Tool (band)
Un article de Vev.
Modèle:Infobox musical artist Tool is an American rock band, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of drummer Danny Carey, bassist Justin Chancellor, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Tool has won three Grammy Awards, performed worldwide tours, and produced albums topping the charts in several countries.<ref name="AllMusic Biography"> Erlewine , Stephen Thomas
; G. Prato
. Tool Biography . AllMusic.com
. Retrieved on 2006-04-28. </ref>
The band emerged with a heavy metal sound on their first LP when the genre was dominated by thrash metal, and was later seen at the top of the alternative metal movement with the release of their second LP, Ænima, in 1996. Efforts to unify musical experimentation, visual arts, and a message of personal evolution continued with Lateralus (2001) and the most recent album 10,000 Days (2006), gaining the band critical acclaim and success around the world.
Due to Tool's incorporation of visual arts and relatively long and complex releases, the band is generally described as a style-transgressing act and part of progressive and art rock. The relationship between the band and today's music industry is ambivalent,<ref name="Stepping Out From the Shadows"> Sokal , Roman
(2001-05-23) . Tool - Stepping Out From the Shadows . Exclaim!
. Retrieved on 2006-09-17. </ref> at times marked by censorship and the bandmembers' insistence on privacy.<ref name="livewire">Modèle:Cite journal</ref>
Sommaire |
History
Early years (1988–1992)
During the 1980s, the future members of Tool all moved to Los Angeles. Both Paul D'Amour and Adam Jones wanted to enter the film industry, while Maynard James Keenan found employment remodeling pet stores after studying visual arts in Michigan.<ref name="livewire"/> Danny Carey performed as a drummer for Green Jellÿ,<ref name="livewire"/> and Carole King, and played around Los Angeles with Pigmy Love Circus.<ref> Tool Bio: Danny Carey
. Toolband.com
. Retrieved on 2007-05-08. </ref>
Keenan and Jones met through a mutual friend in 1989.<ref name="guitarworldnumetal">Kitts, pp. 1965–1969.</ref> After Keenan played a tape recording for Jones of his previous band project, Jones was so impressed by his voice that he eventually talked his friend into forming their own band.<ref name="guitarworldnumetal"/> They started jamming together and were still on the lookout for a drummer and a bass player. Danny Carey happened to live above Keenan and was introduced to Jones by Tom Morello, an old high school friend of Jones and former bandmate of Electric Sheep.<ref name="metalmasters">Newquist, pp. 11–15.</ref> Carey began playing in their sessions because he "felt kinda sorry for them", as other invited musicians were not showing up.<ref>Akhtar, C3.</ref> Tool's lineup was completed when a friend of Jones introduced them to bassist D'Amour.<ref name="circusmagazine">Modèle:Cite journal</ref> Early on, the band fabricated the story that they formed because of the pseudophilosophy "lachrymology".<ref> Blake , Blair MacKenzie
. Let Not My Tears Fall Unnoticed: Being the Secret Joys of a Lachrymist . toolarmy.com
. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. </ref> Although "lachrymology" was also explained to be an inspiration for the band's name, Keenan later explained their intentions differently: "Tool is exactly what it sounds like: It's a big dick. It's a wrench.... we are ... your tool; use us as a catalyst in your process of finding out whatever it is you need to find out, or whatever it is you're trying to achieve."<ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref>
After only a few gigs, the band was approached by record companies,<ref name="guitarworldnumetal"/> and only three months into their career signed a record deal with Zoo Entertainment.<ref name="circusmagazine"/> In March 1992, Zoo published the band's first effort, Opiate. Described by the band as "slam and bang" heavy metal<ref>Akhtar, E8.</ref> and the "hardest sounding" six songs they had written to that point,<ref name="Jones a Master of Many Trades">Modèle:Cite journal</ref> the EP included the singles "Hush" and "Opiate". The band's first music video "Hush" promoted the band's dissenting views about the then-prominent Parents Music Resource Center and its advocacy of the censorship of music. The video featured the band members naked with their genitalia covered by parental advisory stickers and their mouths covered by duct tape.<ref name="much">Modèle:Cite video</ref> The band began touring with Rollins Band, Skitzo, Fishbone, and Rage Against the Machine<ref name="Stepping Out From the Shadows"/> to positive responses, which Janiss Garza of RIP Magazine summarized in September 1992 as a "buzz" and "a strong start".<ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref>
Undertow (1993–1995)
The following year, at a time when post-Nirvana alternative rock was at its height, Tool released their first full-length album, Undertow (1993). It expressed more diverse dynamics than Opiate and included songs the band had chosen not to publish on their previous release when they opted for a heavier sound.<ref name="Jones a Master of Many Trades"/> The band began touring again as planned, with an exception in May 1993. Tool was scheduled to play the Garden Pavilion in Hollywood but learned at the last minute that the Garden Pavilion belonged to L. Ron Hubbard's Church of Scientology, which the band felt clashed with "the band's ethics about how a person should not follow a belief system that constricts their development as a human being".<ref name="Stepping Out From the Shadows" /> Keenan recalled that he "spent most of the show baa-ing like a sheep at the audience".<ref name="33 things"> Dolan , Jon
(August 2006)
. 33 Things You Should Know About Tool
. Blender
. Retrieved on 2006-09-18. </ref>
Tool later played several very successful concerts during the Lollapalooza road show, and were moved from second to main stage by their manager and the festival's co-founder Ted Gardner.<ref> Pettigrew , Jason
