LATERALUS

A moving and truly powerful record. My friend introduced me to Tool some time ago and allowed me to dive into the genuis that is Tool. Of their four amazing albums, this one proves to be the greatest and one of the most intensely powerful, intelligent and moving albums that has ever come out of the metal and rock world. Right from the opening track "The Grudge," they quartet shows us their talent, with Maynards haunting vocals, backed by beautiful riffs, then suddenly, breaks into the drums. It's eight and a half minutes of paradise, and one of my favorite songs on the album. The patient is an album you must be patient to fully appreciate. It takes time for the song to kick in and may seem boring at first, be trust me, take your time with the song and it gets good, slowly building to the climax and ending off slowly and atmospherically. Schism, the song on this album the band is known for, and for good reason. The song is amazing and has an incredible video to compliment it. The song starts with a nifty little guitar shbiel and then bursts into some of the most fantastic guitar chords I've ever heard. The vocals and lyrics are also some of Maynard's best, and the song's message is one which should be heard. Another favorite of mine. Parabol is part 1 to a 2 part masterpiece. It is slow and haunting. It really only has maynard's vocals, a piano, and a guitar on it. But suddenly, it bursts into Parabola, one of the most rock familiar songs on the album. This song also has an incredible video to go with it. Ticks & Leeches is the song most metal fans will associate themselves with. After the angry vocals subside, their is five minutes of silence until it slowly returns to loud, angsty vocals. Lateralus is one of the most beautiful songs on the album. With odd, surreal vocals and intense guitar riffs and tribal drum rythmns. This is probably the song that will take you on the most intense and spiritual ride throughout the album. Disposition is a tribal song with short vocals, but a great song anyway. Reflection is the most tribal and atmospheric song the band has made since Thirde Eye. A completely intense mindfuck.