Tool - 10,000 Days

Fri 12th May, 2006 in Music Reviews

There is so much to be said about this latest production, the task of reviewing such a lauded and talented band is a little hard when attempting to empty out words without sounding like an overly obsessed, biased Tool junkie.

Tool`s beauty is radiant and encapsulating to say the least, and if you haven`t heard by now then it`s high time that you pried open your third eye and gave them a good listen while living amongst indomitable forces in the deep audio expanse of 10,000 Days.

Tool have unleashed their most killer album to date, an ambitious and emotive effort aside from that of Maynard Keenan`s other wife, A Perfect Circle. This LP diversifies Tool`s unique sound slightly in what has resulted in yet another lovechild spawned from the reemergence of the once dormant band.

10,000 Days is an epic of profound proportions, waiting on the ear and weaving it`s way into the soul.

The album has evolved from years of negotiations in between commitments to other engagements such as APCs 2004 release Emotive which features currently detached sounds with themes like love, war and greed.

This is Tool, loaded with even more fluttering, crunching guitars, percussions, ever present bass and of course featuring the charming and influential vocals by the main man Maynard.

 Power laden riffs dominate some tracks in amongst virtuoso- like drums that connect with precise and rhythmic beating. This is what some fans have been unsubtly screaming for since the days of Aenima and Undertow, and so Lateralus was produced with its sarcastically vicious homage to the incessant bleeding by “parasitic” fans evident in the track ‘Ticks and Leeches’.

Maynard can`t help but ensure that each record exceeds that of the previous, being the creative genius and musical inspiration that he is. With mammoth input, Danny Carey, Adam Jones and Justin Chancellor have aided in providing this exceptionally mesmerizing collaboration.

Some tracks are very extensive but are always involving and captivating to say the least. ‘Rosetta Stoned’ clocks in at 11 minutes 11 seconds, and with most tracks playing for over five minutes each, the 10.000 Days LP is just that, as we are invited on a magic carpet ride through kaleidoscopic realms. Tool propels the listener into their void where we find a new and exciting creation filled with thumping, crunching, gliding rhythmic messages.

Cover art once again includes magnificently fashioned pieces by the renowned artist Alex Grey, coupled with complimentary stereoscopic lenses.

‘Vicarious’ is an enchantingly layered track consisting of substantial evolution that gives way to some contemplation with ample time and space as it gets toned down with some wandering.

‘Jambi’ is wild and almost tribal, hammering and relentlessly crunching with lyrics like “In love with the dark side, I have found”. With heavily pounding and persistent guitar over drums, Maynard fades away briefly and effectively while the essence of what Tool is all about kicks in. Guitar effects lead the way on a subconscious journey beyond the confines of reality as we know it.

‘Wings for Marie’ provides a somewhat sinister insight into a dark place clouded with a melodically eerie aura. It`s hard not to become spiritually affected by a moving piece of the living dead. “The daylight dims me, cold fluorescence …didn`t have a life, surely saved one” This is a beautifully heartwarming solemn goodbye to Marie that deserves several repeat listens and should have your mind vibrating for some time.

‘Wings for Marie’ is like a soundtrack to the universe, enabling us all to tap into some kind of unknown, to listen to 10,000 days is to be a part of something large, even beyond comprehension.  “Please forgive this selfish question”.

Furthermore, we are pleased with a creeping ambience and a void filling atmosphere of the utmost sincerity as the epic continues with 10,000 Days (pt.2) which builds up towards a fantastic climax, as the chorus pleads “I`ve come home now, fetch me in the spirit of the son and the father…it`s time now, my time now, give me my…” epitomizing the journey that has occurred resulting in some kind of profound transcendence.

‘The Pot’ sees a change in tempo and a different sounding Maynard aided by funky bass asking “who are you to wave your finger, you must have been out your head” as the cauldron stirs once again before it brews into ‘Lipan Conjuring’, chanting amongst a stillness that dissolves away. ‘Lost Keys’ blames Albert Hoffman for a seemingly LSD inspired track that builds into a scenario involving doctor and patient, curiously linked to Lateralus`s The Patient.

From the sterility of ‘Lost Keys’ to the calamity inside ‘Rosetta Stoned’ we glide, and all the pieces seem to fit into the puzzle of the mysterious Tool. This is one of the heavier tracks we can smile and nod to as yet another attractive riff tears through the airwaves. “Strapped down in my bed…”

Be prepared for some spontaneous bouts of musical violence, the creative and compelling Tool can unleash a cyclonic onslaught at any time. 10,000 Days may very well blow you away and have you coming back for more.