. " Nobody's Tool " , Alternative Press . Retrieved on 2007-04-08 . </ref> At the last concert of Lollapalooza in Tool's hometown Los Angeles, comedian Bill Hicks introduced the band. Hicks had become a friend of the band and an influence on them after being mentioned in Undertow's liner notes.<ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref> He jokingly asked the audience of 60,000 people to stand still and help him look for a lost contact lens.<ref > Question & Answer with Kevin Booth . Fade to Black presents: It's Only a Ride: Bill Hicks
. Retrieved on 2007-07-14. </ref> The boost in popularity gained from these concerts led Undertow to be certified gold by the RIAA in September 1993 and to receive platinum status in 1995,<ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref> despite being sold with a censored album cover by distributors such as Wal-Mart.<ref name="Axcess">Modèle:Cite journal</ref><ref>Sherry, p. 176.</ref> The single "Sober" closed in on becoming a hit single by March 1994 and won the band Billboard's "Best Video By A New Artist" award for the accompanying stop motion music video.<ref name="Jones a Master of Many Trades"/>
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With the release of Tool's follow-up single "Prison Sex", the band again became the target of censorship. The song's lyrics and video dealt with child abuse, which sparked controversial reactions; Keenan's lyrics begin with: "It took so long to remember just what happened. I was so young and vestal then, you know it hurt me, but I'm breathing so I guess I'm still alive." The video was mainly created by guitarist Adam Jones, who saw it as his "surrealistic interpretation" of the subject matter.<ref name="hypno">Modèle:Cite journal</ref> And while some contemporary journalists again praised the video<ref name="sfc94"/> and described the lyrics as "metaphoric",<ref name="much"/> the American branch of MuchMusic asked Keenan to represent the band in a hearing. It deemed the respective music video too graphic and offensive,<ref name="Stepping Out From the Shadows" /> and MTV stopped airing it after a few viewings.<ref name="sfc94"/>
In September 1995, the band entered the studios to record their second album. At that time, Tool experienced its only lineup change to date, with bassist D'Amour leaving the band amicably to pursue other projects. Justin Chancellor, a member of former tourmates Peach, eventually replaced D'Amour, chosen over competitors such as Kyuss' Scott Reeder, Filter's Frank Cavanaugh, Pigmy Love Circus's E. Shepherd Stevenson and ZAUM's Marco Fox.<ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref>
Ænima (1996–2000)
After Justin Chancellor came on board, recording of the already-begun Ænima continued. The band enlisted the help of producer David Bottrill, who had produced some of King Crimson's albums while Jones collaborated with Cam de Leon to create Ænima's (later Grammy-nominated) artwork. The album was released in October 1996.
Two-and-a-half years prior, satirist Bill Hicks had died; the album was dedicated to his memory.<ref name="Stepping Out From the Shadows"/> The band intended to raise awareness about Hicks' material and ideas, because they felt that Tool and Hicks "were resonating similar concepts".<ref name="austinkeenanhicks"> Langer , Andy
. " Another Dead Hero " , The Austin Chronicle , May, 1997 . Retrieved on 2007-05-29 . </ref> In particular, Ænima's final track "Third Eye" is preceded by a clip of Hicks' performances, and both the lenticular casing of the Ænima CD packaging as well as the chorus of the title track "Ænema" make reference to a sketch off Hicks' Arizona Bay, where he contemplates the idea of California falling into the Pacific Ocean.<ref name="austinkeenanhicks"/><ref> Zwick , John
(2004-02-25) . Dead 10 years, Hicks still makes us laugh . University of Colorado at Denver Advocate
. Retrieved on 2007-04-09. </ref> Eventually, "Ænema" would win Tool their first Grammy Award.<ref> 40th Grammy Awards
. Rockonthenet.com
(1998)
. Retrieved on 2007-05-26. </ref>
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The first single "Stinkfist" had difficulty gaining airplay: It was shortened by radio programmers, MTV renamed the music video of "Stinkfist" to "Track #1" due to offensive connotations,<ref name="stinkfist"> Akhtar , Kabir
. The "Track #1" Fiasco . toolshed.down.net
. Retrieved on 2006-03-06. </ref> and the lyrics of the song were altered.<ref>McIver, p. 137.</ref> Responding to fan complaints of censorship, Matt Pinfield of MTV's 120 Minutes expressed regrets on air by waving his fist in front of his face while introducing the video and explaining the name change.<ref name="stinkfist" />
A tour began in October 1996, only two weeks after Ænima's release. Following numerous appearances in the United States and Europe, Tool headed for Australia in late March 1997. April 1 saw the first of several April Fools pranks related with the band, most of them being initiated by Kabir Akhtar, webmaster of the semi-official fanpage t.d.n, announcing that:<ref name="tdn - april fools 97"> Akhtar , Kabir
. Tool News: April Fools 1997 . toolshed.down.net
. Retrieved on 2007-03-29. </ref>
The hoax gained wide attention and was eventually exposed on radio and MTV. Akhtar later posted an apology, claiming that t.d.n "will not indulge itself in such outlandish pranks in the future"—a false claim, as later pranks would prove.<ref name="tdn - april fools 97"/> The tour continued the next day as originally announced. Eventually returning to the United States, Tool appeared at Lollapalooza '97 in July, this time as a headliner, gaining critical praise from The New York Times:<ref name="nytimeslollapalooza"> Pareles , Jon
. Lollapalooza's Recycled Hormones: Rebellion by the Numbers . The New York Times
. Retrieved on 2006-03-06. </ref>
Regardless of a decline in popularity of alternative rock music during the mid-90s in the United States, Ænima eventually matched Tool's successful debut, selling equal numbers.<ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref> The progressive-influenced Ænima landed the band at the head of the alternative metal genre: It featured the Grammy Award-winning "Ænema" and appeared on several "Best Albums of 1996" lists,<ref name="acclaimedaenima"> Tool - Aenima
. acclaimedmusic.net
. Retrieved on 2007-06-25. </ref> with notable examples being Kerrang!<ref> Kerrang! End of Year Lists
. Kerrang!
