Review by SilentScream213 for Tool - Lateralus (2001)

Tool is a band I’m not particularly fond of. There is the fact that everyone seems to love them – including non-Metalheads and people not normally interested in progressive brain music or however you want to say. It’s odd to me, how many times I’ve met someone who doesn’t like heavier music, “but I like Tool.” Especially considering they aren’t exactly… accessible. They top charts across multiple websites, Metal-centric and not. They get radio play, yet at the same time have a fanbase of some of the most esoteric music aficionados on the planet. They are a weird enigma, and I suppose that suits them…

My gripes with their status aside, none of that affects my own personal thoughts on the music. And for this album, Lateralus, the music is… Good. It’s quite good. Many of the tracks are actually really great. “Schism” is the hit, and for good reason; it combines every strength the band has into one elaborate track. Quiter, contemplative sections lead by odd-time rhythms explode into heavier crescendos; passionate, allegorical lyricism delivered in a fit of desperation sets a scene and mood that strikes too close to reality; and it’s all tied together by one of the most iconic music videos of all time (which normally don’t interest me, but this one… is an exception). “Ticks and Leeches is a personal favorite of mine, showcasing the band’s more aggressive and angry side, and having some of their best riffs (Tool isn’t really a riff-oriented band, so hearing them do it well here is a treat).

At the end of the day though, the album still suffers from the biggest problem all their albums have; it’s bloated, overlong, and has vast boring sections. Lateralus is, without a doubt in my mind, their best album - the highs are mountainous, and the filler space is a bit better at crafting some contemplative atmosphere than most of their output. But still, the album as a whole to me is… just quite good. Not great. Would never be anywhere near the top of my all-time list, my 2001 list, my Prog Metal list… and again, this is coming from a metalhead, who loves Prog Metal. I will give accolades to this album where they are deserved, but I will never understand the world’s obsession and adoration for this band.