Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Tool - Ænima CD (album) cover

ÆNIMA

Tool

 

Experimental/Post Metal

4.07 | 1043 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

The Pessimist
Prog Reviewer
4 stars Finally, after a good dozen listens, I've gained the confidence and opinion I need to review this album.

This is a masterpiece for metalheads, however I do not think that all proggers will take to this album: it just seems too aggressive to be that. However, being a metalhead myself, I find this an absolutely stunning album to listen to. Maynard James Keenan delivers some really memorably brilliant vocals as usual, however he seems a fraction mellower than in the album's successor, Lateralus. Bass and Guitar are tight as usual on any Tool album, and teamed with Danny's incredibly rhythmic, tight and downright marvellous drumming, make the dream rhythm section. Danny's drumming is actually better on this album than in any of their others: if you are a drummer yourself, then this is album of the century for you. Forget Portnoy's unimaginative and banal DT work, Danny rinses the floors with him!

Now to the songs: The highlights are, without a doubt Eulogy, Forty Six & 2, Ænema and Third Eye. Eulogy for the amazing build up, 46 & 2 for it's utter listenability and the outstanding drum solo, Ænema once again for the melody and brilliant drumming and Third Eye for its raw and unique aggression. The latter is the perfect fuse of prog and metal, and Maynard's vocals are simply breathtaking. the rest of the album is bluntly just good, no other explanation needed.

Overall, I will give this album a 4star rating. Two things are holding me back from giving this the masterpiece honour: one, it isn't as consistantly perfect as Lateralus, and I have high standards for masterpiece albums; two, this isn't actually THAT proggy in my opinion, and although it would undoubtedly be a 5star on MetalArchives, this is ProgArchives and doesn't deserve that much credit here. An excellent addition to any prog collection however.

The Pessimist | 4/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this TOOL review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.