"He's still got an incredible set of pipes"

Yeah but is he believing in these lyrics anywhere near as much as he believed in the ones that came before? I'm not sure that weight is there anymore

Album Rating: 5.0

Music site

Album Rating: 4.0

Since when was it important that a singer 'believes' in a set of lyrics?



Is this about authenticity now? I'd rather care about quality

Of course it's important. If lyrics are personal and hold meaning to the singer you can hear it. Similarly if there's an emotional detachment it comes through

Double post

Album Rating: 2.5

In Maynard's defense, I think he's had a real struggle with his vocals as he's aged unfortunately. There's videos of him flipping out live after missing some high notes

That shouldn't matter heaps for a studio recording scenario, with the possibility of infinite takes and a buttload of prep time

Album Rating: 4.0

Yea, but if you want to perform it live, that stuff matters

Idk, emotional attachment to a singers personality is very overrated imo.

Album Rating: 5.0

@ Tim: Link pls :D

Emotional attachment to lyrical content is how the vast majority of songs are written, so im not sure how you can say it's overrated

Album Rating: 2.5

@pizza p sure this is the one I'm remembering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFoWz4fiwCE

Album Rating: 4.0

So the point is, whether or not his singing performance is convincing to you? I don't care what Maynard thinks about his lyrics privately, I care about a convincing performance and that stuff is quite subjective

If you believe in what youre singing about, whether its a rant about an old fan or some mystical shit about consciousness it's going to sound better than if you don't. I just don't think he cared about it as much this time.. which he quite possibly didnt, due to many factors, age included.

And it's convincing, sure. Just not the level of conviction I came to expect.

Album Rating: 4.0

"If you believe in what youre singing about, whether its a rant about an old fan or some mystical shit about consciousness it's going to sound better than if you don't. I just don't think he cared about it as much this time.."

Well, if I use the example of my aforementioned fave track from this album, 'Descending', I happen to think that this is one of the most heartfelt, sincere statements (lyrical and as a whole that the band has ever produced). This, and the title track, could basically be anthemic of not just the political era we're in, but the fucking pandemic that happened AFTER this thing was recorded.

I could possibly get why someone might think Maynard didn't turn up for this, but I think it's false; the 13-year interim between Tool albums have seen a plethora of Puscifer projects (the first one wasn't even out when '10,000 Days' was released), and an APC release; it's quite possible that the impression that familiarity (and the varying quality of releases) leads to diminishing returns in terms of perceived "effort", but in reality, I'd say it wasn't the case (save for the already mentioned consideration for what can be reproduced live due to age and vocal concerns).

Album Rating: 5.0

I feel like Maynard 'not showing up to this' is just a result of the band autistically changing up the songs every time he came up with lyrics and vocal lines. I think by the time the album was finalized, Maynard was just kind of over the whole thing, hence him taking a backseat.

Album Rating: 4.0

^ Well, other than the fact that I thought he was great on it, that is possible.

The problems the album has, I don't think have anything to do with Maynard--it's the stuff like 'Legion Inoculent', "Chocolate Chip Trip, 'Mockingbeat', etc., etc., ( basically, the instrumental stuff that goes NOWHERE). They used to be good at that sort of thing--self-imposed pressure from the other three members in the band taking a toll, I reckon.

Album Rating: 5.0

I forgot those interludes even exist, I purged them on day 1. They contribute nothing to the album. I actually like CCT though, if only for Danny going off

Album Rating: 5.0

>the fucking pandemic that happened AFTER this thing was recorded



Sure makes you think.

Album Rating: 5.0

Now that some time has passed and the reactionary hype and feels have worn off, I can say this album was a disappointment. I still really like Descending, Invincible and Pneuma, but this album is too self indulgent and the wait was not worth it. My favorite Tool album is Ænima because it still had a feeling of raw spontaneity that was really exciting. Everything on this record feels over-calculated and overthought. It's like a total midlife crisis. I still enjoy it for what it is, but even 10000 Days had more energy than this. This is hands down their worst record