There are a select number of artists & groups that are so complex and highly regarded that when new material is released no one questions whether it will be any good - they debate how unbelievably good it will be. They talk cover art. They itch for the title, the release date, and the first single.
Five years is a long time to wait for an album (I know, I'm a Nine Inch Nails fan), but to say it was worth it would be an understatement. Side projects aside, Keenan & clan are known for delivering intensity, fury and beauty in each epic Tool release - and 10,000 Days leaves no doubt that this is a force to be reckoned with.
Somehow after 15 years of the trademark Prog-Metal Tool are synonymous with - the sound is anything but stale. It's all here: the choral-to-fiery vocals, the guitar build-ups, extensive intros, menacing drums, and of course, awesome artwork, along with a confident maturity that edged onto the radar of 2001's "Lateralus".
"The Pot" will appeal to Aenima-era fans, whilst "Right In Two" and "Lost Keys" provide elements of a throwback to Tool's debut "Undertow" without sounding like something from a time capsule. Whenever you got on board - lead single "Vicarious" and "Jambi" are both awe-inspiring examples of where this group can take their sound.
2011 is shaping up to be a great year.
