway since it only works in the decimal numeral system), but the intro obviously wasn't.

[@adambell3615]

Perhaps, one would say, Tool fans over think and over analyse ?

[@EddieBelaval]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the wonder and awe in your eyes as each part came up like a giddy child watching his little brother bike his favorite hill, this warmed my soul so much. This band, this journey has changed my orbit, opened my eyes to a wonder and awe in what is right in front of you, in all of us and it all started with this song. Spiral out kind stranger.

[@slikwikid931]

Fractal Geometry -- My state of mind after the last Tool concert!

[@SparketteCowgirl]

I have to keep coming back to watch this - the best song ever... and your facial expressions... I love how much you feel the music. Its honestly the best. Seeing someone else enjoy this song as much as I do fills my heart.

[@coolhands431]

I love watching people realizing what Tool is. Welcome to The Army, my friend.

[@armchairastronauts]

Almost every song from this band will take you on some kind of mental or spiritual adventure, you won't find many artists with this kind of depth in their work. Someone posted earlier regarding Wings For Marie, and i agree that you need to experience that song for the emotional journey it will take you on. From a strictly vocal perspective, you should look at their song Jimmy. Maynard uses some unique vocal techniques there that I think you might really enjoy.

[@Syncopated_]

"I like to plant things." - Maynard

[@silverisbull]

If your looking for a vocal song by Tool, try Pushit-Salival Version

[@josefsieffen18]

Definitely. One of the best live performances in history in my opinion

[@jpicco]

Good call! He’ll love that one for sure

[@Soljarag5]

💯

[@b4uc2far95]

I was fortunate to get to see that version live back in either ‘97 or ‘98. When he sang the lyrics “I must persuade you another way” the entire venue vibrated from the strength of his voice. Talking about goosebumps!!

[@dprob1985]

No...hate this song for people new to tool

[@vascopascoa1232]

Always fascinating to see another soul coming to the Tool Army. Welcome man, got a sub here.

[@Lougimbook]

I really enjoy these react videos because it forces me to re-visit old songs that I've loved with new eyes/ears to understand and remind me why I love them and why they are great.

[@spudpotat24]

Just gotta say Ken, I love you, and love your channel/reactions. I follow a lot of reaction channels and you've become one of my absolute favorites.

[@ScottKJolicoeur]

Another fantastic tool song to listen to is Rosetta Stoned. It really displays Tools talent in bright light.

[@Demention94]

Vocally and musically I think it outshines even this

[@brittanyblue4495]

Rosetta Stoned is a fucking MASTERPIECE. And its not even that avant garde. Its essentially nonsense but it resonates and is somehow so familiar. Its one of the most creative pieces of music I've ever heard, and Im still blown away by how well it works. Ive said it before, I'll say it again. Only Maynard can make shitting the bed sound poetic. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@ScottKJolicoeur]

Brittany Blue not to mention that build up is amazing! I would love to see Ken react to even that part specifically. (The part where he does the scream then the really beautiful melody)

[@noonesfang131]

One of my favorite parts about Tool is how they work with odd time signatures. A lot of bands do it, but Tool never makes it seems forced. Being able to make an odd time sound natural in a world dominated by common time is amazing. The riff for the verse changes time signature every measure 9/8 8/8 7/8 and repeats. The same length of time as 3 measures if 8/8 but the downbeats change each measure.

[@dupersuper6516]

Geddy Lee should give this song a listen

[@terribowles8846]

Exactly, not forced like System of a Down...their songs hurt my head.

[@gavanphitides2706]

This was great. I’d really love to see a reaction to “Right in Two” by Tool. It’s an ode to humanity about the challenges we face and also create. If you want another song that has a structural pattern “Jambi” is associated with iambic pentameter. -Heavily symbolic Tool songs -The Grudge -Reflection -Pnuema -4 degrees ( iffy overtones but deeply symbolic subtext, maybe just good for a personal listen and not a react, “stinkfist” falls into the same category) Other dense Tool songs: -Wings for Marie part 1 and 2(About the passing of Maynards mother) -Vicarious -Eulogy(A eulogy to one’s own past) By no means an extensive list but these songs are a good starting point if you want to get into some other the more subtle aspects of the material. It’s all subjective. As always, Spiral out. Keep going.