. Retrieved on 2007-07-27. </ref> and Terrorizer.<ref> Terrorizer End of Year Lists
. Terrorizer
. Retrieved on 2007-07-27. </ref>
A legal battle that began the same year impeded the band from working on another release. Volcano Records—the successor of Tool's by-then defunct label Zoo Entertainment—alleged contract violations by Tool and filed suit. According to Volcano, Tool violated their contract when the band looked at offers from other record labels. After Tool filed a counter suit stating that Volcano failed to use a renewal option in their contract, the parties settled out of court. At the end of 1998, Tool agreed to a new contract, a three-record joint venture deal.<ref>Akhtar, C15.</ref> In 2000, the band dismissed their long-time manager Ted Gardner, who then decided to sue the band over his commission on this lucrative agreement.<ref> Borzillo-Vrenna , Carrie
. Tool Gets Sued By Manager For $5 Million . CDNow.com
. Retrieved on 2007-09-17. </ref>
These legal battles put a great strain on the band and delayed work on their next album.<ref name="Stepping Out From the Shadows"/> During this time, Keenan founded the successful band A Perfect Circle with long-time Tool guitar tech Billy Howerdel, while Jones joined The Melvins' Buzz Osborne and Carey Dead Kennedys' Jello Biafra on other side-projects.<ref name="classicrock2001">Modèle:Cite journal</ref> At this point, rumors that Tool were breaking up began to spread until the band released the Salival box set (CD/VHS or CD/DVD) in 2000,<ref> Kline , Scott
(2002-10-17) . Breslin hosts heavier sound . The State News
. Retrieved on 2007-04-09. </ref><ref name="FresnoBee"> Osegueda , Mike
(2002-11-22) . Tool tops weekend menu. . The Fresno Bee
. Retrieved on 2007-04-09. </ref> effectively putting an end to the rumors.<ref name="AllMusic Biography" /> The CD contained one new original track, a cover of Led Zeppelin's "No Quarter", live versions of Peach's "You Lied", as well as old revised songs. The VHS and DVD both contained four music videos, with a bonus music video for "Hush" on the DVD. Although Salival did not produce any singles, the hidden track "Maynard's Dick" (which dates back to the Opiate era) briefly found its way to FM radio when several DJs chose to play it on air under the title "Maynard's Dead".<ref>Akhtar, H26.</ref>
Lateralus (2001–2005)
In January 2001, Tool announced a new album, Systema Encéphale, along with a 12-song tracklist containing titles such as "Riverchrist", "Numbereft", "Encephatalis", "Musick", and "Coeliacus".<ref name="tdnsystematracks"> Akhtar , Kabir
. Old News. January - March 2001 . toolshed.down.net
. Retrieved on 2006-03-06. </ref> File-sharing networks such as Napster became flooded with bogus files bearing the titles' names.<ref name="tdnsystematracks"/> During that time, Tool members were outspokenly critical of file-sharing networks in general due to the negative impact on artists that are dependent on success in record sales to continue their career. Keenan had this to say during an interview with NY Rock in 2000:<ref> Gabriella
(September 2000)
. Interview with Maynard James Keenan of A Perfect Circle
. NY Rock
. Retrieved on 2006-04-28. </ref>
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Only one month later, the band revealed that the new album was actually titled Lateralus and that the name Systema Encéphale and the tracklist had been a ruse.<ref name="mtvnewssystema"> D'Angelo , Joe
. Tool Tinker With Album Title, Set Track List . MTV News . MTV.com
. Retrieved on 2006-03-06. </ref> Lateralus and the corresponding tours would take Tool a step further towards art-rock<ref name="e!onlinelateralus"> Lateralus review
. E! Online
(2001)
. Retrieved on 2007-06-18. </ref><ref name="kingcrimsonminitour"> Bond , Laura
(2001)
. Tool Stretch Out And Slow Down In Show With King Crimson
. VH1.com
. Retrieved on 2007-07-19. </ref><ref name="munge"> Brett , Milano
(2006)
. Power Tool: Maynard James Keenan and band craft epic art-metal
(HTML)
. Boston Herald
. Retrieved on 2006-05-27. </ref> and progressive rock<ref name="AMG Lateralus review"> Theakston , Rob
(2001)
. Lateralus Review
. AllMusic
. Retrieved on 2006-04-28. </ref><ref name="rollingstonelateralus"> Fricke , David
(2001)
. Lateralus Review
. Rolling Stone
