After 13 long years, the wait is finally overโฆ but was it worth it? We review Tool’s Fear Inoculum.
Toolโs newest album Fear Inoculum just came out on Friday, August 30. Upon first listening, it felt far different from their past pieces. Itโs not necessarily a bad thing but Iโm sure it made a handful of die-hard fans a little upset. At points in certain songs there were hints of their old sound, but mixed with a slightly newer spin.
The best way I can describe this album would be a combination of stoner metal, electronic rock and a bit of classic Tool. I have been listening to it on and off for a solid day so far and I can confidently say I am not in love with it, but it is not a bad album. I must admit, I expected slightly more vocals, but the instrumental was still pretty good.
โChocolate Chip Tripโ was certainly a trip. It gave me a โride through the galaxyโ kind of vibe. Similar to a few other songs on the album, it feels like it should be used in a Sci-Fi film or TV show. The album can be compared to a more modern or futuristic ะขะพัะพะฟะธัััั with less lyrics.
The song โ7empestโ may have been 15 minutes and 45 seconds long but it felt far from it.
I actually ended up listening to it again shortly after I had just listened to it and I listened to it yet again the next morning. โDescendingโ felt like an adventure video game background song, meant to hype you up while you explore a deserted island further into the song. When it first begins it feels like youโre looking out a window on a rainy day. Some songs took you on a futuristic journey.
It was definitely different from their usual material, but not necessarily in a bad way. While listening to this 87 minute long album, I have come to the conclusion that it would be excellent to listen to as background music or on a long trip. Some songs on this album are good for when you feel the need to look inward, but the rest of the album is a collection of fun, electronic rock instrumental songs – which can be good too but it doesnโt completely sit right with songs like โDescending.โ The album is on the whole an emotional rollercoaster with a mixture of tracks that could be played at parties, and songs for being alone in your room.
Fear Inoculum is certainly a new twist for Tool.