[@ensign_poo]

Yeah, if you like to analyze lyrics, right in two is fantastic. I mean, they're all good for that but ya

[@futhamucka]

Wings 1 & 2 are imo an absolute movement. There is so much raw honesty in what he's saying, and the way that Part 2 starts off feeling like a breath, and crescendoes to this epic storm of despair, love, pride and self reflection overwhelms me every time. I cant help but well up when i hear it, it's like MJK lending us himself so we can feel what he feels.

[@tempodan]

Yep, I agree with Right in Two as a dive into another all around masterpiece. I'd also throw in The Patient. As an aside, I never see vocalists really get a good shot at dissecting Parabol, that song to me is a master class on inflections and tone. Side note, unrelated to tool but related to vocal genius with unique music is a guy called Sorne. Would love to see a reaction video to Overtones or Golden Death Chant, some really moving stuff there.

[@zenkoopa8517]

@@futhamucka Quite possibly the most beautiful and moving songs that I've heard.

[@futhamucka]

@@zenkoopa8517 totally with you brotha, spiral out x

[@johnottonelli1190]

9:20 Here we can admire his first toolgasm

[@JaneDoe-qj1pp]

Yasss..... I introduced "Schism" to a therapy group of "young" women. They were transformed imediately. Much to their benefit.

[@annavillarreal1515]

😄

[@taylorleighton8426]

Second toolgasm at 1240 ish

[@jiraiyaboi10514]

This song and parabola are the two songs where you can really lose yourself without having to use narcotics or psychedelics. In my opinion his voice is like a siren's specifically designed to entrance and ensnare

[@ironklaw]

Former recording engineering student here. The "latency" on Maynard's voice that you mentioned sounds like simple overdubbing, just done pretty loosely. Though, for effect, they may have duplicated the vocal track and offset it by a few milliseconds to get that effect.

[@alirazah]

The entire song is duplicated. This is not how this song sounds. The audio on this video is messed up.

[@djstrongarmgmail]

Actual recording student here...kindly ask for your college tuition back, if possible.

[@jonathanlovejoy3789]

it reminds me of the Riders on a Storm/ Twilight Zone- Rush, a main line is sang and the overdub is a whisper. then you can add different stereo effects to the whisper layer... NOTE- early early Tool demos had Maynard plugging into a vocal octavizer which gave his growls and diaphragm screams an evil low end. I don't know that this ever made it to tape but it could be somewhere, just more subtle.

[@thmp3r]

The Other Dave As someone who worked with giant artists, I share the sentiment in your comment.

[@M1ster.Fr3sh]

I seriously looove his reaction on both this and Pneuma. So many times have I shown a friend a Tool song hoping for this reaction and not getting anything close.... This Dan Lavigne guy is 100% fucking awesome with his reactions. His passion of being in the moment and focusing so openly is incredible as well as his knowledge and respect. Seriously dope! (Dan, incase you read this) Something is off with the audio quality of the music on both this video and Pneuma. It's a weird echo or feedback loop or something, I'm not sure if you hear that live or if it's just on the video, but I wanted you to get that feedback. Thanks again for the amazing reaction!

[@stevewyman6848]

Wish you would do more Tool reactions!

[@danwebb1756]

Their live shows are legendary and worth every penny

[@cynicald5776]

I hate when people compare Maynard James Keenan to God....I mean he’s cool and all but he’s no Maynard James keenan

[@chriszewski]

Maynard is my shepherd; I shall not want.

[@dcs2690]

Lmao

[@WheredMyPiggyGo]

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

[@cynicald5776]

Edward Bradshaw “what you need is someone strong to guide you”

[@larrydj549]

He's rifling through his toolbox

[@luchonieves]

Keep uploading videos Ken! It's awesome :D

[@ensign_poo]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: if you're going to go down a Tool rabbit hole you need a shaman and 3 months of supplies.

[@fredbarr394]

And it wouldn't hurt to bring Alice along for guidance

[@SirFigsAlot]

Been 10 years for me please send help.

[@corey73]

He's embarked on the journey with nowhere near enough supplies.

[@jommywop]

Tool and mushrooms is always a good combo 🍄

[@ensign_poo]

@Ehnus Lover696 I'm sober too ☺ the music is trip enough

[@living4truth]

I enjoy watching your reactions! Every Tool song is like a celestial journey thru the Universe, from the beginning of the song to end of the song. But in order to fully experience it and enjoy the ride you have to close your eyes, relax your body and just let it take you there without any interference. It's like taking a "trip" without any drugs! There is no one like Tool and there never will be again. They were definitely unique and original.