. Retrieved on 2006-04-24. </ref><ref>DeRogatis, p. 562.</ref> territory. Rolling Stone wrote in an attempt to summarize the album that "Drums, bass and guitars move in jarring cycles of hyperhowl and near-silent death march.... The prolonged running times of most of Lateralus' thirteen tracks are misleading; the entire album rolls and stomps with suitelike purpose."<ref name="rollingstonelateralus"/> Joshua Klein of The A.V. Club in turn expressed his opinion that Lateralus, with its 79 minutes and relatively complex and long songs—topped by the ten-and-a-half minute music video for "Parabola"—posed a challenge to fans and music programming alike.<ref> Klein , Joshua
(2002-03-29) . Lateralus review . The A.V. Club
. Retrieved on 2007-05-25. </ref>
The album became a success the world over, reaching #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart in its debut week.<ref> Discography Tool Laterlaus
. Billboard.com
. Retrieved on 2006-04-29. </ref> Tool received their second Grammy Award for the best metal performance of 2001 for the song "Schism".<ref> Grammy Award Winners
. The Recording Academy
. Retrieved on 2007-04-28. </ref> During the band's acceptance speech, drummer Carey stated that he would like to thank his parents (for putting up with him) and Satan, and bassist Chancellor concluded: "I want to thank my dad for doing my mom."<ref> D'Angelo , Joe
(2002)
. Alicia Keys Takes Five, 'O Brother' Gets Most At 44th Grammy Awards
. MTV News
. MTV.com
. Retrieved on 2006-08-07. </ref>
Extensive touring throughout 2001 and 2002 supported Lateralus and included a personal highlight of the band: a 10-show joint mini-tour with King Crimson in August 2001. Comparisons between the two were made, MTV described the bands as "the once and future kings of progressive rock", and Keenan stated: "For me, being on stage with King Crimson is like Lenny Kravitz playing with Led Zeppelin, or Britney Spears onstage with Debbie Gibson."<ref name="kingcrimsonminitour"/>
Although the end of the tour in November 2002 seemed to spell another dormancy for the band, they did not become completely inactive. While Keenan recorded and toured with A Perfect Circle, the other band members released an interview and a recording of new material, both fan club exclusive. On April 1, 2005, the official website announced that "Maynard has found Jesus" and would be abandoning the recording of the new Tool album temporarily and possibly permanently. Kurt Loder of MTV contacted Keenan via email to ask for a confirmation and received a nonchalant confirmation. When Loder asked again, Keenan's response was simply "heh heh".<ref> Harris , Chris
(2005-04-07) . Maynard And Jesus Split: The Conclusion . MTV News . MTV.com
. Retrieved on 2007-02-14. </ref> On April 7, the official Tool site posted the following news item titled with the Bill Hicks quote "Christians, huh? So forgive me." It then explained, "Good news, April fools fans. The writing and recording is back under way."<ref> Blake , Blair MacKenzie
(2005)
. Tool: News
. Toolband.com
. Retrieved on 2007-03-30. </ref>
The writing and recording proceeded for the follow-up to Lateralus; meanwhile, a Lateralus vinyl edition and two DVD singles were released, and the band's official website received a new splash intro by artist Joshua Davis.<ref> Joshua Davis - Projects - Web - Tool
(FLASH) . joshuadavis.com
. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. </ref> The "double vinyl four-picture disc" edition of Lateralus was first released as a limited autographed edition exclusively available to fan club members and publicly released on August 23 2005. On December 20 2005, the two DVDs were released, one containing the single "Schism" and the other "Parabola", a remix by Lustmord, and the music video with commentary by David Yow and Jello Biafra, respectively.
10,000 Days (2006–present)
Fifteen years into the band's career, Tool had acquired what Dan Epstein of Revolver described as a devoted "cult" following,<ref name="revolver">Modèle:Cite journal</ref> and as details about the band's next album emerged, such as the influence of Lateralus tourmates Fantômas and Meshuggah,<ref name="mtvhammer"> Wiederhorn , Jon
. Tool Hammer Away At New Album . MTV News . MTV.com
. Retrieved on 2006-04-06. </ref> the rumor mill surrounding new Tool releases resurfaced.<ref name="theage10kdays"> Donovan , Patrick
(2006)
. Is anyone listening?
