Tool

2LP/Picture Disc/4 Different Images/Holographic Gatefold

Fifty-one months after Lateralus' original release in CD format, Tool is ready to release a double vinyl four-picture disc edition of Lateralus. Each side contains a different picture and is packaged in a plastic gatefold with a holographic foil. Sony. 2005.

As the title of Tool's 1992 debut implies, they're none too impressed by religion, though other targets-fear ("Cold and Ugly"), hypocritical moralizing ("Jerk-Off"), nonconformity ("Hush")-get their time in the spotlight as well. Opiate is a collection of heavy, aggressive, cynical music (though the tail end of the title track sounds more like Acid Rock), packaged in songs noticeably shorter than on their later efforts (Undertow, 1993, and Aenima, 1996). While not as impressive as Undertow, arguably their finest effort, Opiate has a definite appeal.

Tracks

• 1 Sweat
• 2 Hush
• 3 Part of Me
• 4 Cold and Ugly (Live)
• 5 Jerk-Off (Live)
• 6 Opiate

The Excellent Tool Festival Broadcast from 1993!

Formed in L.A. in 1990, Tool originally comprised drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Justin Chancellor has been the band's bass player since 1995, replacing their original bassist Paul D ‘Amour. To date, the band has released five studio albums, one EP and one box set. They emerged with a heavy metal sound on their first release, Undertow in 1993, and became a dominant act in the alternative metal movement with the arrival of their follow-up Ænima in ‘96.

As part of Tool’s 1993 ‘Undertow Tour’, the band played several concerts on  the Lollapalooza festival tour, during which they were moved from the second stage to the main stage by their manager and festival co-founder Ted Gardner.

One of the finest shows Tool played as part of this tour was at The Starplex Amphitheater in Dallas, Texas, on 1st August 1993, where they performed a set which has gone down in Tool mythology. Previously unreleased, this dynamic gig is now available in its entirety on this vinyl, with a bonus cut of an eight minute interview with frontman Maynard, speaking during the same tour about the band’s music,
philosophy and drive.

From a live FM broadcast recorded at Starplex Amphitheatre, Dallas, TX, 1st August 1993.

Track Listings

1. 1 - Intolerance
2. 2 - Undertow
3. 3 - Sober
4. 4 - Prison Sex
5. 5 - Opiate (Feat. Layne Staley)
6. 6 - Bottom
7. 7 - Jerk-Off
8. 8 - Maynard James Keenan Interview 1993

Arguably their finest album, this follow-up to Opiate showcases Tool at their best, assisted by clean, crisp production. Edgy guitar riffs are complemented by spitting, heavy bass, especially on 'Sober' and 'Crawl Away'. Lyrically, Tool are at their vitriolic best, targeting religious hypocrisy ('Intolerance,' 'Sober'; always a popular theme), the loss of innocence and its consequences ('Prison Sex'), and deliberate ignorance ('Swamp Song'). Henry Rollins makes a guest appearance on 'Bottom,' which, along with '4 Degrees,' deals with questions of identity. Undertow is also Tool's most musically adventurous album, with considerably more sophistication than their previous work. Very highly recommended.

1. Intolerance
2. Prison Sex
3. Sober
4. Bottom
5. Crawl Away
6. Swamp Song
7. Undertow
8. 4°
9. Flood
10. Disgustipated