[@KPheeze]

Welcome to the Tool army brother, keep going down that rabbit hole!! Love your genuine reactions, can’t wait to see more Tool 🤘🏽

[@jonathanlovejoy3789]

The intro riff is in 4/4- the pulse that builds is a 'triplet +1' (it ALMOST has a swing vibe, but is played straight by the guitar) - this builds to a section that observes the dotted 8th note from the intro as the new 8th note (if you know how to feel the dotted 8th, tap that rhythm when the intro is playing and sustain it through the build) this bigger section is counted as 9/8, 8/8, 7/8, consecutively, which is a 3 bar phrase in 24/8, they repeat the phrase 3 times- the verse is 5/4, counted in 1 2 3 + 1 2 grouping- Mr. Keenan sings 1, 1, 2, 3... black, and, white are, all I see... all of his Fibonacci phrasing occurs over the 5/4- the unison hits that lead directly into the chorus are like the intro 'triplet + 1' but they are phrased to transition back into the 4/4 half time of the chorus (think of the hits as being 3+3+2). This all basically repeats itself until the bridge solo, played over the chorus- then "what ever may come"... goes into the intro part fragmented where the bass keeps the pulse, but then drums come in and play a polyrhythm over the pulse where he is accenting 5/8 as 8th/ dotted 8th (ONE, two, ONE, two, three) These times and parts all line up to hit with the accents of the drummers 5/8 poly and leads to the most satisfying halftime breakdown ever recorded, in 3/4. All of this to say, they basically created two main scenes one in 3 and another in 2... The drummer uses the 3/2 or 3/4 polyrhythm EVERYWHERE HE CAN! The sections of the song work together in a macro sort of way and I am almost positive there is a sacred geometrical image that this song creates with their connections and overlapping parts. Also, thank you for a genuine reaction. It was awesome to see you experience being moved by their music.

[@macwilson2916]

The depth of thought that goes into every Tool song is musical artistry at it's finest, they are masters of the polyrhythm, great reaction by Ken Tool Army rides the spiral, welcome aboard!

[@amandagodkin3296]

Sacred geometrical image tattooed on my foot

[@adrianvillanueva7826]

In Hermeticism, there is a book created by the "Three Principalities" called "The Kybalion", in it Hermés Trismegistro left seven universal principles: 1. Mentalism 2. Correspondence 3. Vibration 4. Polarity 5. Rhythm 6. Cause and Effect 7. Generation Tool's reference in the song "Lateralus" not only refers to the Fibonacci Series but to the hermetic principle of "Correspondence" which reads as follows: "As below is above ... as above is below; As inside is outside ... as outside is inside " That is why the reference that the song says of "As below so above and all that I imagine" ... it can be interpreted that the correspondence is like the inside is outside and that the imagination (in this case, Mentalism) generates that Paradox that everything is in complete harmony.

[@seanmcclellan]

I believe I read this. Doesn't it have a chapter about "The All"? The infinite deity, but not quite deity? I really enjoyed that part. Got my head spinning.

[@adrianvillanueva7826]

Within Hermeticism, there is a "postulate" that says the following: "The ALL in itself is and must be unknowable, since no one, except the ALL itself, can understand its own nature, its own being." It can be said with respect to the above that everything transforms and changes, nothing remains, just as everything is born, grows, matures and dies. That is the nature of the ALL, because we belong to the whole, we are an essence of the ALL. "THE UNIVERSE IS A MENTAL CREATION HELD IN THE MIND OF THE ALL" ...

[@seanmcclellan]

Excellent, yes. I wasn't wise enough to understand it very well at the time. Thank you for your reply, it brought up a good memory from 20 years ago.

[@gri7]

Now imagine my experience seeing this live with a giant spiraling light show and on mind expanding substances lol

[@BoilerBloodline]

I love your vids man. I can tell you have a true respect for great musicians. You made an incredible insightful point about Maynard’s vocals there near the end. Those who’ve not been fortunate enough to see TooL live may not know that’s precisely how much the band respects one another’s work. So much so that for years now Maynard has actually sang from the back of the the stage. They’ve always made it about the music.

[@nextrail_4218]

Makes me happy when I see people who actually understand music react to tool

[@NoFedRevolution]

I heard from a friend that the vocal affect you mentioned at the start is 3 separate tracks of Maynard layered on top of one another, he sings the words in slightly different moods to give it a more mystical all encompassing feel.