Tool (band)

Tool was formed in 1989 as a contemporary American rock band (though the complexity and intellectual nature of their work belies the term) whose music includes elements of heavy metal and art rock. Their music features dark, complex harmonic structures, unconventional time signatures, and the angered voice of singer Maynard James Keenan and guitarist Adam Jones. Paul d'Amour, the original bassist, left the band in 1995 citing creative differences. He was replaced by Justin Chancellor from the UK band Peach. Tool's drummer is Danny Carey, who utilizes one of the largest drum sets in modern music -- containing approximately 25 different percussive instruments.

Despite the challenging nature of their music, their EP Opiate (1992) and their albums Undertow (1993), Ænima (1995) and Lateralus (2001) and including the live album Salival (2000) have sold millions of copies around the world.

The band has also released a number of singles, with accompanying videos; including "Sober" from Undertow, "Stinkfist" and "Ænema" from Ænima, and "Schism" and "Parabola" from Lateralus.

Guitarist Adam Jones, trained in special effects and movie makeup, directed all of TOOL's videos.

In 2000 Keenan joined A Perfect Circle[?], a less esoteric and more prog-rock effort, but worth checking out none-the-less.

Henry Rollins appears briefy on Undertow, reciting a spoken word piece during the song Bottom.

Tricky appears, uncredited, in the video for Parabola.

And finally, it is advised you do not judge this band by their decal affixed, t-shirt wearing audience.

Tool Discography

Year	Title	Label
1992	Opiate EP	Zoo/Volcano
1993	Undertow	Zoo/Volcano
1996	Ænima	Zoo/Volcano
2000	Salival (CD, VHS & DVD set)	Zoo/Volcano
2001	Lateralus	Zoo/Volcano

External links

• http://toolband.com (http://toolband.com)
• http://disectional.com (http://disectional.com)
• http://toolarmy.com (http://toolarmy.com)

An unofficial archive of Tool-related material is at:

• http://toolshed.down.net (http://toolshed.down.net)