Saturday, January 9, 2010

Tool - "Ænima"

Released: October 1996
Format: standard album (vinyl, CD, download)


Songwriting: 7
Performance: 8
Recording: 8
First Impression: 8
Staying Power: 6

I was immediately hooked by this album when it was first released, and I feel the same way every time I dust it off and give it a spin.  Its aggressive yet highly intelligent songs are impeccably performed and recorded, interspersed with interludes and sound bites to provide the listener with a much-needed break between each auditory assault.  Regardless, I find it wears thin by the last track, so I have no desire to repeat the experience more than once every few months.  If you're white, male and angst-ridden, then this fine prototype of "new metal" is worth a listen for historical purposes.

Suggested sample track: "Eulogy"

Recommendation: have a listen on Grooveshark. If you like it enough to buy it, then used CDs are not too difficult to find.

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