Tool - 10,000 Days
By
06 May, 2006 07:31
This article has been read 3672 times.
Font size:
Tool….they are a genre apart. I find it hard to classify them into any specific category, for they are a unique band. From the impressive, hair-raising, spine-tingling and almost haunting vocals, the masterful and mind blowing instrumentals , the thought provoking and powerful lyrics on fundamental issues , to their exquisite artwork on their album covers and booklets. Each of their releases have become an instant classic, and 10,000 Days is certainly no exception. I have been eagerly awaiting this album for a long time, and even though there were rumours it had been leaked online prior to their official release date, I patiently waited for the real, complete, final result to be able to embrace it fully. I mean, any Tool fan would want to own the genuine copy. The artwork on it’s own is a true masterpiece, and anyone who appreciates art and has been able to delve into Maynard’s mind, will not find it hard to admire and understand this fine objet d'art. It would do them no justice if you owned a downloaded copy. So my aim is to convince you enough to invest..
Let us begin with the lyrics. These seem to be based on feelings of transcendence, consequence, the inflated sense of self-importance within humanity, religious faith, loss, love, life and death, passing judgement, and the imprints we leave upon each other.
These lyrics were not meant to be taken lightly, and the accompanying music delivers the same message and awareness.
These lyrics are Maynard speaking his mind. Notice he brings up the name Judith Marie in the gripping track ‘10,000 days (Wings part 2)’ She has been written about before in A Perfect Circle’s ‘Mer De Noms‘, the self titled track ‘Judith’. A very personal and emotional track , with references to people as ‘The Collective Judas’ and to what seems to be Judith ‘ Who could deny you were the one who illuminated a vital piece of the divine ’. My most listened to tracks at the moment are ‘Jambi’ and ‘Right In Two’. I cannot wait to hear them play Jambi live, and witness Adam Jones on his amazing guitar work. Right In Two is a wistful track with very powerful lyrics, making you aware of how humans exploit this earth, this life, from an angel’s point of view. Amusingly, humans are referred to as ‘silly monkeys’…‘angels on the sideline puzzled and amused why did Father give these humans free will? now they're all confused’. Their lyrics also represent the band’s general attitude on life. For those of you not aware, they also exhibit this on stage, as no one band member has a central position on the stage.
Their artwork usually portrays their fascination (I prefer the term fascination to obsession) with human anatomy, symmetry and dissections, usually in bizarre yet curious settings. Especially the eyes . I also sense a spiritual meaning behind the work on this particular album cover (by the artist Alex Grey). From displaying eye surgery footage on their live performances, to printing what could freakily be a total of 10,000 eyes on their latest album cover. (If you bravely venture in the count, I suggest you use the stereoscope lenses that have been provided ‘as part of the packaging to enhance your artwork experience’.
I cannot and would not want to compare this album to any of their past releases.
Each are unique in their own way, and each are judged differently by how they relate to a certain phase in one’s life and might bear slightly more meaning to any other. I for example absolutely love Aenima, however this is due to the events surrounding my life when I first heard it.( Not that this is the sole reason, it is their best album so far.) 10, 000 days is simply amazing. It is Tool. No disappointments. On my first listen to the opening track, a huge smile spread across my face, a smile that simply said “ I know I’m gonna love this record”. Just listening to those initial seconds of that distinctive ‘Tool Sound’ satisfied me enough to feel proud of owning this exceptional album. And to think it has taken them 5 years…
Rated’s final thought ‘even if it will take you another 5 years for your next release, it will be well worth the wait…”
RRRRR
Email to a friend
Print version
Plain text