Mattia

Oh God, reviewing a Tool album is a tough task,
especially after only a few listens, so i’ll be as
honest and breef as possible.
Well, are the guys human after all? it seems so to
me…and that’s the way it should be anyhow. Five
years after Lateralus, expectations got a little too
high this time. So to cut it short , for me 10’000 up
till now is a bit of a disappointment. Not as good as
Aenima, and not even close to Lateralus. But i’ve
listened to it only a few times, and it’s largely
aknowledged that a Tool album needs hundreds of
listenings and has to grow on the listener slowly, so
this is just a termporary review.
As other people did i won’t comment the record song by
song but just lay down my thoughts about the album in
it’s entirety.
As i said some parts of the record are just ok, but
not outrageous, especially the single Vicarius, not
only a so-so single but also a weak opener (especially
if i think about “the grudge” that opens Lateralus by
plowing over the listener…).”The pot” and
“Intension” sounded kind of shallow to me. I agree
with what other people said about the vocals beeing
more layed back and the guitar more up front than on
previous albums, but i think that’s just the general
mood of the album, harsher sounds and more intimist
lyrics. But honestly Adam doesn’t sound “better” than
on previous recordings, and Maynard gets a weird APC
vibe when his singing calms down too much. On the
other hand i think Justin sounds just incredible on
this record, he shines, and his bass sometimes drives
the songs to their climax, and well, we all know what
Danny is capable of behind the kit.
Also  sometimes on this record Tool seem to make alot
of powerful noise (“Jambi”)and layered ambience
(“Right in two”) with out reaching the peaks of
passion Lateralus had. Basically to me they sound
great but are less inspired. Of course there are some
great moments too though: I found “wings for marie”
and “10’000 days” a great moment of the record. Very
powerful and meaningful songs with awesome soundscapes
and arrangements. I also appriciated “Rosetta Stoned”
weird and twisted, reminded me of Aenima. This song
for me is one of the peaks of the album, and is one of
the few moments that show something really new about
Tool.
Overall, great sounds as always, great lyrics, but
less inspired, and with no significant evolution,
that’s what i think. Tool went from Undertow to Aenima
reinventing themselves and their musical philosophy.
Continued on to another level with another great leap
called Lateralus. I think 10 000 days apparently shows
no new significant direction by Tool, or other level
of “genius”. But as everyone knows we will all have
our thoughts well straightened out about this album
only after hundreds of listenes. for me these are only
initial thoughts, i’ll have to dig this record like
nothing before to really get it.