Tool- Laterlaus

Years in the making, this was one of the most anticipated albums of 2001. Thankfully, Tool does not dissapoint. This hour-plus long recording is a masterpiece in every since of the word, but that's what we've come to expect from Tool. This foursome is easily the most talented band around, but technical skill does not a good band make (cough, Rush, cough).

This band is good. Very good. And Lateralus proves it. The album is filled with the long, epic, and constantly changing music which were seen in "Eulogy" and "Aenima" on their last album Aenima. The radio single, "Schism" is an example of this, but doesn't even compare to the brilliance of tracks like "Ticks & Leeches" and the title track, "Lateralus."

Every element of Tool comes together to create a sense of emotion and intensity not seen most bands. When Adams is wailing and Maynard crying out in a voice none can match, the listener can not help but be drawn into the song. Bass and drums keep the intensity up; Carrey show why he's one of the best rock drummers out there. Tool, through their sheer talent and undeniable credibility, manage to wlak grounds most hard rockers would sink in. Maynard has no problem spewing out violent, accusing screams and then shifting gears to soft, abstract crooning. Often, Maynard's lyrics seem almost tounge in cheek in their grandoiseness, but few question the intellectual capabilities of a band that views its material from a mathematical perspective.