Lateralus
by Tool
  • Record Label: Volcano
  • Release Date: May 15, 2001
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 641 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 580 out of 641
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 641
  3. Negative: 58 out of 641

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  1. RamiF.
    May 14, 2002
    10
    You dont find such an album in stores everyday. This is a master artwork by maynard. Its more than just songs. Its more like a religion or a science.
  2. WayneB.
    Aug 29, 2002
    10
    I'm not a Tool fan. Never heard any of Tool's songs. I'm a rapidly-approaching-middle-age Pink Floyd fan and I had given up all hope for the future of music. But I kept reading good things about Lateralus and one day on an impulse I clicked the "Add to cart" button. Oh my God. This is amazing stuff. It's on the fringe of my style of music but I recognize good I'm not a Tool fan. Never heard any of Tool's songs. I'm a rapidly-approaching-middle-age Pink Floyd fan and I had given up all hope for the future of music. But I kept reading good things about Lateralus and one day on an impulse I clicked the "Add to cart" button. Oh my God. This is amazing stuff. It's on the fringe of my style of music but I recognize good songwriting and skilled, polished, high-precision musicianship when I hear it, and regardless of the genre that's what earns my highest admiration. Beyond that the quality of the recording takes it to the next level. These guys are smart enough to keep their hands off the dynamic range compression knob that has sucked the life out of just about every CD released in the past ten years. Listen to it on a big stereo system with big speakers and a big subwoofer, and let the bass (on tracks 9, 11, 12 especially) kick your ass!… Expand
  3. RobertN.
    Aug 9, 2002
    10
    With Pink Floyd and TOOL CDs, what more could one ask for . . . perhaps to be enlightened (the next best thing).
  4. DavidO.
    Nov 22, 2003
    10
    This album is a cornerstone of musical creation, an absolutely marvolouse journey of mesmeric brillience. Its poetry.
  5. EricH
    Jan 18, 2003
    10
    Lateralus ranks among the greatest albums in the history of Rock music. I'm speaking along the lines of Dark Side of the Moon, Houses of the Holy, Paranoid, Master of Puppets, OK Computer, Dirt, .... Where the hell is Dream Theater these days anyways? I wonder if they ever cleaned all of the hornets out of their heads? Guitar solos are so so very a thing of the past. And thank god Lateralus ranks among the greatest albums in the history of Rock music. I'm speaking along the lines of Dark Side of the Moon, Houses of the Holy, Paranoid, Master of Puppets, OK Computer, Dirt, .... Where the hell is Dream Theater these days anyways? I wonder if they ever cleaned all of the hornets out of their heads? Guitar solos are so so very a thing of the past. And thank god for that! I hope and pray that Tool will have a legacy of many good albums to appreciate over the years like the greats before them.… Expand
  6. jimbob
    Dec 15, 2003
    10
    very good can't see much improvement
  7. FatachiW
    Oct 22, 2003
    8
    Let's face it: Tool is one of the weirdest bands on the face of the earth, but, boy, do they know how to rock! (much better than most of the bands on the radio these days......)
  8. JoelG
    Dec 2, 2003
    10
    it puts you in a difrent state of mind
  9. carriec
    Oct 5, 2003
    10
    It is amazing! They are true geniuses.. the elaboration is flawless and perfect
  10. JasonE
    Mar 12, 2003
    10
    Tool's ludicrous amount of talent has led them to get better and better with each album. Danny Carey is simply the best drummer. Period. He is by no means a rhythm section, and has given rise to the wonderful concept of "lead drummer". They have surpassed all of their influences and predecessors to rise to the forefront of music as the most talented and intellectaully stimulating Tool's ludicrous amount of talent has led them to get better and better with each album. Danny Carey is simply the best drummer. Period. He is by no means a rhythm section, and has given rise to the wonderful concept of "lead drummer". They have surpassed all of their influences and predecessors to rise to the forefront of music as the most talented and intellectaully stimulating musiciansof the modern era. Dream Theater, while possessing a great deal of technical proficiency, is far too concerned with the Berkley-induced obsession with "the 95th note" to produce music with anything like Tool's feeling. In short, they have no souls. … Expand
  11. AdamS
    Apr 9, 2003
    10
    Tool is all that is significant, only seen with patience...it's an inner process, listen with the ears of an artist...you shall become one as well...sure of course it's not some blarring blahahhahaaaaaaaaa kind of band, where's the musical head within that..where's the real face behind that now..? c'mon now, pull your head out of your asses if you can't even Tool is all that is significant, only seen with patience...it's an inner process, listen with the ears of an artist...you shall become one as well...sure of course it's not some blarring blahahhahaaaaaaaaa kind of band, where's the musical head within that..where's the real face behind that now..? c'mon now, pull your head out of your asses if you can't even recognize Tool as one of the most phenominal bands alive yet...no other will match them, sure you could say that about every lame ass band such as P.O.D. but who's going to be remembered... … Expand
  12. jareds
    Jul 21, 2003
    10
    pitchfork sounds like he's wanking sludge! whens the next album? where are they going to go with it? i want it!
