So we are now at the first "real" album. Here again, the impression is spreading that the mix is rather mediocre, what one notices especially in the part too soft vocals. For the instrumental parts with pressure and rowdiness waiting for, is second to none. On good deustch: it rocks HUGE !!!
However, if you already tested for this album to clock gadgets and refined drum FillIns, is sadly disappointed. This followed only with the immigration of Justin Chancellor as bassist on their later albums. The newer Tool albums usual, up to 15 minutes long musical escapades are here not to find.
However, tool set with this album from the beginning a very clear signature on her artistic work: Who in the Internet (if available, because the band prints NEVER Lyrics) examined the texts will notice that many serious issues are addressed, the often tricky are packaged in irony, cynicism and wit. Thus, the aim that the listener actively with the lyrics and the music itself, whose grotesque character is underlined with the booklet and the CD covers again, dealing, is going to examine his feelings on hearing and their own opinions about forming what is actually meant there. That is also the reason why Tool songs leave much room for interpretation. There is nothing in black and white, the band refers seemingly nowhere concrete position and the message is ultimately those who believed from his own consciousness out that we have found. And this aspect will be reflected in all following albums. Here an entirely new form of songwriting is visible. The band's name alone says enough about the maxim of this music: the band as a tool to capture the sounds out there and play. How do musical communication probably be more universal?
Despite technical shortcomings a masterpiece that the step ushers in a music genre which can be packed into any category and the direction pretending clear. To all who know only this one album: Acquire the other, it is better every time!