Anything I really need to hear? Personalized song & album reviews!👇🏼 ko-fi.com/musickingdom/commissions Agree or disagree? Drop your favorite Tool songs & other recs below!
The song Pneuma would suit you lyrics wise. They have a live version with the camera on the drummer only. It is awesome to see, and a great song too Sober Live is another great performance. It's about addiction. The guitar is haunting and the performance is brilliant
"You know what..... fuck it..... I just wanna keep listening." Exactly. You guys do a really solid job of dividing up the song into digestible bits. I agree with nearly all of the commentary. For me, TOOL is somehow greater than the sum of its parts...... and that is it's brilliance. It makes me feel. I almost always walk away from a listen ...... satisfied in its totality. Just some thoughts :)
I get that feeling. I don't think Tool song will do much better than this 7.5 with the expert here. He values complex and varied chordal structure. Tool just doesn't craft songs that way. We've all heard Adam's guitar solos with 3 or maybe 4 notes, and the variance is all in the tone. Nothing wrong with the judging either. If judging was purely objective, it would be handled by robots. Sorry for the ramble. Your comment made me think on it a bit.
Our expert appreciates anything from Genesis to Joe Hisaishi. He respects the hell out of Tool as well. A song requires some insane mastery (in various ways) to get a super high score from him. And if it makes you guys feel any better… I can’t even play an instrument. 😂
I think Tool fans are very diverse in our beliefs and mindset. I myself am a baptist Christian & US citizen and I love their whole discography. Keep up the content sir 💯
Listening to all his songs is a chronological journey through his life and mindset. It's a key example of how the mind evolves.. from anger to forgiveness, from religious aversion to seeking/finding a strong form of spirituality, from being young and seeking the limits that seem endless to being old and limited.. it's all in there and it's perfect
In my younger years I listened to tool for the music…for their sound. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve rediscovered tool for their lyrics. For me, it’s what makes listening to tool more of a journey.
I think the outro within the song was designed as a death knell. Parabol feels very much like a womb and slide out the birth canal. And then the body of the song is the breadth of life experience, then the death knell or the struggle and fight to hold onto the material and the final outro where the soul slips back away into the infinite. At least that's the vibe I get.
Thoroughly enjoyed your breakdown. I bet you'd give Vicarious a similar rating on the lyrics and I bet the Expert would love Danny Carey's live drum cam of Pneuma.
Just spot on. Totally agree with your judgements apart from vocal score which I would give 8/10 as he goes from softness and calmness to the rage and executed it flawlessly. If you notices their drummer :) Pneuma Live by Vic Firth is must to see!
Great review! Lately I've been digging Maynard's choices in singing/composing. I think holding and extending notes on, "Holy" "Alive" and "Be" is supposed to get across the eternal life theme within the song. Glad you're having fun with Tool. My next choice would be "Jambi." Can't wait to hear whatever's next!
Next TOOL song should definitely be 46 and 2 off their album before this one. I haven’t seen anybody recommend it but it’s one of their best! Very deep lyrics and musically amazing!
I think I struggle to wrap my head around rating songs this way given every song made tries to accomplish something different. Based more on feeling and intent, I ask "do I feel this song did or didn't what it set out to do, and did it make me feel it?" Still, your reviews are superb, even if I do not enjoy music in the same way. In my ears, I like both pop and metal because they specifically go for different things
@@TheMusicKingdom Makes sense. The attempt at quantifying qualitative observations will always have challenge, and you certainly have a great way of doing so
If you're taking more Tool requests, PLEASE do Wings for Marie Parts 1 and 2. It's a song Maynard wrote for his mother after her death. Soooo powerful.
Thanks so much for the shout out, Francis! And thank you for critiquing one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. Your videos provide so much value, insight, and entertainment, keep up the great work! Music Kingdom is more than a reaction channel; it's truly something special where I feel like we're celebrating not only music, but life itself. I'm excited to get back to this video now, been waiting until I got off work to watch. Cheers and have a great weekend!
@@TheMusicKingdom Oh man, after finishing the video...what a great analysis! I think you were right on the money, as was John Paul. You nailed the grading in each category IMO. For me personally, since the song came out during a particularly exciting time in my life, and since I was turned on to it by my best friend, there's a nostalgia factor where I'd probably give it a 9. As I've gotten older, I'm becoming more of a sucker for nostalgic stuff from my teens and early adulthood lol. I can't speak for other Tool fans, but I'd say they are diverse in their beliefs and value the lyrics as much as the music. I'm a Christian, and although I don't think the Tool guys are, I greatly value Maynard's lyrics and learn a lot from them. Parabola is obviously not aligned with any one religion, but the overall message is taught and valued in most (all?) religions. Even non-religious people who are just spiritual can appreciate these lyrics, I'd imagine. The fact that it's not preachy, yet philosophical and spiritual is my favorite part. If I hear a song that's overtly preachy, even if I agree with the lyrics, it's a huge turn off because of the tactless, narrow-minded delivery.
Much appreciated! Well said, once again. Agreed about nostalgia, it’s a beautiful thing that definitely hits harder as we grow older. I also appreciate that Tool pulls from knowledge unspecific to any one creed or religion. 🌀
I’m a satanist, cause I’ve seen the devil when I died and came back to life but at the same time I believe there’s a god but I think I’m going to hell so lol, same as aliens... I’ve seen some weird sh!t
@@mycity7590 maybe you don’t know many atheists then. I am an atheist and I resonate with Tools lyrics and I have read books and works from most of the main religions, from the bible to the Tao Te King. As an atheist I can find beauty anywhere without being restrained by dogma, although I can also be critic when it is deserved. Most atheists I know are the most open minded and willing to experience the world than anyone else.
