Tool - 10,000 Days Album Review

Tool
10,000 Days
Album Review

Tool are quite an enigma. I remember first stumbling across Tool through an enthusiastic fan who couldn't get enough. I had to check it out. I was greatly impressed with 'Enima' and even though I hadn't been privy to their earlier stuff was caught in the underground hype that locks you into Tool. That's because their deep, cultish and completely Tool. There's no denying that they are master craftsman who have no wish or desire to compromise and that's completely to the benefit of the music. It's always good to hear musicians who play with the desire to be creative and emotive. I was lucky enough to see Tool and it was truly a mesmerising experience. The imagination and intensity of these guys is outstanding.

Fans of Tool who listened to 'Lateralus' will be familiar to the sounds of '10 000 Days' as it pretty much continues from there. Tool are a progressive rock band that use unusual and well placed bass sounds, inventive rock drumming, piercing progressive guitar and the amazing vocals of Maynard James Keenan. It creates an opus sound that inspires me to listen to it again and again. There are many bands out there that play rock of old and get down in the same old way or all these new wave/punk kids that are based on fashion. Tool are completely original and have a deep message in their music.

The album itself is epic. There are only two songs on the album that are less than four minutes long. There are two that over eleven minutes long. You could be mistaken for thinking these guys are pretentious and you'd be right for assuming these guys a million miles from pop. There is a self indulgence to this album however it's engrossing and as every time I've listened back to it I've got more from it. It's tells a story. A dark story I'll admit but its 10 000 miles better than a lot of other bands. Keenan's vocals and lyrics are genius in my eyes as they're soulful and it has pain and passion. The arrangements from Carey, Chancellor and Jones make the music intoxicating and it is quality, contemporary progressive music.

I can't really pick a tune to talk about as all are individual and stand out on their own. The album as a whole works as an excellent composition that is missed by many current bands trying to fit into a seven single formula. I prefer extending the realms of music and this album does that. It is innovative and signature Tool. An American sound that has intelligence to it and it rocks. I like it.

Tareck Ghoneim