Tool - Lateralus

[Rhah]

I remember the first time I heard and saw "Schism" in 2001. It was after a particularly heavy night of, how shall we say.... "conciousness expansion".
There I was, with a fried-mind, watching MTV in the early hours of the morning. Suddenly the most strange video I'd ever seen was playing before me. I'd somehow not heard anything by Tool before, but from this moment I knew that I'd be hearing A LOT more.




Many people consider this album to be Tool's "magnum opus", and I have to admit that its hard to disagree with them. As soon as I'd bought the album I knew I was in for something different.
The album cover itself was a work of art in itself. It was done by Alex Grey (who also did the artwork for their next album, 10000 days). The image above is the first layer, and each page below reveals a different level, from muscular to skeletal to spiritual. It really is rather cool.

As is the case with every Tool record, there are many different interpretations of what the songs are actually about. I tend to go with the obvious meaning, so thats what I'll be writing in.

The Grudge:
This song starts with the sound of a machine whirring into life, then kicks you straight into a brutal off-time rhythm of distorted guitar and heavy drum work. The song deals with the concept of anger, using references to astrology and alchemy. It sounds strange, but it works very well, and despite the subject matter it is actually quite a positive song. The song shifts time signatures so often that for the first time Tool listener it can seem daunting. As is common with Tool songs it builds and builds to a frantic release, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan's visceral scream at the towards the end is almost cathartic to the listener.

Eon Blue Apocalpyse:
A short and effective instrumental piece, which works well as an intro to the next song.

The patient:
This one took a while to grow on me, but its now one of my favourite tracks on the album.
There are many interpretations of what the song is actually about, but basically its about keeping patience in a difficult situation. The song starts fairly quietly and builds up in layers, until towards the end Keenans vocal parts are intertwined around each other. Then out of nowhere, the end of the song hits with a short but very effective climax.

Mantra:
Another short instrumental/intro. Apparently its the sound of Keenans Siamese Cat being squeezed, then slowed down in editing.
odd.

Schism:
This is probably the song most people will have heard from this album. Some people say that this song is the most "accessible" song on the album (i disagree), but that doesnt detract from the quality of it.
Its about division and how to overcome a lack of communication. Musically this song is incredibly complex, with something like 10 to 15 time changes. you'd think that would make it difficult to listen to, but it really isnt. The song moves along nicely, with a fairly subdued verse hitting a heavy chorus. The part that stands out most for me is the middle section. The drums just stop and leave the guitar playing a hypnotic riff, then the bass comes in over the top with a volume swelled melody. When the vocals come it almost sounds discordiant, but its eerily beautiful.

Parabol:
This song and the next should be played as one song. This is a quiet, relaxed piece with clean guitar and quiet, almost whispered vocals. It uses the same melodies as the next song.

Parabola:
What can i say.... the song is just overwhelmingly positive. Its about facing mortality and appreciating life. Its an upbeat song and starts in a fairly standard rock manner.
It hits its peak about half way through the song, then breaks down towards the end. Probably one of the best moments of the album is when Keenan Sings/screams out "Alive". It brings a triumphant smile to my face whenever i hear it

Ticks and Leeches:
But from positive it suddenly gets very negative and aggressive. Keenan rails against "users", using the metaphor of leeches and bloodsucking insects. Its a pretty angry song, and that is reflected in the music as well. The heaviest song on the album (possibly the heaviest song Tool has ever done). There is some great drumming from Danny Carey on this track, and the extended guitar only middle section is very effective in building the climax. Overall its an OK song, with some great parts.

Lateralus:
This song is amazing. Its undoubtably one of the best things Tool has ever done. The lyrics to the first part of the song are sung in a Fibonacci sequence, which is pretty impressive in itself. Jones's guitar and Chancellor's bass wrap themselves around Carey's pounding drums, pushing the song along. There is one section near the end, that i defy ANYONE to not (at least) tap their foot along with. Lyrically its about spirtual evolution by pushing yourself beyond your human limits. Thats simplified somewhat, but this is a deep song indeed.
Some lyrics:

I embrace my desire to
feel the rhythm, to feel connected
enough to step aside and weep like a widow
to feel inspired, to fathom the power,
to witness the beauty, to bathe in the fountain,
to swing on the spiral
of our divinity and still be a human

Excellent stuff. Best song on the album.

Disposition:
This song is part actually part 1 of 3, (the next songs being part 2 and 3) Its very trippy, mainly guitar and bass, and some excellent precussion work from Carey, and Keenan's vocals repeating a couple of lines of lyrics. Its quite hypnotic and relaxing, but mainly serves as a nice intro to the next song

Reflection:

This one starts with some great Tabla work, and its another mellow tune. Again, simple guitar and bass parts over precussion (Bongo's,Tabla's etc) with Keenan's vocals working around the music (Lyrically its about letting go of the ego). Its hard to describe actually, so i'll give up. Just take my word that its a very good song. (and great to smoke too, if thats your sort of thing)

Triad:
The is a heavy instrumental piece, Just drums, guitar and bass pounding it out. The point of this track is that it seems to signify the actual violent release of the ego (from the previous tracks). There are some great guitar and bass riffs in this one, as well as the usual amazing drumming from Danny Carey

faaip de oiad:
the last track. its another instrumental, and quite a crazy one at that. Basically, imagine what it would sound like if you let a mad Drummer loose after jacking him up with PCP, then added some tortured mechanical synth/guitar noises over the top, and then, to top it off you added a sample of a real-life phone call to a radio station of some loon claiming to have been employed at Area 51, trying to warn humanity of the impending alien invasion.
Its actually quite disturbing.


In Conclusion (well done if you read this far by the way) this album is an essential purchase for any serious fan of rock music. At first you may be a little daunted, but give it a few spins and before long it will work its way into your mind like one of those nasty worm things in "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan". Then, you will grow to love it for the masterpiece that it truly is.

9/10

or

(out of 5)