TOOL Official Thread.

[ThatOneGuy2112]

I've only heard the single off of shitty smartphone speakers so far, as I'm at work, so taking my thoughts with a grain of salt:

It's certainly nothing ground-breaking from what the band has done in the past, and in a way it's interesting how it seems that they just picked up where they left off after 13 years without missing much of a beat. That said, this song feels maybe a little too...directionless? I really enjoy the build up and how it progresses throughout very organically, but it sounds as if it continues to build up to something that never comes. It may work better in context with the rest of the album, so I'm not counting it out just yet. In a way I really do admire the musical restraint shown on this track as well. Clearly they wanted to set a tone and atmosphere with this single and in that regard I do commend it. This album has a hell of a lot to live up to, so I'm keeping my expectations measured, but as of now I'm just waiting to hear more of what they have to offer.

[goo-goo]

Bullmoose has it for 36 bucks, free shipping and no tax. $10 bucks cheaper than amazon.

https://www.bullmoose.com/p/31590716/tool-fear-inoculum-4-hd-rechargeable-screen-with-exclusive-video-footage-charging-cable-2-watt-speaker-30-page-book-mp3-download-card

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

Reading all of your thoughts on the new song, I went in with very low expectations......

I have just one question for y'all.....Are you sure we are listening to the same song? This thing is awesome!

First and foremost (at least to me), Danny Carey is still one of the most exciting drummers in the world to listen to. The usage of tablas is very Danny Carey-ish, but they sound great. His approach to fills and the overall structure of the drums within the song are always captivating. I still love that bass tone that Justin has been using the last couple albums, it's thick and meaty. And then Adam Jones has such a different approach to guitar that just about anyone else out there. I also think Maynard sounds great and I've always liked their lyrics. Sure the song doesn't have any real big climax or anything, but I think that is intentional, especially if this is a concept album.

Does it sound like Tool? Absolutely. Is it similar in style to the last couple albums? Sure. Is it worth getting excited over? Hell yes! Is it better than their previous albums? That remains to be seen, but I am now much more optimistic after hearing the title track.

[Buddyhunter1]

I think the first half is great, but the second half goes nowhere. Like others have said though, it could work in context with the album better.

[Stadler]

I mean...that's the way we're headed for all releases, I'm kind of surprised that people are surprised that it's becoming a "limited edition" type of deal. It's been that way for a bit and it's more and more becoming a "support the band even more by buying physical" than an expected physical release. But I get it, for a band that's last release was that long ago and for one that has the amount of foaming-mouth-fans as they do.

Sooner or later it'll be "super limited crystal edition physical copies, 500 total made". I have a hard time saying they'll never make physical copies simply because of human stubbornness and collector's ferocity but after a while it'll be made simply because of fandom and the bands will lose money no matter what. I guess that's another topic all together though.

But why are small-time bands who can barely afford to tour in the first place still producing CDs for the traditional price then? It is weird that a band as ginormous as Tool isn't just selling a basic CD copy. They have enough of a reach that they could still make plenty of money off those.

I checked out the song. *shrug* I don't get Tool.

Well - and I don't think this is a controversial statement at all - there's an element of Tool that has to be off the beaten path on the whole package.   In my Tool collection I have an lenticular cover, I have a fancy slipcase, I have what looks like a backpack or some such...  it doesn't surprise me at all that there is something out of the ordinary on this release.   If I was a bigger fan I might me more jazzed by it (though, frankly, I find this stuff more annoying than anything else.  Marillion and the Flaming Lips are good for this kind of thing too.  I just want the MUSIC.  That's why I'm here.)

[portnoy311]

I mean...that's the way we're headed for all releases, I'm kind of surprised that people are surprised that it's becoming a "limited edition" type of deal. It's been that way for a bit and it's more and more becoming a "support the band even more by buying physical" than an expected physical release. But I get it, for a band that's last release was that long ago and for one that has the amount of foaming-mouth-fans as they do.

Sooner or later it'll be "super limited crystal edition physical copies, 500 total made". I have a hard time saying they'll never make physical copies simply because of human stubbornness and collector's ferocity but after a while it'll be made simply because of fandom and the bands will lose money no matter what. I guess that's another topic all together though.

But why are small-time bands who can barely afford to tour in the first place still producing CDs for the traditional price then? It is weird that a band as ginormous as Tool isn't just selling a basic CD copy. They have enough of a reach that they could still make plenty of money off those.

I checked out the song. *shrug* I don't get Tool.

