Album: Tool - 10.000 days
Though Tool have never had a single topping the charts, there aren’t many people who have never heard of this band. Ask them to name a song and they probably can’t. Ask them to name an album and they will probably say Lateralus. This band have been around since the early nineties and 10.000 Days is their 6th studio album. Its release was eagerly awaited by many fans, as there is a gap of 5 years between this and their previous album.
It was well worth waiting for; 10.000 Days is yet another masterpiece. With a total running time of an hour and fifteen minutes, your money is well spent! Not only do you get eleven excellent tracks, but the art of the cover and booklet are amazing. Attached to the cardboard case are two glasses, which, if you put both halves of the case upright, turns the image displayed on the other side in 3D. It may take you a minute to find the right angle, but once you do it is like you are dragged into another world. There is so much to see and no matter how long you stare at it, each time you view the picture you will discover something new. A case with extensive artwork like this is actually a brilliant marketing stunt, as it will ensure that people will but the original rather than download it; they will want to have the case.
As for the music, the only songs that run shorter than five minutes are Lipan Conjuring (1:13) and Lost Keys (Blame Hofmann) (3:48). Longest tracks are 10.000 Days (11:15) and Rosetta Stoned (11:13). Soundwise it doesn’t differ much from Lateralus, though this new album is a little easier to the ear. That said, it did take me a couple of listens to appreciate the songs. Especially The Pot, which starts out with an unusually high singing Maynard James Keenan. Once you get over the shock, this is probably one of the more commercial sounding track on the album. Don’t be afraid of the long songs dragging along. Their sound is very divers and dynamic.
Verdict: It takes a few listens before you will start to appreciate this album fully. But you will. If you liked Lateralus, this is a must have. Tool scores extra points for the amazing artwork. How many heads do you count?