  13. GaborA
    Feb 20, 2004
    10
    Some critics say that tool is some kind of dark angry death march. The truth is that Tool has dug so far down into the darkness that they have errupted from the otherside into the brightest of light. Lateralus reaches that deepest part of your brain where the light lives but at the same time never stops pleasing the ears. Perfect in every way.
  14. Chimp
    May 22, 2004
    10
    Lateralus is the type of album that could redifine music if corporations like clear channel didnt exist. No, you wont see these songs on TRL. But this is truly original music, geniusly composed. The reviewers say that tool decides to do "show-offy" displays instead of how it should be done. No, it is not show-offy. Yes, the basic minimum of all the songs is about 6 minutes, and the album Lateralus is the type of album that could redifine music if corporations like clear channel didnt exist. No, you wont see these songs on TRL. But this is truly original music, geniusly composed. The reviewers say that tool decides to do "show-offy" displays instead of how it should be done. No, it is not show-offy. Yes, the basic minimum of all the songs is about 6 minutes, and the album is 1 minute short of the maximum for a disc, compared to other groups that will do 30-40 minute albums. The basic message is: Tool does not conform to society in any way. … Expand
  15. StevieJ
    Jun 12, 2004
    10
    absolutley mindblowingly awesome
  16. HarryN
    Jul 11, 2004
    10
    Es una masterpiece, es imposible escuchar Lateralus y no sentir un escalofrío constante, a cada palabra, a cada percusión, cada cuerda, cada sonido vaya. Y las letras, son mas que poemas, es como si la tierra en su centro estuviera llena de palabras, se sacaran unas cuantas de las mejores y se hicieran canciones con ellas.
  17. bend
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    not as good as aenima but has the same impact. dannys drums stay magnificent
  18. HutchC
    Oct 13, 2005
    10
    To truly understand this album you need to understand just how difficult it is to bring symphonic melodies, great lyrics and explosive talent together - and make it sound as utterly implosive as Lateralus. I pity folks who probably dont play any instruments (particularly drums!), have never attempted to compose and play a song of their own - and set out to rate albums that are act as To truly understand this album you need to understand just how difficult it is to bring symphonic melodies, great lyrics and explosive talent together - and make it sound as utterly implosive as Lateralus. I pity folks who probably dont play any instruments (particularly drums!), have never attempted to compose and play a song of their own - and set out to rate albums that are act as cornerstones of metal. Albums like Megadeths "Rust in Peace" and Tools "Lateralus". I disagree with Elusive Cat completely.… Expand
  19. AbdulM
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    Maybe not perfect, but as close to perfect as possible.
  20. CharlieP
    Jan 24, 2005
    10
    One of the greatest albums of my generation. A skillful and emotional journey into oneself, a true artists album without succumbing to the record industries wants and promotions. There is no other band out there today like tool because Maynard James Keenan, Daney Carey, Adam Jones and Justin Chancellor and the most skillful and creative force in music today. If there is ANY evidence One of the greatest albums of my generation. A skillful and emotional journey into oneself, a true artists album without succumbing to the record industries wants and promotions. There is no other band out there today like tool because Maynard James Keenan, Daney Carey, Adam Jones and Justin Chancellor and the most skillful and creative force in music today. If there is ANY evidence whatsoever that the music of our generation can move forward away from the crap its become, Tool is that evidence. My personal favorite songs are "Lateralus" "Parabola" and "Disposition." Buy this album.… Expand
  21. TonyS
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    Tool is the most godly band of all time. People who don't like tool don't listen to them enough. One of my friends gave me a recommendation of tool 5 years ago. I went to the store and bought Aenima and lateralus and I drove to for 10 hours listening to them. It was one of the most boring experiences I have ever had. I had also bought a slipknot albumn that I listened to for the Tool is the most godly band of all time. People who don't like tool don't listen to them enough. One of my friends gave me a recommendation of tool 5 years ago. I went to the store and bought Aenima and lateralus and I drove to for 10 hours listening to them. It was one of the most boring experiences I have ever had. I had also bought a slipknot albumn that I listened to for the rest of the trip. So I thought I had just wasted $20. I went home and gave them a second chance...better a third...good and ect. Now "Schism" "the grudge" "Lateralus" "Ticks and leeches" and "parabola" all have over 1000 play counts on my ipod. I started to enjoy these songs seperatley. But then I decided to try the cd as a whole, and it is remarkable. I do homework to it, I turn on tool when I am going to bed. It is soothing and angry at the same time. I think that they are a true depiction of skill. They don't waste their time with loud music, it is all well thought out and used in a good manner. So if you hate tool then I encourage you to put down you stupid fall out boy cd and burn you beatles cd and buy lateralus and force yourself to listen to it 10 times in a row. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. No joke.… Expand
  22. ColinB
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    jaw dropping amazing.
