Tool Fear Inoculum impressions

I agree with uberwaltz. Many Tool fans have a hard time accepting anything after Aenima, which I fully understand. It’s really interesting to hear the progression that the band has made over the years. With each album you can see how they get more melodic and experiment with polyrhythms, time signature changes, etc. For many, that may not be as exciting as their earlier, straight up rock sound.

I didn’t have much of a hard time accepting Lateralus and 10,000 Days. I think the problem I have with FI is that it sounds less like progression and more like a rehash of Lateralus’ riffs and melodies. Maynard showcases little of his talent on this one.

I’ve given it 3 full listens now and I find little worth celebrating. It doesn’t stir me in any way. In contrast, I loved 10,000 Days and Lateralus by the third listen. I can’t believe I’m saying this for a Tool album that was 13 years coming, but I won’t be buying FI on any physical format. I might give it another chance in the distant future. It seems I’m among a very small minority who dislike this album but I find it so disappointing that I’m honestly surprised by how many love it. 

I would not go as far as to say I love it but I certainly like it a fair bit.
It's playing again now and I honestly find it refreshing and not because waited 13 years for it.

Again it is NOT Tool of old and likely was never ever going to be as 13 years have passed under the bridge.

Just like Eat The Elephant was not in the same vein as earlier APC offerings.

Does not detract from the elegance of the music standing on its own merits.

Played the music in its entirety and like it quite a bit. Sounds fantastic on the big rig. 

Agreed stereo5!
I played it again this morning on my 2nd rig which has a sweet vintage Sanyo receiver at its heart and cranked the snot out of the volume.
I think the louder it played the better effect it had musically.

@helomech ...you say you listened to it three times and you find little worth celebrating. Then you say you love 10,000 days.  Just goes to show you... I listened to 10,000 days when it came out and couldn't stand it. I've listened to it on and off for 13 years and I still can't stand it. Fear Inoculum floored me on first listen and it only gets better each and every time I hear it.

Ahhhh, vanilla and chocolate, I guess. Lol.