Get the hangman ready. Prepare the rifles and bullets. Prepare my last meal, if possible get Angelina Jolie on the phone to have some rowdy with me. My results is out by tomorrow. Lets see how well I did shall we? Judgement day tomorrow. Anybody would like to volunteer as my paulbearer?
Tool - 10,000 Days
Tool has always been my favourite bands with their unorthodox approach into in essence heavy metal. Tool’s new album 10,000 Days did not disappoint. After so many years they have not lost their touch in combining industrial, heavy metal, hard rock and progressive influence into their music. With 10,000 Days their progressive rock (King Crimson) influence is much more striking. The first track Vicarous starts with signature Tool haunting guitar strumming, which sets the tone of the track, dark, deep and very haunting. The haunting introduction gives way to snares, cymbals and bass drums, distorted guitar work and Maynard James Keenan’s awesome vocal work. I have to give credit to Danny Carey with his awesome drum work. Pounding bass drums, screeching snares and cymbals all contributing to the dangerous, brooding and primal sound. Not to mention Adam Jones epic guitar work. I have to say the signature rhythm changes have not been lost after all these years, and with the latest album it offers even more seamless transitions. Simply epic. I especially enjoyed the final 2 minutes of Vicarous where the song slows down to just light percussions and distorted guitar work, Maynards vocal work and slowly it accelerates into a percussions and shredding masterpiece! An awesome transition from idle to pure utter aggression. I have to note that the current album’s lyrics are rather cynical and dark, placing concentration on violence and death issues. A much different approach from Tool’s more spiritual standpoint of past albums.
Cause I need to watch things die
From a distance
Vicariously, I
Live while the whole world dies
You all need it too - don’t lie.
Jambi is another favourite. Rather up-paced and aggressive. I absolutely enjoyed every second of the introduction with aggressive shredding and pounding drum works, The drums jack-hammering the shredding guitar work into your ears and brains. Simply amazing. Kudos on the transition work, I’ve noted at least 3 rhythm changes in Jambi, I might be wrong however, I was too into the music rather than noting the technicalities. Heavily head banging and imagining aggression themed thoughts. Drumwork is amazing again in this track. Maynard seems to get better and better with his vocals as well, age has done him wonders. The Pot is another fast paced song which I enjoy a lot. The introduction is rather surprising, and refreshing. The Pot is just perfect if you want to get something done fast. Dark, fast and un-apologetic. Here, Justin Chancellor showed exemplary basswork. Guitars and vocals are the focus in this track. Rosetta Stoned is a progressive rock extravaganza, ridiculously long, epic technical stages and frantic rhythm changes.
10,000 Days in essence is more aggressive than past albums, mixing more aggressive tones into their primal sound. Majority of the songs are a fair bit on the aggressive side however we see the progressive rock influence in heavy play with track such as Wings for Marie (Part 1) & 10,000 Days (Wings Part 2). Musically, they have not lost their touch, Tool still is the black goat among the masses. On a technical stand point its a masterpiece, credit given to Danny Carey for epic percussions and drums work. 10,000 Days - 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