Hey, this might be my favorite presentation for a reaction video. You have all the elements. Lyrics, album art, and your reaction. All in a well balanced format. Keep this up and continue on your Tool journey. It will change you. I will be here as well. Thank you
Another fantastic review of Tool! Personally, I would love to hear you review the first track from the same album, The Grudge. Amazing vocal range and the drumming is off the charts (your expert will go crazy listening to the last 2 minutes…lol). Keep up the great work! ❤
Vicarious, H, The Patient, The Grudge. There's a few songs from them I prefer over these but I think these songs would really vibe with you. An interesting in depth way to review their music. Enjoyed it.
Lol. Welcome to the Tool army. Member since 94. You have a tremendous catalog to work through. I really enjoy you going in depth about the song...its meaning...and its meaning to you.
I'm an atheist and skeptical about all of metaphysics, but I love Tool to the point that I call them my favorite current band. I could write paragraphs about that, but they do go into solid science and get philosophical from that - but it's merely a bonus, as the music is simply insanely good.
Guys, both of you would really appreciate The Grudge from TOOL, out of this album. Great drums, great lyrics, epic ending! I'm afraid you won't find much melodic changes in TOOL songs when speaking about the guitar and the bass, but you'll see a lot of rythm and time signature changes, and overall tonal change on the bass and the guitar. Actually, this might be the only one that's not in D minor. LOL
While you're on this album, you really should do reflection. That to me is their best song on this album... Just absolutely magical. I don't listen intently to the lyrics and try to analyse what they mean. For me it is best to just experience the lyrics as part of the music. Even if they were sung in Danish or Portugese, I'd still appreciate the feeling they impart.
A 24-year sound engineer here. When talking about a song "production," I understand where you are coming from. However, rock/metal has a bit of a different use for the term "production." When using this term when describing rock/metal production on a record, it comes down to how a track/album is "mixed." Can you hear each individual instrument and vocal. How are.they "ballanced". In the song, does each instrument have a place. Are the drums drowning every other aspect of the song out. Are the vocals clear? Can you understand them (not to include the diction and enunciation of the particular singer). Is the audio composition letting you enjoy each part of the band, or is one part of the song over driving other parts. This is a very simplistic explanation, but its a good general rule of thumb. Keep up the good work...
I’ve been a fan of tool since 2000. They’ve been part of my life since then and have been fortunate to see them perform 17 times. Recently I discovered Alan watts…. “I was wrong……This changes everything”…..
This is ME! I feel like as I've listened to TOOL, since the late 90s, I've slowly started to "understand" until I had a major breakthrough. I think my life experiences, coupled with the message that TOOL brings, slowly brought me into this point where I eventually had an epiphany about life... And yes, Alan Watts, Carl Jung, and many others started influencing my life more and more.
I very much respect your scoring of those songs. I enjoy seeing your reactions when parts of the song resonates with you. Looking forward to when you react to the song Pneuma! I am definitely one who enjoys Tool now because of the spiritual meanings in their lyrics. However, it wasn't like that at first. It's amazing how a lot of little things such as meditation, Tool, etc. came together as one huge understanding during my spiritual enlightenment.💫✨ I'm also curious if their choice of chords has to do with certain chakra frequencies because I think their music goes far deeper than most modern music. Please listen to Pneuma.
Parabola is my absolute favorite Tool song, with the combination of Parabol being absolutely sublime! No, it may not have the odd time signatures or insane vocals the band's known for, but, for me, this is the pinnacle of Tool's perfection. I'm analytical by nature, so I appreciate a good dissection and analysis, but the combination becomes something that you feel spiritually more than think about. I can empathize with those who say breaking down Tool songs ruin the magic because, me being COMPLETELY biased ( 😅), it did hurt a bit to hear that there "wasn't much going on." Still, though, I appreciate the honest appraisal, and look forward to more Tool breakdowns!
'Ticks & Leeches' is a song tool made when the record label wanted something heavy, not the “floaty” songs Lateralus is known for. This is what they got. I hope it’s what they wanted.
The drawn-out outro hits much better when they play it live. Blended with the visuals of their live performances is where it’s at. I enjoy your presentation. Based on the thumbnail of your videos I figured you would annoy me….. I’ve been pleasantly surprised thus far. I dig what you do. 🌀
I love this kind of analysis and breakdown. I have been listening to Tool for almost 20 years now, basically on repeat, so my ability to think honestly about these songs is entirely gone, they are just a Part Of Me (tool army gets it). I hope to get to see more deep breakdowns, analysis, and scores of Tool songs from you and your professional brother.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on both versions of Pushit by TOOL. The original Ænima release from 1996 and the Salival version from 2000. There’s lots of lyrical and musical changes between the two. I’d be curious to see which version you prefer
Really appreciate your thorough approach to reviewing songs on your videos. I found you through TOOL, so i have enjoyed your first 2 TOOL song reviews...but there is so much more and if i can recommend your next TOOL review, i'd go with the Wings For Marie (Pt 1) and 10,000 Days (Wings, Part 2) combo. But no matter which way you proceed, Spiral Out. Peace!
For your next song on your Tool journey I recommend one of these two songs: 46&2 or Right in Two. Neither song is on the Lateralus album. One is on the album before and one is on the album after.
You said, "Holy shit!", right at the apex of the parabola. Perfectly captures what it means to be alive. You just start gearing up for all the awesomeness, and then middle age sets in. Buy the ticket, take the ride! Great review/analysis!
Loving your Tool reactions. I hope you read this comment and take it to heart. It’s really the only comment here that matters. Here it is: the progression of Tool over time is equally important as their music. Do yourself a favor and do their entire catalog front to back. I can DM you the order and which songs go together, etc. because it’s a whole “thing” in itself.
