Decisive · Grunge & Alternative
Tool
Los Angeles progressive metal band formed in 1990. Ænima and Lateralus (2001) put polymeter, long-form structures, and art-video packaging on metal radio.
Landmark
Schism · 2001
5/8–7/8 bass figure; progressive-metal radio odd-meter single.
Opened
Art-metal with video and polyrhythm as equal parts of the release.
01 / 06
Undertow: LA alt-metal debut
Tool forms in LA; Opiate EP (1992) and Undertow (1993) break through with Sober. Adam Jones’s drop-D riffs and stop-start dynamics fit post-grunge radio. Danny Carey brings jazz and tabla training to metal drums—polyrhythm inside rock song length. Keenan’s vocal stays mid-range and restrained; lyrics stay opaque rather than confessional.
02 / 06
Ænima and Lateralus
Ænima (1996) adds Stinkfist and Forty Six & 2—Chancellor’s bass tone and Jones’s visual-art packaging deepen the record identity. Lateralus (2001) pushes Fibonacci-inspired structure; Schism’s 5/8–7/8 shifts enter MTV rotation. Carey’s kit expands (roto toms, tabla, electronics)—prog metal with a large percussion focus.
03 / 06
Album gaps and Fear Inoculum
10,000 Days (2006) takes five years; Fear Inoculum (2019) takes thirteen. Long gaps between albums become part of how the band is discussed. Vicarious (2006) and Fear Inoculum (2019) keep odd meters and long runtimes on rock charts. Jones directs Alex Grey artwork; packaging and video stay tied to the music releases.
04 / 06
Sober
Undertow breakout—drop-D riff and Keenan’s mid-range over a quiet-loud arc.
05 / 06
Schism
5/8 and 7/8 meter shifts as hook—prog structure on rock radio.
06 / 06
Fear Inoculum
Thirteen-year gap closed—Carey tabla patterns and 10+ minute runtime return.
01 / 06
Undertow: LA alt-metal debut
Los Angeles progressive metal band formed in 1990. Ænima and Lateralus (2001) put polymeter, long-form structures, and art-video packaging on metal radio.
Lineup versions
Chancellor classic four
Peak1995–
Chancellor replaces early bass; Lateralus peak form.
- Maynard James KeenanVocals
- Adam JonesGuitar
- Justin ChancellorBass
- Danny CareyDrums
Quotes
“The odd times aren't math homework. They're grooves that lean.”
— Danny Carey, 2001 · Drum interview excerpt
“We leave space. That silence is part of the riff.”
— Adam Jones, 2001 · Guitar interview excerpt
Scenes
| Year | Track | On stage | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | SoberUndertow breakout—drop-D riff and Keenan’s mid-range over a quiet-loud arc. | Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Justin Chancellor, Danny Carey | |
| 2001 | Schism5/8 and 7/8 meter shifts as hook—prog structure on rock radio. | Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Justin Chancellor, Danny Carey | |
| 2019 | Fear InoculumThirteen-year gap closed—Carey tabla patterns and 10+ minute runtime return. | Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Justin Chancellor, Danny Carey |