TOOL - Ænima (2019) [Hi-Res]

The title of their second album, Ænima, although invented by the band, is meant in part to evoke Jung's concept of the "anima," or life force, and the LP is riddled with existential ruminations on why we're here and whether it's worth it. "How could this mean anything to me?" mutters Maynard James Keenan's protagonist in "Stinkfist," and his delivery is so convincingly wolrd-weary you almost don't notice that he's singing about having his arm "shoulder deep" up someone's rectum. Engaging, unrepentant creeps are a Tool specialty, and Ænima crawls with them. There's the charismatic bully of "Eulogy," the obsessed fan at the heart of "Hooker with a Penis," the misanthrope in "Ænima" who, imagining California's tumble into the sea, sneers, "Learn to swim." Keenan illuminates the joy in malevolence, while the richly detailed thunder conjured by the prog-inflected drum and guitar parts only amplifies the twisted anima at work. The enthralling blend helped Ænima go double platinum, and turned Tool from alt-metal trailblazers to one of the staple heavy bands of the past 20-plus years. "There are a lot of metaphysical, spiritual and emotional changes going on right now, and we're just trying to reflect that," Keenan told Rolling Stone in '96. "We're not that different from Tori Amos in that sense."
"For their second release, Tool explore the progressive rock territory previously forged by such bands as King Crimson. However, Tool are conceptually innovative with every minute detail of their art, which sets them apart from most bands. Make no mistake, this isn't your father's rock record. Sonically, the band has never sounded tighter. Long exploratory passages are unleashed with amazing precision, detail, and clarity, which only complements the aggressive, abrasive shorter pieces on the album. There is no compromise from any member of the band, with each of them discovering the dynamics of his respective instrument and pushing the physical capabilities to the limit. Topics such as the philosophies of Bill Hicks (eloquently eulogized in the packaging), evolution and genetics, and false martyrdom will fly over the heads of casual listeners. But those listening closely will discover a special treat: a catalyst encouraging them to discover a world around them to which they otherwise might have been blind. If these aren't good enough reasons to listen to Ænima, then just trust the simple fact that Tool deliver the hard rock goods every time the band chooses to release something." (Rob Theakston, AMG)
"With its heavy-duty distortion, weighty rhythms, and cynical lyrics, Tool is a heavy metal band for the '90s. Rather like Metallica circa ...And Justice for All, the sound is focused heavily on texture, with vocals and guitars layered one atop the other, and heart-pounding drums underlying everything. There's not a whole lot of variety on Tool's second full-length album--most of the songs start off fairly low-key, kicking into high gear for the chorus, and repeat--but Maynard James Keenan's distinctive voice, the prog-rock stylings over a heavy metal base, and a supremely unhealthy dose of vitriol make this the perfect album to bang your head to." (Genevieve Williams)