He actually does have a book out about his life with coauthor Sarah Jensen called A Perfect Union of Contrary Things. I sent a letter to be in their fan club in the early 90’s , before everyone had their own website. I was sent a copy of their demo before they were signed, along with a letter that listed approx 10 books he recommended so that we may “have something to talk about if we ever met each other Lol. I was ecstatic to see a Terrence Mckenna book on there, because I had already read one of his books. The evolution of Tool is displayed throughout each album.with anger, Jungian concepts of transformation, evolution, self awareness, into spiritual and esoteric concepts. Word around the campfire, is Danny’s father was a 33 degree Mason and Danny is as well. Sacred Geometry is plastered all over his spaceship of a drum kit, and he mentions the occult often. I highly suggest watching the live drum cam video , and the videos called “The Secrets of Fear Innoculum. Mind blowing. Anyway, you won me over. Im a sub now.
Others already mentioned MJK's book. I recommend the audiobook version because he reads the sidebars himself, and the rest of the book is read by a longtime friend. I felt it enhanced the experience to hear it read to me.
Music Kingdom Horizons by Puscifer (one of Maynard's other bands) Lateralus by Tool Mad As a Hatter by Larkin Poe When they record the songs, Maynard never listens to them before all the instrumental tracks are finished and ready. After the band makes and records all the music, then Maynard listens to the track and writes/adds the vocals. This fact alone is amazing to me
You mentioned "holy" as a Christian term. Maynard has voiced his displeasure with Christianity in the past in several songs. However, his mom was a very strong Christian who maintained her faith through much adversity. I like to believe that Maynard is changing his mind and starting to understand faith in a different way. Parabol/Parabola is clearly about our soul. The song Pneuma off their last album is another about our soul, yet another Christian belief.
Believing in a soul or anything that this song and Pneuma is about aren't strictly limited to Christianity you know. Christianity is only 2000 years old, but ancient Indian vedic teachings, and other more ancient East Asian beliefs are much older and hold the same beliefs. One can believe what Maynard writes but have no interest in any organised Faith at all. It's simply about believing that there is more to life than the physical, that we are all God/spirit in physical form with the sole purpose of relationship and experience. If Christianity would just stick to those basic teachings rather than stating that the only way to be saved is to accept jesus, and that all who don't accept jesus are condemned to eternal damnarion, then it would be more widely accepted. The fact that Maynard mother was a devout Christian and probably held those same beliefs, will be the reason that he speaks out against Christianity. He'll never be a Christian, he'll never see that faith in a different way. But he WILL carry on believing that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience.
As a whole, this album had such a profound effect on me that, on purpose, I didn't fully invest in 10,000 Days for the better part of 3 years following it's release, simply because I didn't think the band could out do Lateralus (of course, I had PLENTY of time do digest that one in the interim between it and Fear Inoculum...😂). Parabol>Parabola remains my (if I had a gun to my head) favorite Tool track; I don't outright disagree with anything from the reaction, because much of the effect Tool has on it's listeners is borne out of what each individual brings to the experience. Solid reaction, Francis...Spiral Out, Keep Going!!
Another #thing about toolthusiasts is that we're able to entertain possibilities from beyond our individual mental field. I'm curious how you'd find Mekaba off their Salival boxed set. It's still not available on streaming services
If someone doesn’t like that you stop and analyze, there’s plenty of other reactors out there that don’t. I’ve heard this song I don’t know how many times. I’ve seen plenty of reactions anything Tool but it’s nice to learn more about their music. Truly a brilliant band. Great analysis!
Ok I've watched a few of your reviews and I appreciate your content. I'm gonna suggest Heilung, it isn't metal or rock but it will absolutely blow you away.... spiritually. I'm subbing now in hopes I see that review later.
Very fair critique. I hope you guys react to Reflection & The Patient off this album. Personally, I rate them higher than Lateralus, & Parabola. I’m fortunate enough to own a killer sound system, & I know that literally every song ever written sounds better on a great system. But Reflection & The Patient hit different on a good system. Brilliant songs, the both of em. Adams last few chords during the ending of Reflection are insanely tasteful, & simplistic at the same time. How does he do that?
You’ve got to check out The Pot! I think you’d love breaking down the lyrics. A brilliant point I saw someone mention about this song is how it’s very possibly directed at Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Jimmy Page made mention of Tool ripping off Led Zeppelin’s MO in the use of sacred symbolism (like Zep IV). So in this song there is a lashing out at Page’s hypocrisy as it is commonly believed that Zeppelin ripped off (“cozened” meaning stolen) the blues (“weeping shades of cozened indigo”) of Muddy Waters. “Lemon juice,” an otherwise oddly placed lyric, is mentioned in more than one Zeppelin song. If you follow this train of thought it’s evident who the kettle is and who The Pot is - a scathing indictment of Page, and an admission by Tool that there is truly nothing new under the sun, only variations on a theme. I personally find that to be a brilliant observation and it’s hard for me to think the song meant anything else to Maynard when he wrote the lyrics. Still, they are written in such a way that you can interpret the song a thousand different ways, as with everything in Tool’s archive, and I think that’s the intention.
46 & 2 Right in Two The Grudge The Pot My dude, you’ve only scratched the surface. You’re literally going to be awestruck, with every song by them that you listen to. They’re transcendent, as artists. …oh, and the ones I’ve listed have the vocals you’re looking for.
