Tool Album: “Undertow”

Tool is amazing. They write complex, emotional music, never sound corny, and they can flat-out run a chill down your spine. This particular album is more of a straight rock approach to their brand of music, as opposed to the heavy distortion of Ænima. It's tough to comapre the two albums because of this difference, but one thing I can pick out is that I like the bass better on Undertow. It is used to great effect; one example of this is on "Intolerence", where the bass keeps the flow of the song together, allowing the guitar to play more complicated and varied riffs. The vocals by Keenan are simply astounding : he can sing soft and beautifully, and conversely go all out and yell. During all of the yelling, however, he never sounds untalented; he is able to keep the high quality of his voice. That's very rare to find these days. And last but certainly not least, Danny Carey's heart-pounding drums are able to pick a song up from a slow melody to all out rage and then slow it back down again. If they continue on the path that Undertow and Ænima have beaten out for them, their new album (which is rumored to have been in production since October '99) will be something special indeed.

As a long-time fan of the band, I've chosen to spotlight this album in an Amazon review. I've seen Tool seven times live, once at Lollapalooza, once at Ozzfest and the rest at their own shows. Undertow is undoubtedly the most powerful, thought-provoking album these guys have assembled, but I would also prescribe any other of their masterpieces. Maynard's voice is an instrument, a vehicle, that takes the listener to dark places. He is the tragic king of his own world, and he makes you feel like he's been through something the rest of us only have nightmares about. The lyrics make you dig into yourself, introspect, realize what's there and what isn't and should be. Danny Carey's percussion lines provide powerful punctuation to Adam Jones' amazing guitar riffs and Paul D'amour's (now replaced by Justin Chancellor's) bass beats. The bass, in this album and Aenima particularly, is the engine of the music. The pure genius of Adam Jones, the brain child of this band, is recognizeable in any of their videos or songs. Rarely does one find a band that speaks to listeners like Tool. One of their most powerful messages is that through introspection, you realize your true potential in what you do and who you are-- so don't be a sheep. Don't follow the crowd, or take things for granted. No one told you to come. This is necessary; life feeds on life. If you can't get the messages, can't appreciate the music for what it is, don't get this album or any of their others. If you are open-minded and you can read between the lines, listen to Tool.

"Undertow" is an incredible album by an extremely talented band. Maynard Keenan is never afraid to push a screwdriver into the most sensitive places in the human psyche, and this album does precisely that.

Tool's blend of amazing lyrics, musical talent and Maynard's vocals creates a sound that is somber and wicked, disturbing and powerful. The first single, "Sober", hooked a lot of people who were turned off by or intimidated by the rest of the album. The rest of us were drawn like moths to a flame, because every song on this record is compelling and thought-provoking. "Prison Sex" is as disturbing as the title suggests, calling up very dark images that made for a chilling video (even though they didn't deal directly with the title act). "Sober," actually, was not my favorite song on the album. It's a great song, but lacks the buildup and emotional crescendo of "Flood", nor is it equal to the dark brooding on "Bottom" (guest vocal by Henry Rollins).

"Intolerance" is an excellent opening shot, with Maynard spitting angrily at lying, greed and hipocrisy, while "Undertow" resonates with vocal beauty and lyrical artistry. "Disgustipated" is an amazing allegory on human suffering and the horrors man visits upon his brethren. This song inspired me to do an art project with my girlfriend.

I don't get all the comparisons to Korn. I like Korn a lot, but I think they bring a more visceral punch, while Tool will lull you to sleep at the same time they give you nightmares. Undertow is full of originality and depth... do not pass it by.

Tool should not be classified as a rock band. They should be classified as an orchestra. The song writing in this album, I feel is bordering on (and i'm a violinist) the Mozart level. The way that they weave and twist the guitar melodies, drum beats, amazing vocals, and underlying bass rhythm is beyond me. Each song is a masterpiece, a journey. That's not all, the album as a whole, feels like one large, well, opera. Each song is perfectly placed, This cd was designed to be listened all of the way through, no shorter. The listener is taken on a journey as they flow through the truly original songs. And nothing is repetitive. Everything is in sync (no, not 'nsync). All I can say is that if you want to hear what a really true metal band sounds like, a band with amazing talent, a band that has the song writing capabilities with the likes of Led Zepplin, Lennon, and Metallica, all in one, Tool is what you need. If you like this, Aenima is even a more must buy.

Undertow is one of the Greatest albums ever. Period. This "clean" album was released for Walmart, who refused to sell the CD with the original art work. I assume that tool put the barcode to show that walmart doesnt care about music or art at all. Just money.

Get the real one. Dont stand for the butchery of art.