. TheAge.com.au
. Retrieved on 2006-05-06. </ref> The main controversy was the album title. After rumored titles such as Teleincision had been dismissed, a news item on the official Tool website announced the new album's name was 10,000 Days.
Nevertheless, speculation continued and reached a point where it was alleged that 10,000 Days was merely a "decoy" album to fool audiences until the day of release,<ref name="theage10kdays"/> which eventually proved false when a leaked copy of the album was distributed via filesharing networks a week prior to the official release.<ref> Harris , Chris
(2006-05-11) . Tool Planning Summer Tour Around Keenan's Wine Harvest . VH1.com
. Retrieved on 2007-06-15. </ref> The album opener "Vicarious" premiered on US radio stations on April 17. The record followed on May 2 2006 in the US and debuted at the top spots of various international charts. 10,000 Days sold 564,000 copies in its opening week in the US and was number one on the Billboard 200 charts, doubling sales of Pearl Jam's self-titled album, the closest competitor,<ref> Tool, Pearl Jam Claim Billboard Chart In The Name Of Rock (May 10, 2006)
. MTV.com
. Retrieved on 2006-09-17. </ref> although the critical reception of 10,000 Days was less favorable than its predecessor Lateralus.<ref>Metacritic calculated an average score of 68 for 10,000 Days compared to 75 for Lateralus. Tool: 10,000 Days (2006): Reviews
. Metacritic
(2006)
. Retrieved on 2006-09-17.
Tool: Lateralus (2001): Reviews . Metacritic (2001)
. Retrieved on 2007-06-17. </ref>
After the release of 10,000 Days, a tour kicked off at Coachella on April 30, 2006. The touring schedule was similar to the Lateralus tour of 2001; supporting acts were Isis and Mastodon. During a short break early next year, after touring Australia and New Zealand, drummer Danny Carey suffered a bicep tear during a skirmish with his girlfriend's dog, casting uncertainty on the band's upcoming concerts in North America.<ref> TOOL : NEWS - TOOL Newsletter February 2007, e.v
. Toolband.com
(2007)
. Retrieved on 2007-05-10. </ref> Carey underwent surgery on February 21, and several gigs had to be postponed. Back on tour by April, Tool appeared as a headliner at the Bonnaroo Music Festival with a guest appearance from Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello on "Lateralus".<ref> Cohen , Jonathan
(2007-06-16) . Tool, All-Star Zeppelin Jam Highlight Bonnaroo Day One . Billboard.com
. Retrieved on 2007-06-17. </ref>
Meanwhile, the packaging of 10,000 Days gained Tool the distinction of "Best Recording Package" during the 49th Grammy Awards in February 2007, but their first single "Vicarious" fell short in the category "Best Hard Rock Performance" to Wolfmother's "Woman".<ref name="49thgrammyawards"> Awards Winners List
. 49th Annual Grammy Awards
. Grammy.com
(2007)
. Retrieved on 2007-03-25. </ref>
In an interview conducted May 2007, Justin Chancellor stated that the band would continue their tour probably until early 2008 and afterwards "take some time off". He qualified this by adding that the band has already written new material and will surely release another album at some point down the road.<ref name="justinnwlanews"> Pulsifer , Eric
(2007-05-15) . Tool returns to Bossier on Thursday . nwlanews.com
. Retrieved on 2007-06-07. </ref> A possible project until a next album is to make a "band movie", a possibility the band has reportedly thought of for a long time. The ideas range from "a narrative story in a surreal fashion with as much money and special effects" as possible to "pockets of all of that or something that's live or the band playing".<ref name=billboardmovie> Benson , John
(2007-06-12) . Tool movie in the works? . Billboard.com
. Retrieved on 2007-06-15. </ref> And although Carey stated that the necessary know-how was at hand due to the many relations to artists working in the movie business, Jones dismissed: "It's just talk right now."<ref> Tool movie in the works?
. The Rock Radio online . The Rock Radio (2007-06-13)
. Retrieved on 2007-06-15. </ref><ref name=billboardmovie/>
On October 18, 2007, it was reported on the band's website that the music video for "Vicarious" would be released on December 18 on DVD, and posted a still from the video.<ref> Toolband.com
. Tool . Tool (2007-10-18)
. Retrieved on 2007-10-20. </ref>
Musical style and influences
Tool has gained critical praise from the International Herald Tribune's C.B. Liddell for a complex and ever-evolving sound.<ref> Liddell , C.B.