As a drummer and instrumentalist, I primarily listen to the music, which includes the vocal melodies and vocal stylings. That said, I don't pay a lot of attention to the lyrics. Admittedly after years of listening to TOOL, I've picked up most of the lyrics and I will often sing along. However, I don't tend to analyze their meaning whether that's superficial or deep meanings. 🤷♂️ I'm mostly just here for the sonics. 🔥🤘🏽
I've been listening to this album since it came out and yet I had never really focused on the lyrics of this song. They aren't in the cd ('member those?) liner notes and sometimes they are difficult to hear. Thanks for your review in general however just the fact that you had the lyrics playing with the song I found myself welling up. It was like I was hearing the song again for the first time. Regarding your 'expert' falling in love with the drumming of Danny Carey you should probably make it a point to eventually get to the video of Carey playing Pneuma live. Maybe even invite him to react with you on screen for that one. It is gonna blow both of yalls brains.
i think you might have a little more appreciation for the ending while watching the video. great reactions. thanks for the share. keep the tool videos coming.
Again I would recommend you look at the live at Wembley version of "The Greatest Show On Earth" by a band called Nightwish. there are only a few bands that I love and listen to everything they make...Pink Floyd, Rush, Tool and Nightwish. You can throw Primus in there as well but there music is truly mind altering and somewhat of an inquired tase. The subject matter of the song I recommended is the planet earth, its creation and how life and man came to be. It has spoken phrases in the song that are not the other than Richard Dawkins and the album that it comes of "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" are from Charles Darwin.
The guitarist actually worked in special effects in Hollywood. He left a sure thing there to play in this band. That’s important, because I think this is one of the few times I think Tool made a musical decision to provide a visual experience in their video. Watch the video and you’ll understand the outro.
I like the outro, but the outro does make more sense watching the video. I don't care about the lyrics at all myself, just the band and his voice as an instrument.
I would love to see you branch out to other "Maynard" bands. I would recommend the Humbling River by Puscifer. It is both haunting and enlightening. I would try to explain what the meaning is to me but it deserves a fresh listen so you can get out of it what you see.
Another solid review, even if it's tough to review Tool, and from an initial listen. Basically nailed it just like Lateralus. Can't wait for some more. I think the only real accurate way would be to record the initial reaction, then listen 99 more times while in some different sets and settings, and then do the review. haha you have unlimited time, right?
Recommendations: holy wars, hangar 18 and tornado of souls by megadeth, cemetery gates and cowboys from hell by pantera, painkiller by judas priest, fade to black by metallica, pull me under, take the time and metropolis pt. 1 by dream theater
![GOT EMOTIONAL... TOOL - PARABOL & PARABOLA [REACTION!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IFMNaLMjink/mqdefault.jpg)
Anything I really need to hear? Personalized song & album reviews!👇🏼
ko-fi.com/musickingdom/commissions
Agree or disagree? Drop your favorite Tool songs & other recs below!
The song Pneuma would suit you lyrics wise. They have a live version with the camera on the drummer only. It is awesome to see, and a great song too
Sober Live is another great performance. It's about addiction. The guitar is haunting and the performance is brilliant
Noted!
My favorite has to be Schism or 46 & 2. Both lyrically deep. Schism is more compositionally deep but 46 & 2 has that raw power and groove.
Yes! Pneuma and forty-six & 2!
Lateralus, the patient. Right in two.
"You know what..... fuck it..... I just wanna keep listening."
Exactly.
You guys do a really solid job of dividing up the song into digestible bits. I agree with nearly all of the commentary.
For me, TOOL is somehow greater than the sum of its parts...... and that is it's brilliance. It makes me feel. I almost always walk away from a listen ...... satisfied in its totality.
Just some thoughts :)
Very well said!
I play in a rock band myself, and when I hear that Parabola deserves a 7.5/10 I feel like selling my instruments and buying a fishing rod...
🤣
Lol. I felt that.
I feel you, bro! I'm a drummer myself and felt positively gut punched 😅
I get that feeling. I don't think Tool song will do much better than this 7.5 with the expert here. He values complex and varied chordal structure. Tool just doesn't craft songs that way. We've all heard Adam's guitar solos with 3 or maybe 4 notes, and the variance is all in the tone. Nothing wrong with the judging either. If judging was purely objective, it would be handled by robots. Sorry for the ramble. Your comment made me think on it a bit.
Our expert appreciates anything from Genesis to Joe Hisaishi. He respects the hell out of Tool as well. A song requires some insane mastery (in various ways) to get a super high score from him. And if it makes you guys feel any better… I can’t even play an instrument. 😂
I think Tool fans are very diverse in our beliefs and mindset. I myself am a baptist Christian & US citizen and I love their whole discography. Keep up the content sir 💯
Heck yeah! 🌀
Let's just not talk about opiate (I'm protestant Christian Australian)
I’m an atheist that despise modern religion. Tool brings me as close as I can get to religiosity. Cheers to you!
Listening to all his songs is a chronological journey through his life and mindset. It's a key example of how the mind evolves.. from anger to forgiveness, from religious aversion to seeking/finding a strong form of spirituality, from being young and seeking the limits that seem endless to being old and limited.. it's all in there and it's perfect
@@shannontreiber1070Religion in general should be abolished. Religion is cancer and we need more anti-theists instead of atheists.
In my younger years I listened to tool for the music…for their sound. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve rediscovered tool for their lyrics. For me, it’s what makes listening to tool more of a journey.
I think the outro within the song was designed as a death knell. Parabol feels very much like a womb and slide out the birth canal. And then the body of the song is the breadth of life experience, then the death knell or the struggle and fight to hold onto the material and the final outro where the soul slips back away into the infinite. At least that's the vibe I get.
I think your tool reactions/ reviews are great! Can’t wait for the next one. The tool army will come!
