Tool - 10,000 Days Review [Archive] - ForumsHQ

[IslaScotts]

How does one go about reviewing a band such as Tool? Their newest album 10,000 Days is a bit hard to get used to upon 1st, 2nd, and 3rd listen. James Maynard Keenan, singer of Tool and A Perfect Circle, can never be underestimated with his ability to have meaning hidden within meaning. Maynard is man lured by symbols and educated in the mainstream as well as the under-skirted religious of the world. His lyrics in 10,000 Days reflects not only religious beliefs but the folklore of people burned, raped, beaten, and killed. If you doubt the "folkness" inherent in these songs, close your eyes and listen to the beginning of The Pot with lyrics such as:



"Who are you to wave your finger? You must have been out your head. Eye hole deep in muddy waters. You practically raised the dead [...] Foot in mouth and head up asshole. What you talkin' 'bout? Difficult to dance 'round this one, 'til you pull it out, boy "



This song is then followed by the minute long track Lipan Conjuring which is part of a ritual from the Apache Indians. A culture rich with religion, ritual, drug induced visions, and mysticism. Which is a great introduction for the next track Lost Keys, which is a first person account of being in a hospital in a state of being unable to respond, hearing loudest your own breathing. Being all too aware of your own breathing. This track then leads you into the next song, topping out at just over 11 minutes long.



Rosetta Stoned. Going from folk inspired, to mysticism, to drug induced states these all lead up to Rosetta Stoned. The Rosetta Stone, used to decipher hieroglyphics is metaphorically used as a drug that unlocked a secret within the mind. Again forcing this album to delve deeper into religion and mysticism.



The title tracks, yes there are in fact two songs, Wings For Marie (Part 1) and 10,000 Days (Wings Part 2) needed to be broken apart not only for length (6 and 11 minutes respectively) but for the cause and effect, the reason and the outcome.



She is the reason:

"A passionate spirit. Uncompromise. Without us in your heart, a light in your eyes that ends all lies.

Vacant, broken fell at the hands of those moments that I wouldn’t see."



This is the outcome:

" 'I have come home now! Fetch me the spirit, the son and the father, Tell them their pillar of faith has ascended.

'It's time now! My time now! Give me my give me my wings!' "



There are lyrics eluding to Lucifer, the fallen Angel, and his return to grace. There are too many biblical references to cite, and the meaning behind such lyrics is beyond the scope of even the most avid listener of Maynard. Maynard is a complicated man, it should only be fitting that his lyrics are complicated and within them meaning upon hidden meaning.



10,000 Days is an album riddled with stories of distant lands for which the track Jambi is named (a port city in Indonesia), old world cultures, and hard driven religious beliefs.



The music stylings of Tool is something never to overlook. Maynard's lyrics are complicated and need complicated music to follow in suite. When listening from start to finish the music takes you on a journey, especially during the mystical/ritualistic tracks. The epicenter of Adam Jones's, guitarist of Tool, ability is rightfully shown in the title tracks, Wings for Marie and 10,000 Days. Adam, I would dare say, makes this album whole, makes this band whole. He draws you in where he wants and leads you down emotional paths you would otherwise never find in these songs. Maynard's lyrics are powerful, but without Adam they would be nothing more than just mere words.



While this album might not be of traditional Tool songs, this album gives you a glimpse into the deeper meaning behind life, frustration, and the possibilities. I would say lyrically (and message wise) that this album is more akin to what Maynard has composed with A Perfect Circle. However; this is still the Tool many have come to love and appreciate. This is an album you have to get used to, but once you do you will never regret it.



If you would like to read more about Tool, or any of the members please visit the official band website;Toolband.com (http://www.toolband.com/) Or you can go to the official unofficial band website (Sanctioned by Tool); Toolshed (http://toolshed.down.net/).



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Written by Isla Scotts of Vitiated Designs

[Monoxide the great]

The epicenter of Adam Jones's, guitarist of Tool, ability is rightfully shown in the title tracks, Wings for Marie and 10,000 Days. Adam, I would dare say, makes this album whole, makes this band whole. He draws you in where he wants and leads you down emotional paths you would otherwise never find in these songs. Maynard's lyrics are powerful, but without Adam they would be nothing more than just mere words.



quoted for truth.



In the track Right In two i just love adams guitar playing, infact that whole song is nothing short of amazing

[IslaScotts]

Well thank you. I know in a few months after really having absorbed the album I would have a few more opinions, but I thought this was a fair first impression so to speak. The last track though, does anyone know the signigance of 23? Vigniti Tres litereally means 23 or the 23rd. I am not well educated in religion and wonder if there is some biblical reference I don't get.

[Monoxide the great]

yea im not too well on religion either but i was aware of vigniti tres meaning 23.. .

[Raybdbomb]

nice...

(sorry for the edit)

[IslaScotts]

edit? hrrrm?