EP's have a way of being either loved or hated. From a bands point of view, they're usually a way to put out unreleased material, or to experiment between records. When Tool first put out their EP Opiate, it was the most metal material the band have released. To have an EP as debut is a risky move because record stores(at least where I live) don't carry or sell as many as LP's. But it turns out it was worth the risk.
It doesen't matter if you're a fan or not, they're still a band that affects people, and this record is no exception.
This record is composed of six songs. Two of them (Cold and Ugly and Jerk Off) being live from some club they played. Most of them are quite short by Tool standards, clocking in at around three-four minutes each. Opiate is the longest song on here, being about six and a half minutes in length. Yes, the album is generally short, but that stiil doesen't affect the music's impact.
Even in the early days, Tool loved writing music with odd time signatures and tempo's. A trademark they carry to this day, songs like Cold and Ugly and Jerk Off have that creepy vibe that people would come to love. Maynard's lyrics are not as creative on this album, and tend to repeat certain lines alot, but some of them keep the message of the song going with Maynard singing the line" Trembling at the thought of feeling, wide awake and keeping distance."The music even has guitar solo's in certain places, which is rare for Tool. But it shows that Adam Jones can actually play well as far as playing lead guitar goes. Regardless the song writing is solid throughout the album. Maynard's vocals are top notch as always, and Danny Carry still plays complicated, well structured beats.
For an early collection of songs, I did'nt expect much. AEnima was the first Tool album I had ever heard, and when I got this and went to listen to it, I could tell that this album played at least a partial role stylistically for the writing of that record, along with Undertow as well.
Opiate is a great listen for fans who want to hear the bands early material, as well as any metal fan because of the heavy sound.
Recommended tracks:
Cold and Ugly
Jerk-Off
Opiate
Hush
