| The
Review |
The “comfort zone” everyone has one it’s that one place
where we feel totally comfortable, confident, safe, untouchable.
Some of us struggle to find ours while others are trying to
find their own. Stepping out of your “comfort zone” is what
Tool’s latest release 10,000 Days is all about. Since their
inception Tool has been one of the most influential pioneers
of the metal, progressive rock genre. Tool began their musical
with raw lyrical talent and great rock riffs and licks with
darkness and anger of Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Rush,
and fused it with the introspection and lyrical genius of
Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Tool has stayed true to their
roots with this album, but a band that was fueled with anger
and u tter defiance for the music industry in an age where
major labels dictate that new releases from bands every 18
months, Tool has somehow managed to circumvent these rituals
releasing a record every four to five years as they see fit.
This album is worth the wait, it’s not only a step forward
for the band but a re-embracing of the epic-length rock songs
found at the roots of early heavy metal, and offers some of
Lead singer/songwriter Maynard James Keenan’s most confessional
lyrics, in songs like “Wings for Marie Pt.1” “10,000 days
(Wings Pt.2)” “ The Pot” and finally, “Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman)”.***
“Wings for Marie Pt” and “10,000 Days(Wings Pt 2) is
a two part composition which is an ode to Maynard’s who passed
away after long complications with a stroke. It’s a brief
glimpse into the living another’s experience, and understanding
it, and Keenan does it in a way that’s sensitive and honest
without the melodrama and going over the top.***
“ The Pot” the name in itself conjures up lost memories
of the 60’s and 70’s and the psychedelic era of Pink Floyd’s
“ Comfortably Numb” with big instrumentals and a fusion old
school rock and heavy metal, Maynard’s voice is similar to
the late great "Freddie Mercury"or "David Gilmore"
in style and it’s evident those are his influences. ***
Finally, “ Lost Keys(Blame Hoffman)” begins with a hauntingly
eerie but infectious instrumental beginning with minor bass
chords and a roar of what seems like a fire alarm. Sonically,
the band has never been tighter 10,000 Days is a very different
Tool album but is mesmerizing, addictive and still sounds
like Tool.***
The major drawback that the band has however is their
website, although its aesthetically pleasing, navigating the
site can be very tedious, and time consuming when searching
for information on the band. It just might be the one thing
that will drive new fans away. ***
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