Early reviews of the new Tool album are coming in. It’s a five-star record.
The early reviews on the new Tool album are in–and it looks like we’re dealing with a five-star record. From The NME:
“The days, months and years will reveal more about the new record. As with releases previous, there are wrinkles that will only emerge after the record is lived with and absorbed. But if you’re wondering whether Fear Inoculum was worth the wait, then the answer is yes. If you’re wondering whether it’ll touch your heart, soul and spirit, the answer is also so.”
From Metal Injection:
“While it’s nearly impossible to accurately describe such a dense album in only a single listen, my initial feeling is one I’ll never forget. It contains the forward-thinking progressiveness and sonic capabilities of their last two albums, but the aggressive instrumental attack of their first two albums, ushering in a new experience that also pulls the band’s career together, all while retaining the signature Tool sound. Just when you thought you heard it all, Tool are back to shake things up once again!”
We also have a tracklisting for the 85-minute album that is interesting:
1. Fear Inoculum
2. Pneuma
3. Invincible
4. Descending
5. Culling Voices
6. Chocolate Chip Trip (Totally instrumental)
7. 7empest
There are interludes between tracks 2 and 3 (“Litanie contre la Peur”), between tracks 4 and 5 (“Legion Inoculant”) and after track 10 (“Mockingbeat”). They will only appear on the digital version of the album.
Read a track-by-track description here.
Meanwhile, Tool has become the first artist ever to occupy all top 10 slots on Billboards Rock Digital Sales chart.
Sober
Fear Inoculum
Schism
Forty Six & 2
Stinkfist
Ænima
The Pot
Vicarious
Lateralus
Prison Sex
What do critics know? Remember, critics said all Led Zeppelin albums sucked. So know I’m worried that this album will be a disappointment. We will see.
I have absolutely no doubts about this album and I couldn’t be any more excited to take the long journey of experiencing and digesting it over the coming years.
I look forward to Pitchfork giving it less than a 2.
That’s right, 18 years have passed and I’m still bitter about it. Come at me.