  23. stiNKfist..
    Apr 27, 2005
    10
    One of the greatest albums i've heard.. amazing.
  24. DanielP
    May 13, 2005
    9
    One of the best cds. Tool is the best when it comes to unique timing. They are so different from every other band it's awesome. Maybard has a very unique voice, but it's really nice. This cd and band are musical geniuses. It really inspires me to be better at everthing I do.
  25. samb
    May 17, 2005
    10
    if the rating on this site could go any higher then the only album that would be above a 10 would be lateralus. the members of this band must be dieties because no mere mortal could create something as spectacular, beautiful, and mind-blowing as this album!!!
  26. Jay
    May 3, 2005
    10
    Absolutely outstanding. Anyone who gave this a bad review is definately kidding themselves, they can't actually be serious, they must just want to be different. TOOL are the most amazing band I have ever had the privalage of hearing. Noone else can/has inspired me so much. LONG LIVE TOOL!!!!
  27. Corey
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    It's just great!
  28. ryans
    Jun 2, 2005
    10
    no words can describe this cd.
  29. MikeN
    Jul 23, 2005
    10
    Lateralus is beautiful!!
  30. eemisj
    Aug 2, 2005
    10
    Can't say what is better.. Lateralus or Aenima but both of them deserves full 10. I love this.
  31. RubenB
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    An utter masterpiece.
  32. KurtM
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    This is the most spiritual and well written album that I have ever heard. Every song brings a new feeling of emotion. There is something spiritual about it.
  33. simonm
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    Best Band Eva!!!!
  34. ToddL
    Feb 18, 2006
    10
    The only way they could have made this album better is to include a blowjob with every copy!
  35. Steve
    Mar 17, 2006
    10
    This is the best album of all time.
  36. NickS
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    Open the mind, let the energy be transposed superfluously onto a CD. Add creative electric guitar with equal parts metal distortion, and soft flowing acoustic and you have Tool's most transcendental piece yet. Lateralus
  37. Anthonyy
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    This could very well be the best album ever created. Its tied with Kid A and Animals.
  38. TheressaH.
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    best album ever.
  39. Takanashi
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    If you were to study your ego, then transcend into enlightenment, driving back the harshness of society all the while... this is what it would sound like. Bloody brilliant.
  40. jayp
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    this seriously has to be the most fucking unique band ever. they seriously fucking rock!!! the drums and guitar are amazing
  41. WillieG
    May 23, 2006
    10
    the best
  42. SamuelL
    May 23, 2006
    10
    Im not going to go into extreme detail (if you want to see more in-depth what i think of them, check out the forums at music>live shows>coachella and look for the name lord smoogsbottom III), but suffice it to say that Tool is my favorite band and this is probably my favorite cd from them. The album is beautiful, literally a masterpiece.
  43. ThemistoclesC
    Jun 20, 2006
    10
    One of the greatest music production achievements in history, Lateralus takes us on a spiritual journey towards transcendence. Pure genious.
  44. ShaneK
    Sep 13, 2006
    10
    This is the best album ever made by any band of any genre. Ever. I can not possibly comprehend how someone could not love lateralus.
  45. BrianH.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    Pimp ass shit. -BLAM- Pitchfork. -BLAM- the people that gave anything but a green score.
  46. BrandonN
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    you cant be serious if your thinking about not listening to this, to put it simply, piece of art. The time changes are beautifully orchistrated, and just flawless. You also get the hard, headbanging riffs from parabola and ticks & leeches. In my opinion, the best album to date by Tool, and any alt. rock, prog. rock band. The soundtrack to my everyday life.