(2007-01-12) . In Sight/Music & Arts Tool frontman: 'I have not smashed up 1 hotel room' . International Herald Tribune/The Asahi Shimbun
. Retrieved on 2007-05-25. </ref> Describing their general sound, the All Music Guide refers to them as "grinding, post-Jane's Addiction heavy metal",<ref name="AllMusic Biography"/> and The New York Times sees similarities to "Led Zeppelin's heaving, battering guitar riffs and Middle Eastern modes".<ref> Pareles , Jon
(1997)
. Lollapalooza's Recycled Hormones: Rebellion by the Numbers
. The New York Times
. Retrieved on 2006-04-28. </ref> Their 2001 work Lateralus led the All Music Guide to compare it to Pink Floyd's Meddle (1971) but thirty years later and altered by "Tool's impulse to cram every inch of infinity with hard guitar meat and absolute dread".<ref name="AMG Lateralus review"/>
Musical style
A component of Tool's song repertoire relies on the use of odd meter time signatures. For instance, Justin Chancellor describes the time signature employed on Lateralus' first single "Schism", as 6.5/8 and that it later "goes into all kinds of other times".<ref name="bassplayer052001">Modèle:Cite journal</ref> The album's title track "Lateralus" also displays shifting rhythms,<ref name="bassplayer052001"/> as does 10,000 Days' (2006) "Wings for Marie (Pt 1)" and "10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2)".<ref name="moderndrummer072006">Modèle:Cite journal</ref>
Beyond this aspect of the band's sound, each band member experiments within his musical scope. Bass Player magazine attested to Chancellor's bass playing as a "thick midrange tone, guitar-style techniques, and elastic versatility".<ref name="bassplayer052001"/> As an example of this, the magazine mentioned the use of a wah effect by hammering "the notes with the left hand and using the bass's tone controls to get a tone sweep", such as on the song "The Patient" (Lateralus 2001).<ref name="bassplayer052001"/>
Completing the band's rhythm section, drummer Danny Carey uses polyrhythms, tabla-style techniques, and the incorporation of custom electronic drum pads to trigger samples, such as prerecorded tabla and octoban sounds.<ref name="moderndrummer072006"/>
Maynard James Keenan's ability as a vocalist has been characterized more subjectively by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: after his performance during an Alice in Chains reunion concert in 2005, freelancer Travis Hay saw him as "a natural fit at replacing Layne Staley".<ref> Hay , Travis
(2005-02-21) . Alice in Chains owns stage in tsunami-relief show full of surprises . Seattle Post-Intelligencer
. Retrieved on 2007-05-25. </ref> Regarding his role in A Perfect Circle and Tool, The New York Times wrote that "...both groups rely on Mr. Keenan's ability to dignify emotions like lust, anger and disgust, the honey in his voice adding a touch of profundity".<ref name="nytimeskeenan"> Powers , Ann
(2002)
. Self-Confidence, and a Tattoo
. The New York Times
. Retrieved on 2007-05-02. </ref>
According to Guitar Player magazine, Adam Jones does not rely on any one particular guitar playing technique but rather combines many techniques.<ref name="guitarplayer2001"> Wiederhorn , Jon
(June 2001)
. Mysterious Ways
. Guitar Player
. Retrieved on 2007-05-02. </ref> For example, the All Music Guide wrote that he "alternately utiliz[es] power chords, scratchy noise, chiming arpeggios, and a quiet minimalism" in "Sober".<ref name="soberamgreview"> Huey , Steve
. Sober Song Review . AllMusic.com
. Retrieved on 2007-05-02. </ref> Additionally, the band uses forms of instrumental experimentation, like the use of a "pipe bomb microphone" (a guitar pickup mounted inside a brass cylinder) and a talk box guitar solo on "Jambi".<ref> Forlenza , Jeff
(2006-07-01) . The Making of Tool's "10,000 Days" . Mix
. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. </ref>
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The band puts an emphasis on the sound of their songs and attempts to reduce the effect lyrics can have on the perception of songs by not releasing song lyrics with any album.<ref name="livewire"/> Lyrical arrangements are often given special attention, such as in "Lateralus". The number of syllables per line in the lyrics to "Lateralus" correspond to an arrangement of the fibonacci numbers<ref name="diCarlointerview"> diCarlo , Christopher W.
. Interview with Maynard James Keenan . cdicarlo.com
. Retrieved on 2007-05-04. </ref> and in "Jambi" the metrical foot iamb is used.<ref name="julynewsletter"> Blake , Blair MacKenzie
. Tool Newsletter, July 2006 . Toolband.com
. Retrieved on 2006-08-03. </ref> The lyrics on Ænima and Lateralus focused on philosophy and spirituality—specific subjects range from organized religion in "Opiate", to evolution and Jungian psychology in "Forty Six & 2" and transcendence in "Lateralus".<ref name="10kdayslyrics"> TOOL: New Album Title Revealed?
. Blabbermouth.net (2006-03-03)
. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. </ref> On 10,000 Days, Keenan wanted to explore issues more personal to him:<ref name="10kdayslyrics"/> the album name and title track refer to the twenty-seven years his mother suffered from complications of a stroke until her passing away in 2003.<ref name="rs10kdaysreview"> Serpick , Evan
(2006)
. 10,000 Days Review
. Rolling Stone
. Retrieved on 2007-05-04. </ref>
Influences
The band has named some of its influences as the Melvins<ref> Pettigrew , Jason
. " Nobody's Tool " , Alternative Press . Retrieved on 2007-04-08 . </ref> and Meshuggah,<ref name="mtvhammer"/> but the most publicized influence are progressive rock pioneers King Crimson.<ref> Blake , Blair MacKenzie
(2001)
. Augustember 2001 E.V.
