Artist: Tool

CD Review

CD Title: 10,000 Days

Record Label: Sony

By Adam Bowman

Sometimes you're not meant to "get it." Mainly because the medium is so flexible that it creates way too many avenues to even attempt.

Such is music in general. Such is Tool, specifically.

The band that has essentially taken art, metal, and the abstract in general to an unimaginable level, Tool has achieved things that most bands could barely fathom on their own: owners of numerous successful albums ("Lateralus" and "10,000 Days" are albums that both debuted at the top of the Billboard Top 100 Albums chart, selling approximately 550,000 and 600,000 in their debuts respectively,) leaders of a following that could arguably be classified as a cult in and of itself, and most importantly, some of the most talented, inspired, and inspiring artists to currently walk the planet.

"10,000 Days," in essence, is a continuation of the exploratory nature found in "Lateralus." Whereas "Vicarious" and "Jambi" continue to champion the metal strength, it is the expansive nature both musically and lyrically that showcase Tool's best characteristic. To call these "songs" almost seems like an insult. These are compositions, aural sculptures, or a molding of the senses in general.

In terms of the lyrics, Maynard James Keenan continually leaps from one side of the line to the other. "The Pot" and other works show him in his usual, confrontational mode. To listen closer to "Wings For Marie" and subsequent offerings, however, leaves the listener a more personal offering. The death of Keenan's mother not only is a likely candidate for the album's title (she suffered a stroke approximately 27 years, or 10,000 days, from the time of her departure) but as a catalyst for him to leave the most vulnerable – dare, approachable? -- impression he may ever allow see the light of day.

As stated earlier, sometimes you're just not meant to get it. Tool has made a career in never giving out answers easily, if at all. 10,000 Days, at the very least, allows access to two main roads. Those of us who have suffered a great loss will find comfort in these words, however, the anger and venom many feel toward society as a whole will also find a place to call home.

These, however, are the easy paths to take. Just like the packaging suggests, there is always more to be found for those willing to look. Tool remains on top of their game, and continue on a legacy that perfectly mirrors the art they provide.