Tool– 10,000 Days Review
Posted by Morgan Marx on 05.03.2006
Tell them your pillar of faith has ascended
At the conclusion of "Vicarious," both the opening song and single from Tool's 5th LP (including the Opiate EP), a million different thoughts could be running through your head. You might marvel at how hard hitting the song is. At how the song's 7:08 time frame seems to pass in the blink of an eye. You might be wondering how on Earth Adam Jones manages to hit that many notes in such succession. Or how Maynard James Keenan still sounds so menacing. But ultimately, once you've caught your breath, only one thought truly matters:
"Yup, that sounds like TOOL."
Over the course of one song, Tool succeeds at summing up their illustrious career. "Vicarious" contains bits and pieces of each of the bands prior works; a bit of "Schism" in the main guitar riff, a bit of "Stinkfist" in the lyrics, and a heaviness reminiscent of songs off of Undertow. While the song is a great addition to the Tool library, it seems like a natural progression for the band. Maynard uses his razor sharp wit to eviscerate our culture's consumption of tragedy and pain as entertainment. Like most great Tool songs, "Vicarious" will make you both bang your head and use your mind at the same time.
And all of these great thoughts that occur to you after "Vicarious'" last note hits are completely wiped away over the course of the next three songs. For 10,000 Days finds Tool pushing their sound in some ways no fan could have predicted. It is an epic album by four master craftsmen at the height of their game. It is also the most ambitious metal album of the new millennium, and one that might polarize both old and new fans alike.
"Jambi" kicks off with an aggressive guitar roll that sounds like a motor revving. The song takes a moment to set the scene, as Maynard details life from the "The King's mountain view/Hear from the wild dream come true." An artist notorious for his dark desires, MJK addresses his battles with the spoils of fame in an upfront, confessional way. 10,000 Days is at times one of the more honest works the band has produced, particularly in regards to Maynard. His overwrought vocals really sell the fact that this is a man willing to give it all away for the things that matter most.
Each member of the band finds ample time to make his own statement in his own way. Adam can be found soloing much more frequently than on past albums. On "Jambi" he adds a Talk Box solo in the vein of Joe Walsh. Both Adam and bassist Justin Chancellor have an intuitive understanding of one another, and excel at supporting one another. When Jones' plays guitar hero, Chancellor lays down a steady foundation on which to build upon. When Jones adopts a more simple style of play, Chancellor is right there to fill the space with some exotic bass run.
And Danny Carey is Danny Carey. Love him or hate him, he is one of the most innovative drummers in modern music. The time sequences he plays with are varied, and you'll still have a hard time moshing to tracks like "Jambi" and ‘The Pot." And yes, there's even some prime tabla on "Intension." Tool is reminiscent of Led Zeppelin in that each of the band members is one of the best (if not "the best") at their respective instrument.
10,000 Days is not without fault. The album seems frontloaded, in that the first 4 or 5 songs are so breathtaking, it's hard not be overwhelmed by the latter third of the album. Also, while the 15 minutes of "Lost Keys" and "Rosetta Stoned" are hilarious and at times pretty heavy, those who don't appreciate the band's sense of humor might merely be bored. And the closing track "Viginti Tres" is either just too out there, or I'm not getting the surprise.
But the center of attention is almost always Maynard James Keenan, and the 18-minute suite made up of "Wings For Marie (Part 1)" and "10,000 Days (Wings Part 2)" is quite possibly the finest work the band has ever produced. Tool has always received comparisons to some classical artists, because the band eschews hooks in favor of "movements." Tool songs rarely repeat themselves, and often take listeners along a journey of sorts. "Wings" begins slowly, with a droning drumbeat resonating deep with the listener. Jones adds his trademark "simple but difficult" guitar while Maynard begins to chant at the lower registers of his voice. "Wings" culminates with a blast of fury, before Maynard describes himself in a dim, harsh setting. The song bleeds into "10,000 Days," in which we find the subject Maynard is addressing is possibly his mom, who has passed away. "10,000 days in the fire is long enough/You're going home" howls Maynard, who channels all of his emotions into this one song. A completely irrelevant band once took a shot at Tool, criticizing the group for profiting off a god they didn't believe in. Well, as a Catholic, "10,000 Days" is the most moving piece of music dealing with death, religion, and acceptance into heaven I have ever heard. The song will literally bring you to tears, and will bring you closer to Maynard James Keenan the man than I ever thought possible.
The 411: Is it perfect? The “14 out of 10” I had been tempted to give? No, 10,000 Days isn’t. But it is a startling, surprising album that elevates this band to legendary status. Tool simply has no peers when it comes to adventurous, exciting musical composition. They manage to tear down the very construct of “song” while not alienating their fan base. Whether 10,000 Days serves as a keystone for the band, or a new beginning remains to be seen, but this album will tide the masses over for years to come.
