Lateralus has almost the perfect opening track. The Grudge is one that features great work from all four members of the band, and is most commonly the track I recommend to new fans to listen to in order to see what Tool really sound like.
When I heard it I felt like Justin was truly a member of the band for the first time. The bass work in the track is excellent, and it was clear to me that Justin was now out of the shadow of Paul’s work on Aenima. There’s some memorable lyrics from Maynard as well, not to mention the 30 second scream at the end.
Danny owns the track at the end though – the last 30 seconds feature some of my favorite drumming on any song by any band, and one of the fills in particular is out of this world.
