Tool - 10,000 Days

Well, this is it. This is the album that gives a "progressive metal" label to one of the hardest bands to fit into a genre. I must say, this is one of the most difficult reviews I have ever had to write. To me, this album has been my most anticipated of the past few years. Many fans have placed expectations on this album that are so high, God can't even reach them. To many fans Tool's last album, Lateralus, was their masterpiece. I disagree. I think Lateralus is one of the most overrated albums ever. It contains some of Tool's best tracks, but they are smothered with useless filler causing the whole package to be very dull.

I was worried that 10,000 Days would have the same problem. Unfortunately, it does. Tool still can't trim the excess fat off of their CDs. The good thing is, the near silence moments that bored me on Lateralus are replaced with more interesting and more experimental fat. Another thing that stands out about this album is that you can see the band spread their wings further as musicians. They are trying new things with their instruments to keep the listener interested.

Adam Jones is playing a lot more leads and melodies on his guitar rather than rhythm. You can really hear the King Crimson influence on his guitar work. Danny Carey is using a lot of electronic patches on his drumkit. It is like he is doing synth work while drumming. This adds a real cool and new element. Justin Chancellor is as tight as ever. If you don't believe me listen to "The Pot". Lastly, Maynard really tests new waters on this disc. He tries switching things up from song to song. His performance seems to be very restrained. I think this quote really sums up his vocal performance. In an interview he states, ""But now, the anger is more of a frustrated anger, and me sitting back and going, 'Okay, I'm going to shut up now, I'm going to stop ranting and trying to be chicken little telling you that the sky is falling, I'm going to just let you guys get hit in the head.'" This message becomes very clear while listening to the vocals and lyrics.

Tool has really pushed their limits as songwriters on this album. They start experimenting with complex, epic song structures. Most of the songs clock in at 7+ minutes and there are two 10+ minute songs on the album. Fans who are expecting short, right-to-the-point songs will be let down. Sometimes, the songs get too complex and epic for their own good. They start to become a little self-indulgent. The good thing is, when they run away, they always come back. I wish there would be someone in the studio that says, "Come on!"

Musically, this album has a little something for everyone. The production and sound is more raw this time around. Also, the attitude is a little more aggressive. This album is very well rounded. It has its heavy, straight-forward tracks ("Vicarious", "Jambi" and "The Pot"). These songs capture the best parts of Undertow, Opiate and Aenima and add their own twists to them.

The album also has longer more experimental songs ("Wings for Marie/10,000 days", "Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned", "Right in Two" and "Intension"). You can really hear a Pink Floyd influence on the title track. I think it is awesome that Tool is able to write a song that focuses in on their moody and atmospheric side and still make it interesting. The subtle build up and climax are great. "Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned" reaks of King Crimson with its heaviness and frantic rhythm changes. This could be one of the most rhythmically technical songs Tool has ever written. "Right in Two" sounds like a grab bag of Aenima moments. It is a good song, but lacks the originality to make it a great song. "Intension" is a moody song on the lines of "Disposition/Reflection/Triad" from Lateralus. The song is a little more interesting, but doesn't really go anywhere. I appreciate the King Crimson atmosphere, but the song needs more direction.

Lastly, we have the two filler songs ("Lipan Conjuring" and "Viginti Tres"). This needs to stop. These filler tracks aren't cute anymore. They feel awkward and forced. They don't need to be there and add nothing to the album. To close an album with a filler song is unacceptable at this point.

With all of that said 10,000 Days is a very good album, but is not perfect. It has some great songs and good songs with great moments. I have a feeling, because of the lengths of the songs and the experimentation, it will be a very hit or miss album. It was definitely worth the wait in my opinion, but others may not feel the same.