Once in a lifetime band.
Thoroughly enjoyed your breakdown. I bet you'd give Vicarious a similar rating on the lyrics and I bet the Expert would love Danny Carey's live drum cam of Pneuma.
Just spot on. Totally agree with your judgements apart from vocal score which I would give 8/10 as he goes from softness and calmness to the rage and executed it flawlessly.
If you notices their drummer :) Pneuma Live by Vic Firth is must to see!
Well said!
These guys can't be touched. "Embrace this moment remember we are eternal all this pain is an illusion" 💯🔥❤️
I fell in love with Tool's music first...then I came to appreciate the lyrics and messaging.
Great review! Lately I've been digging Maynard's choices in singing/composing. I think holding and extending notes on, "Holy" "Alive" and "Be" is supposed to get across the eternal life theme within the song.
Glad you're having fun with Tool. My next choice would be "Jambi." Can't wait to hear whatever's next!
Much appreciated!
Next TOOL song should definitely be 46 and 2 off their album before this one. I haven’t seen anybody recommend it but it’s one of their best! Very deep lyrics and musically amazing!
H. is the best song.
Would love for you to react to The Grudge from the same album or Right in Two or Vicarious from their album 10,000 Days.
I think I struggle to wrap my head around rating songs this way given every song made tries to accomplish something different. Based more on feeling and intent, I ask "do I feel this song did or didn't what it set out to do, and did it make me feel it?"
Still, your reviews are superb, even if I do not enjoy music in the same way. In my ears, I like both pop and metal because they specifically go for different things
I hear ya. To be fair - this is how I listen to music on this review channel, not in my own day-to-day life. 😂
@@TheMusicKingdom Makes sense. The attempt at quantifying qualitative observations will always have challenge, and you certainly have a great way of doing so
Much appreciated!
If you're taking more Tool requests, PLEASE do Wings for Marie Parts 1 and 2. It's a song Maynard wrote for his mother after her death. Soooo powerful.
thank god someone not suggesting pneuma drum cam. I HATE THOSE SUGGESTIONS, at least yours is valid, really valid actually
Thanks so much for the shout out, Francis! And thank you for critiquing one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. Your videos provide so much value, insight, and entertainment, keep up the great work! Music Kingdom is more than a reaction channel; it's truly something special where I feel like we're celebrating not only music, but life itself. I'm excited to get back to this video now, been waiting until I got off work to watch. Cheers and have a great weekend!
The legend himself! Thanks Anthony! 🙏🏼
@@TheMusicKingdom Oh man, after finishing the video...what a great analysis! I think you were right on the money, as was John Paul. You nailed the grading in each category IMO. For me personally, since the song came out during a particularly exciting time in my life, and since I was turned on to it by my best friend, there's a nostalgia factor where I'd probably give it a 9. As I've gotten older, I'm becoming more of a sucker for nostalgic stuff from my teens and early adulthood lol. I can't speak for other Tool fans, but I'd say they are diverse in their beliefs and value the lyrics as much as the music. I'm a Christian, and although I don't think the Tool guys are, I greatly value Maynard's lyrics and learn a lot from them. Parabola is obviously not aligned with any one religion, but the overall message is taught and valued in most (all?) religions. Even non-religious people who are just spiritual can appreciate these lyrics, I'd imagine. The fact that it's not preachy, yet philosophical and spiritual is my favorite part. If I hear a song that's overtly preachy, even if I agree with the lyrics, it's a huge turn off because of the tactless, narrow-minded delivery.
Much appreciated! Well said, once again. Agreed about nostalgia, it’s a beautiful thing that definitely hits harder as we grow older. I also appreciate that Tool pulls from knowledge unspecific to any one creed or religion. 🌀
YESSS KEEP THE TOOL COMING. I highly recommend fear inoculum H. Pushit. Stinkfist
I’m an atheist from the US and I don’t Judge anyone for their beliefs and the Tool Army doesn’t judge me. We are all one collective ❤
I only worry about the cries of the carrots.
Man i wish they're was more people like you. Most atheist i see are hateful to religious people for no fucking reason. Good day to you sir ❤
The power of music 🥹
I’m a satanist, cause I’ve seen the devil when I died and came back to life but at the same time I believe there’s a god but I think I’m going to hell so lol, same as aliens... I’ve seen some weird sh!t
@@mycity7590 maybe you don’t know many atheists then. I am an atheist and I resonate with Tools lyrics and I have read books and works from most of the main religions, from the bible to the Tao Te King.
As an atheist I can find beauty anywhere without being restrained by dogma, although I can also be critic when it is deserved.
Most atheists I know are the most open minded and willing to experience the world than anyone else.
New sub here, keep the TOOL reactions coming! Intension & Right in Two from the 10,000 days album is a great combo song too. Enjoy the journey
Hey, this might be my favorite presentation for a reaction video. You have all the elements. Lyrics, album art, and your reaction. All in a well balanced format. Keep this up and continue on your Tool journey. It will change you. I will be here as well. Thank you
Much appreciated!
Another fantastic review of Tool! Personally, I would love to hear you review the first track from the same album, The Grudge. Amazing vocal range and the drumming is off the charts (your expert will go crazy listening to the last 2 minutes…lol). Keep up the great work! ❤
Noted! 🙏🏼🌀
One of us
One of us
Check out MAYNARD'S EASTER STORY. Mind blowing.
Vicarious, H, The Patient, The Grudge. There's a few songs from them I prefer over these but I think these songs would really vibe with you.
An interesting in depth way to review their music. Enjoyed it.
Lol. Welcome to the Tool army. Member since 94. You have a tremendous catalog to work through. I really enjoy you going in depth about the song...its meaning...and its meaning to you.
