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I'm surprised it hasn't been brought up for discussion on here yet. But anyhoo we've had a bit of time to digest it now. Would love to hear what you all think of Fear Inoculum.
Personally I think Jones's rhythm tone has gone backwards a bit. We're never going to see that raw, gritty in your face sound he had on Aenima again.
Even his tone on 10000 days was better.
The songs themselves don't seem to grab me as much as they should but have some nice moments.
If there were no vocals on the record you wouldn't even notice I reckon. Maynard doesn't have the vocal fortitude he once had but that's all good, he's older now and spends most of his time stomping grapes.
I will persist with it but don't see it ever getting as much play time as the early stuff.

I listened to the album a while - I think they suffer a bit because we compare to them to Tool (themselves) but relative to everybody else they are pretty amazing.

I agree about the rhythm tone, I thought it sounded dated but not in a classic way. I never thought that about Tool before!

Dated is a good word for it.
I dunno, maybe a bit over produced too.
It seems they did the album because everyone has been bitching for so long, and not really for their own gratification. Some of the songs lack that 'spark'
Invincible is a good track.

griff7628 wrote:Dated is a good word for it.
I dunno, maybe a bit over produced too.
It seems they did the album because everyone has been bitching for so long, and not really for their own gratification. Some of the songs lack that 'spark'
Invincible is a good track.

I think you're right - it's the production that dates it.

I've thrashed the hell out of this album; I really rate it. Some of the songs get a bit drawn out but they all have some epic moments.

What about the production seems dated to you guys?

Haven't heard it..in fact I have only ever heard 2 Tool songs and I hated them ...... BUT ...... after hearing Adam Jones on "talk is jericho" podcast and Maynard on Joe Rogan I have been tempted to at least try again to listen because they both came across as awesome dudes .... SO ...

someone throw me a good starting point please

willow13 wrote:Haven't heard it..in fact I have only ever heard 2 Tool songs and I hated them ...... BUT ...... after hearing Adam Jones on "talk is jericho" podcast and Maynard on Joe Rogan I have been tempted to at least try again to listen because they both came across as awesome dudes .... SO ...

someone throw me a good starting point please

Songs I would start with would be Parabola, Ticks and Leeches, Eulogy and Lateralus.

Lateralus the album is their masterpiece most would say, I think Aenema would be most accessible.

It was discussed last month in the Just Saying thread...

Listened to it a couple of times, was just a bit meh

StratMatt wrote:

willow13 wrote:Haven't heard it..in fact I have only ever heard 2 Tool songs and I hated them ...... BUT ...... after hearing Adam Jones on "talk is jericho" podcast and Maynard on Joe Rogan I have been tempted to at least try again to listen because they both came across as awesome dudes .... SO ...

someone throw me a good starting point please

Songs I would start with would be Parabola, Ticks and Leeches, Eulogy and Lateralus.

Lateralus the album is their masterpiece most would say, I think Aenema would be most accessible.

Also add, Prison Sex, Aenima (the song), and hooker with a Penis to that list too man. Report back in a few days.

jeremyb wrote:Listened to it a couple of times, was just a bit meh

I appreciate you calling a spade a spade.

foal30 wrote:

jeremyb wrote:Listened to it a couple of times, was just a bit meh

I appreciate you calling a spade a spade.

No need for racism.

Boring as fuck.

I've been told I need to give it more time and it's a grower but I'm 46 on Sunday and, if I'm lucky, I've got another 30-40 years left in me. I don't think that is long enough for me to actually like it.

I think people aren't talking much about it because most people had the same reaction to it:

I didn't really dislike the album, but I haven't gone back for a re-listen.

Still think they have amazing songs etc.

Re my 'dated' comment - I've always thought Adam Jones' tone is perfect for their songs, and I saw them live at Big Day Out years ago and thought live tone was great too.
When I heard this album I was surprised to find myself thinking some of the guitar tones reminded me of 80s tone I've heard before. Something about the mix of how distorted the sound is, and maybe there is some chorus in the mix?
I just had a quick re-listen to a couple songs and it's definitely the processing of the guitar sound that is making me think that.