. Tool Newsletter
. Toolband.com
. Retrieved on 2006-04-28. </ref> However, longtime King Crimson member Robert Fripp downplayed any influence his band had on Tool. In an interview with Tool, he touched briefly on how the two bands relate to each other:<ref> Tool Army exclusive interview
. Retrieved on 2006-09-17.
</ref>
He also stated:<ref> Cleveland , Barry
(June 2003)
. Eyes Wide Open
. Guitar Player
. Retrieved on 2007-10-19. </ref>
In turn, Maloof and Newquists' attribute Tool an influence in modern metal in its own right in their book The New Metal Masters.<ref name="metalmasters"/> Sean Richardson of The Boston Phoenix sees System of a Down, Deftones and Breaking Benjamin as examples of Tool's "towering influence" on the genre.<ref> Richardson , Sean
(2001-05-10) . Perfect circles - Tool connect on Lateralus . The Boston Phoenix
. Retrieved on 2007-05-25. </ref> Moreover, Keenan's unique style of singing has been repeatedly seen influencing artists such as Pete Loeffler of Chevelle.<ref> Assar , Vijith
(2003-09-30) . Lucky 'Thirteen': Keenan bolsters potence . The Cavalier Daily
. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. </ref><ref> Rich , Robert
(2007-05-09) . Chevelle to play in Austin, remains unique despite criticism . The Daily Texan
. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. </ref> When asked about "these bands who list Tool as an influence" during an interview with the Australian music magazine Drum Media, Keenan replied:<ref>Modèle:Cite journal</ref>
Visual arts
Part of Tool's work as a band is to incorporate influences of other works of art in their music videos, live shows, and album packaging. In particular, Adam Jones doubles as the band's art director and director of their music videos.<ref name="alexgreyinterview"> Drew , Jonathan
(2006-05-11) . MUSIC MEETS ART Name the band Tool's fave artist . The Associated Press
. Retrieved on 2007-05-26. </ref> Another expression of this is an official website "dedicated to the arts and influences" on the band, dissectional.com.
Music videos
- See also: Tool discography
The band has released eight music videos but made personal appearances in only the first two, which the band states is to prevent people from "latching onto the personalities involved rather than listening to the music."<ref name="much"/> With the exception of "Hush" and Vicarious, all of Tool's music videos feature stop motion animation at least to some extent. The videos are mainly created by Adam Jones, often with the help of artists such as Chet Zar,<ref name="LiveDesign"> Sandberg , Marian
(2006-11-01) . Tool Time . Live Design
. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. </ref> Alex Grey,<ref name="LiveDesign"/> and Osseus Labyrint.<ref> Blake , Blair MacKenzie
(2002-10-17) . OSSEUS LABYRINT a laboratory of random mutuations... . Tool: News . Toolband.com
. Retrieved on 2007-03-30. </ref>
The "Sober" music video in particular attracted much attention. Jones explained that it doesn't contain a story-line, his intentions were to summon personal emotions with its imagery.<ref name="Jones a Master of Many Trades"/> Rolling Stone described this imagery stating that, in the video, "evil little men dwell in a dark dungeon with meat coursing through pipes in the wall" and called it a "groundbreaking", "epic" clip.<ref name="soberencephale"> Heller , Greg
. " Weird Album Title for Tool " , Rollingstone.com , 2001-01-12 . Retrieved on 2007-04-09 . </ref> Billboard voted it "Best Video By A New Artist".<ref name="Jones a Master of Many Trades"/>
The video for "Vicarious" was "nearly finished" in July 2006<ref> Blake , Blair MacKenzie
(July 2006)
. Tool Newsletter July 2006
. Toolband.com
. Retrieved on 2006-08-03. </ref> and became released on DVD on December 18, 2007.<ref> Blake , Blair MacKenzie
(October 2007)
. Tool: A WORKING STILL FROM VICARIOUS
. Toolband.com
. Retrieved on 2007-10-24. </ref> The video is also notable because it is the first Tool video to be entirely CGI.