I'm an atheist and skeptical about all of metaphysics, but I love Tool to the point that I call them my favorite current band. I could write paragraphs about that, but they do go into solid science and get philosophical from that - but it's merely a bonus, as the music is simply insanely good.
Love that! Great music transcends beliefs (or lack thereof).
Check out their other song about life. Listen to the Grudge. Holding grudges will destroy you. It is INTENSE!
Guys, both of you would really appreciate The Grudge from TOOL, out of this album. Great drums, great lyrics, epic ending!
I'm afraid you won't find much melodic changes in TOOL songs when speaking about the guitar and the bass, but you'll see a lot of rythm and time signature changes, and overall tonal change on the bass and the guitar. Actually, this might be the only one that's not in D minor. LOL
While you're on this album, you really should do reflection. That to me is their best song on this album... Just absolutely magical.
I don't listen intently to the lyrics and try to analyse what they mean. For me it is best to just experience the lyrics as part of the music. Even if they were sung in Danish or Portugese, I'd still appreciate the feeling they impart.
Correct sir. Reflection & The Patient are the bomb tracks on the album; 👍.
I had forgotten about that track. Thanks for reminding me to obsess over it for the next few months 😅
A 24-year sound engineer here. When talking about a song "production," I understand where you are coming from. However, rock/metal has a bit of a different use for the term "production." When using this term when describing rock/metal production on a record, it comes down to how a track/album is "mixed." Can you hear each individual instrument and vocal. How are.they "ballanced". In the song, does each instrument have a place. Are the drums drowning every other aspect of the song out. Are the vocals clear? Can you understand them (not to include the diction and enunciation of the particular singer). Is the audio composition letting you enjoy each part of the band, or is one part of the song over driving other parts. This is a very simplistic explanation, but its a good general rule of thumb. Keep up the good work...
Agreed! Well said.
I’ve been a fan of tool since 2000. They’ve been part of my life since then and have been fortunate to see them perform 17 times. Recently I discovered Alan watts…. “I was wrong……This changes everything”…..
Alan watts and Tool are a perfect combination.
This is ME! I feel like as I've listened to TOOL, since the late 90s, I've slowly started to "understand" until I had a major breakthrough. I think my life experiences, coupled with the message that TOOL brings, slowly brought me into this point where I eventually had an epiphany about life... And yes, Alan Watts, Carl Jung, and many others started influencing my life more and more.
I very much respect your scoring of those songs. I enjoy seeing your reactions when parts of the song resonates with you. Looking forward to when you react to the song Pneuma!
I am definitely one who enjoys Tool now because of the spiritual meanings in their lyrics. However, it wasn't like that at first. It's amazing how a lot of little things such as meditation, Tool, etc. came together as one huge understanding during my spiritual enlightenment.💫✨ I'm also curious if their choice of chords has to do with certain chakra frequencies because I think their music goes far deeper than most modern music.
Please listen to Pneuma.
Well said Toni!
I agree with your comment about the outro. But, when I watch the music video, the outro goes really, really well with the video.
So I’ve heard. I’ll have to check it out!
Instant follow. Nice work. Your journey down the rabbit hole has begun!
SPIRAL OUT,
SPIRAL OUT !!!!
Parabola is my absolute favorite Tool song, with the combination of Parabol being absolutely sublime! No, it may not have the odd time signatures or insane vocals the band's known for, but, for me, this is the pinnacle of Tool's perfection. I'm analytical by nature, so I appreciate a good dissection and analysis, but the combination becomes something that you feel spiritually more than think about. I can empathize with those who say breaking down Tool songs ruin the magic because, me being COMPLETELY biased ( 😅), it did hurt a bit to hear that there "wasn't much going on." Still, though, I appreciate the honest appraisal, and look forward to more Tool breakdowns!
Rest assured - when I’m not making a RUclips video, I prefer to experience music the same way as you. 🌀
'Ticks & Leeches' is a song tool made when the record label wanted something heavy, not the “floaty” songs Lateralus is known for.
This is what they got. I hope it’s what they wanted.
I hit the sub!! And it’s cuz TOOL out here making people famous. And I love seeing people discover TOOL for the first time
The outro before the outro IS THE MOST TOOL NOISE EVER, fyi. They love that range of midbass distortion 💯💯🔥🔥
Lovin the content my man. Keep’em coming.
Much appreciated Jake!
Funny, it doesn't matter how many times I see the accepted lyric "Alive", I still hear it as "..an illusion, a lie!"
Interesting!
Actualy MJK wrote a book an it's called A perfect union of contrary things.
Oh snap!
The drawn-out outro hits much better when they play it live. Blended with the visuals of their live performances is where it’s at.
I enjoy your presentation. Based on the thumbnail of your videos I figured you would annoy me….. I’ve been pleasantly surprised thus far. I dig what you do. 🌀
I love this kind of analysis and breakdown. I have been listening to Tool for almost 20 years now, basically on repeat, so my ability to think honestly about these songs is entirely gone, they are just a Part Of Me (tool army gets it). I hope to get to see more deep breakdowns, analysis, and scores of Tool songs from you and your professional brother.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on both versions of Pushit by TOOL. The original Ænima release from 1996 and the Salival version from 2000. There’s lots of lyrical and musical changes between the two. I’d be curious to see which version you prefer
I love Pushit. That is one of my top 5's. All of their songs are amazing but Pushit is just beautiful.
15 yr old me listening to this when it came out...was mind blown...still am. See them live any chance you get.
