Released August 30, 2019
How old was I? Thirteen? Fourteen? Sitting on the floor of my mate Chris’ bedroom. He throws on the latest Triple J Hottest 100 compilation CD, the one that looks like a $100 note on the cover. Disk one, second song in, right after Spiderbait’s Buy Me A Pony, voted number one song of the previous year. Good song. But it was Stinkfist that changed me forever. The drum sample intro, dissipating into screeching feedback… and then the riff. The RIFF.
Tool have been constant presence in my life ever since. I’ve seen them every time they’ve toured. Seeing them again in February. Still, I wouldn’t call myself a rabid fan. I won’t listen to them for months, years. Then they bubble up to the surface, and I binge listen for weeks.
So it was a bit of a given that I would love Fear Inoculum. It’s not groundbreaking. But that’s fine. Not every album can be like 2001’s Lateralus. A bold evolution in sound and concept. Or 10,000 Days, my personal favourite since Ænima (I like my Tool served heavy).
But it doesn’t matter. It’s fucken Tool, man. There’s only one. And they’re the best one.
If I had one grievance, it’s that Maynard doesn’t let loose nearly enough like he used to. Maybe that was a stylistic choice. Maybe it’s ’cause the bloke’s in his 50s for fuck’s sake, give him a break. But go back and listen to the last three lines of Vicarious and tell me that isn’t the shit right there.
Fear Inoculum‘s not as heavy, but it’s crisp, clear. It’s not as innovative, but it’s rich and immersive. It’s not as pulsating, but it’s careful, considered.
It’s bloody excellent.
Favourite song: Pneuma
toolband.com | Buy on iTunes | Buy at JB Hi-Fi | Listen on Spotify
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