Fear Inoculum

We could keep agonizing over why TOOL took so long to release *Fear Inoculum*, or to put their catalog onto streaming services, or all the ways the world has changed since the alt/prog-metal band’s last album came out in 2006. But we just spent 13 years doing all that. Instead, put on the best headphones you can find. It’s time to explore the 87 minutes of music we waited thousands of hours to hear. Whether or not this album is the “grand finale… swan song and epilogue” that Maynard James Keenan alludes to in “Descending,” the first thing to say is that *Fear Inoculum* will not disappoint. On their longest-ever album (despite only containing seven songs, broken up by three brief ambient interludes), TOOL refines and expands on their greatest strengths to create a meditative, intensely complex album that may, in terms of sheer musical skill, be their most impressive yet. Danny Carey’s extraordinarily creative and technical approach to rhythm takes center stage, from assaultive double pedaling to atmospheric tablas and electronic tinkering, heard best on “Chocolate Chip Trip,” a five-minute, multidimensional percussion solo. Guitarist Adam Jones unleashes more jams and solos than ever, particularly on the 15-minute opus “7empest,” which begins by sounding like the most traditionally TOOL song of the lot—but it sure doesn’t end that way. (Plus, Jones apparently wrote part of it in 21/16 time.) Justin Chancellor’s bass riffs are hypnotizing and powerful, unique in their ability to be both repetitive, even monotonous, and completely engulfing. Keenan’s lyrics—layered, poetic, often elegiac—are as fun to analyze and interpret as ever. And though the album is easily their most drawn-out and ambient, it’s also immensely heavy. The balance is calculated and sublime. So, what’s *Fear Inoculum* actually about? Keenan deliberately evades explanation, allowing the listener to find their own meaning. But in the most lyrically lucid moments, you’ll find reflections on life, growing up and facing your fear (he’s stated it could mean giving in to *or* becoming immune to it). There’s no pretending that 13 years haven’t passed—on “Invincible,” he sings: “Age old battle, mine/Weapon out and belly in/Tales told, battles won… Once invincible, now the armor’s wearing thin.” Still, there’s no sign of weakness, just acceptance and the kind of wisdom that comes with age. “We’re not buying your dubious state of serenity,” he knowingly roars on “7empest.” “Acting all surprised when you’re caught in the lie/It’s not unlike you… We know your nature.”

The prog metal band’s fifth album is exactly what you’d expect from a project over a decade in the making: a more mature, sometimes exciting collection that feels both overworked and undercooked.

The Los Angeles progressive group's first album in 13 years is a languid and blissful work that will richly reward future listens

After a 13-year wait, Tool go beyond their own frontiers as they finally release their fifth album Fear Inoculum

13 years since their last LP, veteran art-metal megastars Tool make a case for their relevance.

With almost 13 years and four months between releases -- an interminable wait for their devoted legion of fans -- enigmatic alt-metal band Tool finally returned at the end of summer 2019 with their long-awaited fifth album, Fear Inoculum.

It took Tool 13 years to record and release new album, Fear Inoculum, and it will take continued patience when listening through. Running at...

Tool continue to be the most indispensable metal band on the planet with their first album in 13 yearsFans online celebrating still being alive – and others sharing touching stories of lost love ones – in the time it’s take for the follow up to Tool’s fourth album 10,000 Days in 2006 truly extenuates just how long it has been.

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Art-metal legends TOOL took their time between releases in the past. There were three to five-year-long interims between TOOL's albums from 1993's "Undertow" through 2006's "10,000 Days". Yet, since that last release, there has been a whopping 13-year wait for fans. Finally, frontman Maynard James K...

Tool have finally returned after a long 13 year wait. Find out what we thought of Fear Inoculum in our full review here!

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Every track is an epic on this almighty fifth album from a band intent on securing their status as masters of metal

Tool's Fear Inoculum: was it worth the 13-year wait? In our official album review we say yes, but it's a grower, not a shower.

Tool - Fear Inoculum review: The long-anticipated and infamous new Tool album was worth the long wait; it’s a massive, compelling piece of music that unfolds beautifully and balances their unique style with plenty of rewarding new elements.<script src=