Really appreciate your thorough approach to reviewing songs on your videos. I found you through TOOL, so i have enjoyed your first 2 TOOL song reviews...but there is so much more and if i can recommend your next TOOL review, i'd go with the Wings For Marie (Pt 1) and 10,000 Days (Wings, Part 2) combo. But no matter which way you proceed, Spiral Out. Peace!
🌀✌🏼
That sums up my whole tool experience " My thoughts on the lyrics are... naw fuck it I just want to keep listening"
For your next song on your Tool journey I recommend one of these two songs: 46&2 or Right in Two. Neither song is on the Lateralus album. One is on the album before and one is on the album after.
📖 A Perfect Union of Contrary Things. ~ Sarah Jensen / Maynard James Keenan. You’ll definitely enjoy it. 🤝
You said, "Holy shit!", right at the apex of the parabola. Perfectly captures what it means to be alive. You just start gearing up for all the awesomeness, and then middle age sets in. Buy the ticket, take the ride!
Great review/analysis!
Song gave me Goosebumps again! I love it
Here for all things Tool. Commenting for that algo love ❤ Keep em’ comin!
Loving your Tool reactions. I hope you read this comment and take it to heart. It’s really the only comment here that matters. Here it is: the progression of Tool over time is equally important as their music. Do yourself a favor and do their entire catalog front to back. I can DM you the order and which songs go together, etc. because it’s a whole “thing” in itself.
I'm Part of the #ToolArmy and i glad you loved the song one of my favs hopefully you will join us soon
He actually does have a book out about his life with coauthor Sarah Jensen called A Perfect Union of Contrary Things. I sent a letter to be in their fan club in the early 90’s , before everyone had their own website. I was sent a copy of their demo before they were signed, along with a letter that listed approx 10 books he recommended so that we may “have something to talk about if we ever met each other Lol. I was ecstatic to see a Terrence Mckenna book on there, because I had already read one of his books. The evolution of Tool is displayed throughout each album.with anger, Jungian concepts of transformation, evolution, self awareness, into spiritual and esoteric concepts. Word around the campfire, is Danny’s father was a 33 degree Mason and Danny is as well. Sacred Geometry is plastered all over his spaceship of a drum kit, and he mentions the occult often. I highly suggest watching the live drum cam video , and the videos called “The Secrets of Fear Innoculum. Mind blowing. Anyway, you won me over. Im a sub now.
Others already mentioned MJK's book. I recommend the audiobook version because he reads the sidebars himself, and the rest of the book is read by a longtime friend. I felt it enhanced the experience to hear it read to me.
These guys are so in tune with each other they don't use click tracks nor do they need to.
More more
Music Kingdom Horizons by Puscifer (one of Maynard's other bands)
Lateralus by Tool
Mad As a Hatter by Larkin Poe
When they record the songs, Maynard never listens to them before all the instrumental tracks are finished and ready. After the band makes and records all the music, then Maynard listens to the track and writes/adds the vocals. This fact alone is amazing to me
You mentioned "holy" as a Christian term. Maynard has voiced his displeasure with Christianity in the past in several songs.
However, his mom was a very strong Christian who maintained her faith through much adversity. I like to believe that Maynard is changing his mind and starting to understand faith in a different way. Parabol/Parabola is clearly about our soul. The song Pneuma off their last album is another about our soul, yet another Christian belief.
Believing in a soul or anything that this song and Pneuma is about aren't strictly limited to Christianity you know. Christianity is only 2000 years old, but ancient Indian vedic teachings, and other more ancient East Asian beliefs are much older and hold the same beliefs. One can believe what Maynard writes but have no interest in any organised Faith at all. It's simply about believing that there is more to life than the physical, that we are all God/spirit in physical form with the sole purpose of relationship and experience.
If Christianity would just stick to those basic teachings rather than stating that the only way to be saved is to accept jesus, and that all who don't accept jesus are condemned to eternal damnarion, then it would be more widely accepted. The fact that Maynard mother was a devout Christian and probably held those same beliefs, will be the reason that he speaks out against Christianity. He'll never be a Christian, he'll never see that faith in a different way. But he WILL carry on believing that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience.
10,000% agree. Religion & dogma vs metaphysics & spirituality
He did write a book; “A Perfect Union of Contrary Things”
love your indepth reviews
the grudge is one of my fav. songs on this album lyrics and music.
did you accidentally leave the speakers on per chance? haha I can hear the flanging from the interference.
Watch the official video, the ending makes more sense, it's like the music at the end was made specifically for the video scene.
As a whole, this album had such a profound effect on me that, on purpose, I didn't fully invest in 10,000 Days for the better part of 3 years following it's release, simply because I didn't think the band could out do Lateralus (of course, I had PLENTY of time do digest that one in the interim between it and Fear Inoculum...😂).
Parabol>Parabola remains my (if I had a gun to my head) favorite Tool track; I don't outright disagree with anything from the reaction, because much of the effect Tool has on it's listeners is borne out of what each individual brings to the experience. Solid reaction, Francis...Spiral Out, Keep Going!!
Another #thing about toolthusiasts is that we're able to entertain possibilities from beyond our individual mental field.
I'm curious how you'd find Mekaba off their Salival boxed set. It's still not available on streaming services
If someone doesn’t like that you stop and analyze, there’s plenty of other reactors out there that don’t. I’ve heard this song I don’t know how many times. I’ve seen plenty of reactions anything Tool but it’s nice to learn more about their music. Truly a brilliant band. Great analysis!
love this album and band, thanks for the reactions
After two decades, it was determined by chance that the frequency of these sound effects and its crushing flange leads to the climax.
Forty six & 2 by Tool is probably also right up your ally.
