VICARIOUS

Tool

Experimental/Post Metal

3.80 | 64 ratings

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Finnforest
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

Good, but not for the queasy set

Full disclosure up front, I don't know much about Tool. I have Lateralus and this is the first video I've seen from the band. Vicarious is the DVD-single release of the all-CGI video housed in cool, elaborate packaging. Some online comments have been critical that the band should be releasing a quality live DVD rather than CGI single videos but others have found this release very good. I'm in between. The video is extremely well done and imaginative with weird apocalyptic nightmare landscapes and images of strange humanoid bodies being invaded by parasites that look like giant fleas. It's all taste I suppose but to me the imagery was pretty ugly and negative and nothing that touched me in any way except some mild repulsion. And perhaps that was the intent. Not something I would ever wish to watch repeatedly like I would a great concert. The song is some pretty thunderous, edgy metal with great riffs and spectacular drumming cutting through the wall of noise. Definitely kicking me enough to want to hear the album which is a good thing. Extras include a "making of" mini-documentary, storyboards, and commentary. There is also a look at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors featuring the amazing artwork of Alex and Allyson Grey-truly spectacular viewing if you are into the Tool artwork. It is a spiritual chapel and museum of sorts and they speak of having gatherings of people in the hopes of "opening the third eye." Pretty exciting and visionary stuff. I think the focus on a single track rather than a comprehensive collection of videos or live material make the purchase recommendation "for fans" but am still going 3 stars for the talents on display both musically and in the dark video. There's enough here with the video and extras to please most Tool fans I would guess. 6/10

Finnforest | 3/5 | 2008-8-30

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