Tool - Lateralus
(BMG, 2001)

Absolutely breathtaking. Without a doubt this record is the best rock album of the new millenium by far. Tool have always been pushing the envelope and writing songs that are the antithesis of pop, and yet their records sell like the new designer drug on the streets. This is accomplished because the members of Tool are nothing short of genius. Their mysterious non-image has captivated the world. Their sound is death-defyingly original and the musicianship is miles above any other ersatz, pretentious, Linkin Park garbage that the record labels tote around the world upon a string. Tool exist outside of trends, and this gives them staying power. Their new magnum opus, Lateralus, is a soundtrack to a damaged and disillusioned something that I really don't think any human could understand fully, save the members themselves (if they are human, which is questionable).

Kicking off with the eclectic progressive metal stomper The Grudge, Tool have brought forth their new masterpiece. The Grudge jumps around several odd time changes with the ever powerful Maynard James Keenan at the mike, who just might possibly be the best vocalist of the nineties (and on). After around three minutes of stomping tribal beats, the song flips around into a standard rock groove that makes you want to stream tears with metallic patriotism. The lead single Schism rocks like Metallica with the skill and unconventionalism of King Crimson or Rush. Heavy thumpers like Parabola and Ticks And Leaches show Tool's inner rage coming forth in beautiful dischord. The Patient has some of the best vocals I've ever heard, and it just sends chills down my spine listening to what amounts to the sound of both ache and pleasure combined. Everything else on this album is a metallic trip into the unknown, a powerful vision of the truth. The truth being that after a good listen to Lateralus, other bands truly cease to matter.

Rating: 5/5