I love the chorus Frogs and Crickets,in this song 🎵
Ok I've watched a few of your reviews and I appreciate your content. I'm gonna suggest Heilung, it isn't metal or rock but it will absolutely blow you away.... spiritually. I'm subbing now in hopes I see that review later.
Edit to previous post: Aeona or Traust for Heilung. Also any song you choose is acceptable too lol
Very fair critique. I hope you guys react to Reflection & The Patient off this album. Personally, I rate them higher than Lateralus, & Parabola. I’m fortunate enough to own a killer sound system, & I know that literally every song ever written sounds better on a great system. But Reflection & The Patient hit different on a good system. Brilliant songs, the both of em. Adams last few chords during the ending of Reflection are insanely tasteful, & simplistic at the same time. How does he do that?
TOOLARMY 💯🤘🤘🤘. Great choice in this intended duo. I could do yoga to the first and train football on the second. Same song. Different angles🤘
You’ve got to check out The Pot! I think you’d love breaking down the lyrics. A brilliant point I saw someone mention about this song is how it’s very possibly directed at Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Jimmy Page made mention of Tool ripping off Led Zeppelin’s MO in the use of sacred symbolism (like Zep IV). So in this song there is a lashing out at Page’s hypocrisy as it is commonly believed that Zeppelin ripped off (“cozened” meaning stolen) the blues (“weeping shades of cozened indigo”) of Muddy Waters. “Lemon juice,” an otherwise oddly placed lyric, is mentioned in more than one Zeppelin song. If you follow this train of thought it’s evident who the kettle is and who The Pot is - a scathing indictment of Page, and an admission by Tool that there is truly nothing new under the sun, only variations on a theme. I personally find that to be a brilliant observation and it’s hard for me to think the song meant anything else to Maynard when he wrote the lyrics. Still, they are written in such a way that you can interpret the song a thousand different ways, as with everything in Tool’s archive, and I think that’s the intention.
Would love the see you review "Pushit", "Right in Two" and "Vicarious" all by Tool.
46 & 2
Right in Two
The Grudge
The Pot
My dude, you’ve only scratched the surface. You’re literally going to be awestruck, with every song by them that you listen to. They’re transcendent, as artists.
…oh, and the ones I’ve listed have the vocals you’re looking for.
For your own viewing I urge you check out the video for these two. It's mind-blowing towards the end
As a drummer and instrumentalist, I primarily listen to the music, which includes the vocal melodies and vocal stylings. That said, I don't pay a lot of attention to the lyrics. Admittedly after years of listening to TOOL, I've picked up most of the lyrics and I will often sing along. However, I don't tend to analyze their meaning whether that's superficial or deep meanings. 🤷♂️
I'm mostly just here for the sonics. 🔥🤘🏽
Well said! 🔥🌀
Wasn't a fan of the song till I heard Danny Carey's drum solo in the outro live, then it became one of my faves.
I've been listening to this album since it came out and yet I had never really focused on the lyrics of this song. They aren't in the cd ('member those?) liner notes and sometimes they are difficult to hear. Thanks for your review in general however just the fact that you had the lyrics playing with the song I found myself welling up. It was like I was hearing the song again for the first time.
Regarding your 'expert' falling in love with the drumming of Danny Carey you should probably make it a point to eventually get to the video of Carey playing Pneuma live. Maybe even invite him to react with you on screen for that one. It is gonna blow both of yalls brains.
One other thing. Please visit Dream Theater in your reactions. I recommend Metropolis 1 or Take the Time as your first DT reaction.
You're in luck. He wrote a book. Read it.
The Wheels on the Bus, go round and round, while TOOL takes me to School.
i think you might have a little more appreciation for the ending while watching the video. great reactions. thanks for the share. keep the tool videos coming.
Yeah that’s what I’m hearing. Much appreciated!
Again I would recommend you look at the live at Wembley version of "The Greatest Show On Earth" by a band called Nightwish. there are only a few bands that I love and listen to everything they make...Pink Floyd, Rush, Tool and Nightwish. You can throw Primus in there as well but there music is truly mind altering and somewhat of an inquired tase. The subject matter of the song I recommended is the planet earth, its creation and how life and man came to be. It has spoken phrases in the song that are not the other than Richard Dawkins and the album that it comes of "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" are from Charles Darwin.
The guitarist actually worked in special effects in Hollywood. He left a sure thing there to play in this band.
That’s important, because I think this is one of the few times I think Tool made a musical decision to provide a visual experience in their video.
Watch the video and you’ll understand the outro.
Noted!
I like the outro, but the outro does make more sense watching the video. I don't care about the lyrics at all myself, just the band and his voice as an instrument.
Venturing into the greatness that is Tool. Enjoy dude!
Wings for Marie pt 1&2. NEXT!
I would love to see you branch out to other "Maynard" bands. I would recommend the Humbling River by Puscifer. It is both haunting and enlightening. I would try to explain what the meaning is to me but it deserves a fresh listen so you can get out of it what you see.
The outro you didn’t like is wayyyy better live. Drummer Danny goes off
Another solid review, even if it's tough to review Tool, and from an initial listen. Basically nailed it just like Lateralus. Can't wait for some more.
I think the only real accurate way would be to record the initial reaction, then listen 99 more times while in some different sets and settings, and then do the review. haha you have unlimited time, right?
Hey man, great review. I think you may like cemetery gates by Pantera.
Tool are musical wizards!! Please review the song "Eulogy". 🎼🎸🥁🎹🎶🎶
Recommendations: holy wars, hangar 18 and tornado of souls by megadeth, cemetery gates and cowboys from hell by pantera, painkiller by judas priest, fade to black by metallica, pull me under, take the time and metropolis pt. 1 by dream theater
great review
A bit late but Maynard does have a book, check it out!