Album artwork
Responsible for most of the band's artwork concepts is Adam Jones. Their first album Undertow featured a ribcage sculpture by Jones on the cover and photos contributed by the bandmembers.<ref name="hypno"/> Later albums included artwork by collaborating artists: Ænima<ref>Akhtar, G4.</ref> and Salival<ref> Salival Figure
. Happypencil Store . happypencil.com
.</ref> featured works by Cam de Leon; Lateralus<ref> Stephens , Michael
(2002-05-08) . High Art: Alex Grey and the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors . PopMatters
. Retrieved on 2007-06-12. </ref> as well as 10,000 Days<ref name="alexgreyinterview"/> were created with the help of Alex Grey. The releases earned positive critical reception, with a music journalist of the Associated Press attributing to the band a reputation for innovative album packaging.<ref name="alexgreyinterview"/>
Both Ænima<ref>Akhtar, D11.</ref> and 10,000 Days<ref name="49thgrammyawards"/> were nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Recording Package, but while the former failed to win in 1997, the latter did win in 2006. As art director, Adam Jones created packaging for 10,000 Days that features a pair of stereoscopic lenses for viewing 3-D artwork and photos. Jones has been a lifelong fan of stereoscopic photography and expressed a desire for the packaging to be unique within budget, as well as reflecting '70s artwork that he appreciates.<ref name="newsgrammypackage"> Tool Guitarist Wins Grammy For 'Best Recording Package'
. Blabbermouth.net (2007-02-11)
. Retrieved on 2007-04-09. </ref>
Live shows
Following their first tours in the early nineties, Tool has performed as a headline act in world tours and major festivals such as Lollapalooza (1997), Coachella (1999 and 2006), Download Festival (2006), Roskilde (2006), Big Day Out (2007), and Bonnaroo (2007). They have been joined on stage by numerous artists such as Buzz Osborne and Scott Reeder on several occasions; Tom Morello and Zack de la Rocha during their 1991 tour; Tricky, Robert Fripp, Mike Patton, Dave Lombardo, and experimental arts duo Osseus Labyrint<ref name="Osseus live"> Truong , Kev
(2002)
. Tool, The Melvins, Osseus Labyrint - April 24, 2002 - Sydney, Australia @ Sydney Entertainment Centre
. Blistering.com
. Retrieved on 2007-05-25. </ref> during their 2001–02 Lateralus tour; and Kirk Hammett, Phil Campbell, Serj Tankian, and Tom Morello during their 2006–07 tour. They have covered songs by Ted Nugent,<ref name="faqd9">Akhtar, D9.</ref> Peach,<ref name="faqd9"/> Kyuss,<ref name="faqd9"/> and the Ramones.<ref> Rothman , Robin A.
(2002-08-14) . Tool Take Radio City—Rockers salute the Ramones during epic set . Rolling Stone
. Retrieved on 2007-05-10. </ref>
Live shows on Tool's headline tour incorporate an unorthodox stage setting and video display.<ref name="flathatreview"> McManus , Keith P.
(2001)
. Tool thrills audience
. The Flat Hat
. Retrieved on 2007-04-07. </ref> The bandmembers' designated positions on stage see singer Maynard James Keenan lining up in the second row with drummer Danny Carey on an elevated platform, while guitarist Adam Jones and bassist Justin Chancellor stand in the first row at the respective edges of the stage.<ref name="nytimesmadisonsquare"> Pareles , Jon
(2001-10-06) . Flailing Wildly to Escape the Darkness . The New York Times
. Retrieved on 2007-06-09. </ref> No followspots or live cameras are used;<ref name="plsnews"> Ludwig , Rob
(2006-10-16) . 700 Clips for 10,000 Days . Projection, Light and Staging News
. Retrieved on 2007-04-07. </ref> instead, the band employs extensive backlighting to direct the focus away from the bandmembers and towards large screens in the back and the crowd.<ref name="flathatreview"/> Breckinridge Haggerty, the band's live lighting and video designer, explains that the resulting dark spaces on stage "are ... for Maynard. A lot of the songs are a personal journey for him ... and he feels more comfortable in the shadows."<ref name="plsnews"/> The big screens are used to play back "looped clips that aren’t tracked to a song like a music video. The band has never used any sort of timecode. They’ve always made sure the video can change on-the-fly, in a way that can be improvised.... The show is never the same twice."<ref name="plsnews"/> During the 10,000 Days tour, the video material consisted of over six hours of material, created by Adam Jones, his wife Camella Grace, Chet Zar, Meats Meyer and Breckinridge Haggerty.<ref name="plsnews"/> Some of the material created by Chet Zar has been released on his DVD Disturb the Normal.<ref name="chetzardisturb"> Zar , Chet
(2006)
. What is it?
. Disturb the Normal description
. Retrieved on 2007-04-07. </ref>
Discography
Studio albums
- Undertow (1993, Zoo/BMG/Volcano: USA, 2x platinum)
- Ænima (1996, Zoo/BMG/Volcano: USA, 3x platinum)
- Lateralus (2001, Volcano II/Tool Dissectional: USA, 3x platinum)
- 10,000 Days (2006, Volcano II/Tool Dissectional: USA, 2x platinum)
Others
- Tool a.k.a. 72826 demo (1991, Toolshed)
- Opiate EP (1992, Zoo/BMG/Volcano: USA, platinum)
- Salival box set (2000, Volcano II/Tool Dissectional: USA)
References
- Akhtar , Kabir
(2001-07-16) . The Tool FAQ . toolshed.down.net
.
; Greg Prato
. Tool . All Music Guide . AllMusic.com
. Retrieved on 2006-04-28.
- Modèle:Cite book
- Modèle:Cite book
- Modèle:Cite book
- Modèle:Cite book
- Sokal , Roman
(2001-05-23) . Tool - Stepping Out From the Shadows . Exclaim!
.
Notes
External links
- Toolband.com - official website
- Dissectional.com - "dedicated to the art and influences"
- ToolArmy.com: The Collective Unconscious - official fanclub
- The Tool Page (t.d.n) - "semi-official" website
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