Because small time bands are more likely to have fans who want to directly support the band. Same reason most small bands have bandcamps to buy the digital album even though they're all streaming as well.


I really enjoy this song and excited for the album.

[Podaar]

This thing is awesome!

Agreed. This is, by far, the best thing they've created in over a decade! 



As for the emphasis on digital download vs. physical copy. I'm planning to buy it digitally and burn me a CD.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

This thing is awesome!

Agreed. This is, by far, the best thing they've created in over a decade! 

[fadetoblackdude7]

I’m liking it more and more with each listen, probably because I’m home from work now and I got to give it my undivided attention.

I guess the chorus is the ‘exhale, expel...’ part that happens twice(?) or is it not a chorus at all 😂

[Podaar]

 

First and foremost (at least to me), Danny Carey is still one of the most exciting drummers in the world to listen to. The usage of tablas is very Danny Carey-ish, but they sound great. His approach to fills and the overall structure of the drums within the song are always captivating. I still love that bass tone that Justin has been using the last couple albums, it's thick and meaty. And then Adam Jones has such a different approach to guitar that just about anyone else out there. I also think Maynard sounds great and I've always liked their lyrics.

In all seriousness, I agree with all the above. After three listens the tune is starting to separate itself from the rest of their catalog. I hear subtle differences each time I hear it.  I would also add that I appreciate the lack of angstyness. That was always cool and appropriate for their albums when they were younger, but let's face it they aren't young guys anymore. I welcome a more mature exploration of their style. It comes off as sincere. I said much the same thing about Distance Over Time by DT.

[Fritzinger]

I haven't heard the song. But I have read some things about people here wanting strong choruses, melody and clean vocals on the album. When has Tool ever been about those things 

[Polarbear]

Shame there won't be a vinyl release of the album, i would have bought that in a heartbeat!

Liking the song more and more as time goes on. Justin's bass riff is firmly stuck in my head! He is such an underrated bassist.

[The Walrus]

I haven't heard the song. But I have read some things about people here wanting strong choruses, melody and clean vocals on the album. When has Tool ever been about those things 

Pardon my ignorance, but... hasn't Tool always had clean vocals? I've heard two albums and I don't recall hearing the Cookie Monster on them.

[T-ski]

Nothing really out of the ordinary here, not sure why I would expect anything different.

Sounds like Tool.

[goo-goo]

I haven't heard the song. But I have read some things about people here wanting strong choruses, melody and clean vocals on the album. When has Tool ever been about those things 

Pardon my ignorance, but... hasn't Tool always had clean vocals? I've heard two albums and I don't recall hearing the Cookie Monster on them.

Opiate and Undertow have Maynard screaming but not growls.

[nobloodyname]

10 years, and that's what they come up with? Crikey. 10 minutes of rambling nothingness for me.

(I've never been a huge Tool fan, admittedly. I imagine their fan-base will lap it up. Which is great.)

[Pettor]

Damit. I was gonna be all cool and go for the "it's ok but nothing more" from my first listen but that song grows like crazy! I am more or less spinning the track now and can't get enough! So much instrumental blizz and Maynard has a voice to kill for. Damit Tool! I am excited now 

[The Letter M]

Just clicked play on the new track.  So far, so good!

My question is, is the cheapest version of the CD $45?  Link: https://www.amazon.com/You-Gonna-Love-Not-Tellin/dp/B07VGTYTBF/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2SX9RGUIV7H0O&keywords=tool+fear+inoculum&qid=1565179684&s=music&sprefix=tool+fear+in%2Cdigital-music%2C128&sr=1-2&tag=smarturl-pivot-20

Apparently, sometime last night, the price for FI went down to $37.67 on Amazon, so I ordered it super quick before it went back up. Ended up at $39.93 after taxes, which saves me at least 6 bucks!

-Marc.

[Peter Mc]

Yep, absolutely loving this. Initial reaction was that it was more of the same but still cool as they are unique and it’s so long since they released anything. The more you listen to it though, there’s just so much incredible music in this 10 min song. Gorgeous vocal from MJK, huge guitar sound as always and that rhythm section is just out of this world.

[Peter Mc]

Just clicked play on the new track.  So far, so good!

My question is, is the cheapest version of the CD $45?  Link: https://www.amazon.com/You-Gonna-Love-Not-Tellin/dp/B07VGTYTBF/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2SX9RGUIV7H0O&keywords=tool+fear+inoculum&qid=1565179684&s=music&sprefix=tool+fear+in%2Cdigital-music%2C128&sr=1-2&tag=smarturl-pivot-20

Apparently, sometime last night, the price for FI went down to $37.67 on Amazon, so I ordered it super quick before it went back up. Ended up at $39.93 after taxes, which saves me at least 6 bucks!

-Marc.

Still listed as £79.99 in the U.K.

[ProfessorPeart]

Physical seems to already be sold out. Amazon doesn't have it and neither does Bull Moose. That went quick.

Guess I hope for an HD Tracks version.

[bout to crash]

Is it seriously that much and selling out? I'll just go to the record store, and if it sells out there I will wait for the hype to die down- I've already waited this long

[ReaperKK]

Damit. I was gonna be all cool and go for the "it's ok but nothing more" from my first listen but that song grows like crazy! I am more or less spinning the track now and can't get enough! So much instrumental blizz and Maynard has a voice to kill for. Damit Tool! I am excited now 

My first listen was sort of "welp this is definitely Tool" but the more you listen to it the more it pays off.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

Damit. I was gonna be all cool and go for the "it's ok but nothing more" from my first listen but that song grows like crazy! I am more or less spinning the track now and can't get enough! So much instrumental blizz and Maynard has a voice to kill for. Damit Tool! I am excited now 

My first listen was sort of "welp this is definitely Tool" but the more you listen to it the more it pays off.

This is very true.

[ProfessorPeart]

Is it seriously that much and selling out? I'll just go to the record store, and if it sells out there I will wait for the hype to die down- I've already waited this long

Sure looks that way. I went to Wal-Mart, Amoeba and a few others. All say out of stock or unavailable. Barnes and Noble and Target both had it available (maybe, who knows). B&N was $40 with free shipping. Target was $45. I just went ahead and pulled the trigger at B&N. Really shouldn't have as I am in a financial bind right now, but, oh well.

[Nel]

Apparently the physical copy comes with some kind of HD screen or something? Is that why it's so expensive?

I just want a jewelcase with the CD in it. 

[MinistroRaven]

Apparently the physical copy comes with some kind of HD screen or something? Is that why it's so expensive?

I just want a jewelcase with the CD in it. 

Correct

[The Walrus]

What does the screen even look like? I've read the descriptions of the package but I still have no clue what the 'screen' thing even means. I'm picturing one of those triangle devices they used for Sabre in season 8 or 9 of The Office 

[ProfessorPeart]

What does the screen even look like? I've read the descriptions of the package but I still have no clue what the 'screen' thing even means. I'm picturing one of those triangle devices they used for Sabre in season 8 or 9 of The Office 

[The Walrus]

Yes, exactly!! 

[Ben_Jamin]

Is it seriously that much and selling out? I'll just go to the record store, and if it sells out there I will wait for the hype to die down- I've already waited this long

Sure looks that way. I went to Wal-Mart, Amoeba and a few others. All say out of stock or unavailable. Barnes and Noble and Target both had it available (maybe, who knows). B&N was $40 with free shipping. Target was $45. I just went ahead and pulled the trigger at B&N. Really shouldn't have as I am in a financial bind right now, but, oh well.

Hopefully Target still has it. I have a gift card there.

Edit: Hooray for Target gift cards.

[TioJorge]

What does the screen even look like? I've read the descriptions of the package but I still have no clue what the 'screen' thing even means. I'm picturing one of those triangle devices they used for Sabre in season 8 or 9 of The Office 

Today's gonna be a good day! With Dunder Mifflin and Sah-Bray!

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

What does the screen even look like? I've read the descriptions of the package but I still have no clue what the 'screen' thing even means. I'm picturing one of those triangle devices they used for Sabre in season 8 or 9 of The Office 

Today's gonna be a good day! With Dunder Mifflin and Sah-Bray!

[jammindude]

What does the screen even look like? I've read the descriptions of the package but I still have no clue what the 'screen' thing even means. I'm picturing one of those triangle devices they used for Sabre in season 8 or 9 of The Office 

The description says it's a 4" screen.   So for me, I'm imagining a fold out style CD case with a little 4" square screen in the front of it and a mini usb charging port on one of the sides....maybe the bottom. 

[millahh]

What does the screen even look like? I've read the descriptions of the package but I still have no clue what the 'screen' thing even means. I'm picturing one of those triangle devices they used for Sabre in season 8 or 9 of The Office 

The description says it's a 4" screen.   So for me, I'm imagining a fold out style CD case with a little 4" square screen in the front of it and a mini usb charging port on one of the sides....maybe the bottom.

I suspect a square screen, showing the "moving" version of the cover artwork form the 7 Aug announcement.