  47. KrakkaJ
    Jan 30, 2007
    8
    A strong album from a good band. I wouldn't consider myself a Tool fanboy, but this album is a work of art well derserving of its critical praise. From the driving mantra of The Grudge to the tribal trance of Triad, the music leaves little to be desired. Keenan's voice is slightly annoying in some instances, and there is some unnecessary filler, but the rhythms and tones are A strong album from a good band. I wouldn't consider myself a Tool fanboy, but this album is a work of art well derserving of its critical praise. From the driving mantra of The Grudge to the tribal trance of Triad, the music leaves little to be desired. Keenan's voice is slightly annoying in some instances, and there is some unnecessary filler, but the rhythms and tones are executed well and in perfect balance. The overall musicianship is outstanding and anyone interested in progressive rock should check this out.… Expand
  48. RyanM
    Jan 5, 2007
    10
    perfect. One of the best 5 albums ever made
  49. NonameNolastname
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums of all time. I cant understand giving this any less then a 9. It is what you get when you combine great ideas with great music.
  50. AaronW
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    6 years after the release of this album, I am still learning from it. While other albums lose flavor over time, this one just continues to get better.
  51. ZachL
    Feb 5, 2007
    9
    An absolute work of art. How can people actually be complaining about the length of time the songs are? Is that all you can come up with to badmouth it? Combine thought provoking lyrics, mellow guitar riffs, and amazing vocals and you have Tool.
  52. SreenivasuluV
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    This is one of the best CD's I have ever own. It makes me wonder how they can turn a mathematical sequence (Fibonacci) into such an awesome song (Lateralus). They are extraordinary.
  53. Ivan
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    Probably the best album ever...
  54. AnonL.
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    Yea, if your voting low, your just as lulled as the rest of the world, progression of this magnitude hasn't been reached since Zeppelin and Rush. If you could look deeper then just listening to the sound play on you could realize this music isn't catchy, this music isn't easy listening, this is art. Open your eyes and "swing on the spiral out" into a new world of thought. Yea, if your voting low, your just as lulled as the rest of the world, progression of this magnitude hasn't been reached since Zeppelin and Rush. If you could look deeper then just listening to the sound play on you could realize this music isn't catchy, this music isn't easy listening, this is art. Open your eyes and "swing on the spiral out" into a new world of thought. Maynard is calling for us to look deeper, sound in music isn't just about pitch and tone, in music their is nothing but sound, the sound has to be more then pitch and tone, the sound is description embodied... the sound in a song is meant to enhance the message. Music isn't catchy sound, its elevation into higher learning. Maynard is pushing us to embrace the random, learn something from Alex Greys artwork and open your mind to something more then whats on the surface. Under every letter of a book there is a message, likewise under every vibration in a song there is meaning, there is purpose so ask yourself, what is Tool trying to portray? Tool is more intelligent then your run of the mill rapper, Tool has purpose in every second they record, you just need to find it.… Expand
  55. scottc.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    critics suck ball sack!!!
  56. KevinH
    Aug 1, 2007
    9
    Lateralus is an intricately layered prog rock album. Although very heavy at times, this album shows what's great about the genre. Unorthodox time signatures, a la Schism & Lateralus make for an album that may need a few listens to eventually appreciate the genius of this record. Parabol & Parabola make for a 9 minute piece of genius, with Parabola being a altogether heavier version Lateralus is an intricately layered prog rock album. Although very heavy at times, this album shows what's great about the genre. Unorthodox time signatures, a la Schism & Lateralus make for an album that may need a few listens to eventually appreciate the genius of this record. Parabol & Parabola make for a 9 minute piece of genius, with Parabola being a altogether heavier version of Parabol. This for me being the highlight of the album. Also, don't listen to anything Pitchfork says, they give The Mars Volta bad reviews.… Expand
  57. ImranK
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    Hahahaha Pitchfork gave 10,000 days a 5.9 and Lateralus a 1.9. Now we ALL have solid proof that they are bunch of easy listening/pop music loving morons who couldn't identify art and originality if it beat the shit out of them every day for 1.6 billion years. Pitchfork...get off of this site! You gave 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" a 7.0 BAHAHAHAHA! I can picture the Hahahaha Pitchfork gave 10,000 days a 5.9 and Lateralus a 1.9. Now we ALL have solid proof that they are bunch of easy listening/pop music loving morons who couldn't identify art and originality if it beat the shit out of them every day for 1.6 billion years. Pitchfork...get off of this site! You gave 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" a 7.0 BAHAHAHAHA! I can picture the critics in your group right now...like monkeys using sticks for tools, except you have keyboards. Please tell me your throw a dart at a board while blindfolded when you choose your scores...it will only save you the shame of being perhaps the most simple minded excuses for critics that ever lived. Make like Ebert and Roper and give every formula based, recycled, uninspired, mass produced, mainstream album a WHOPPING "TWO THUMBS UP." Leave good music alone, like how those two almost refuse to even watch decent movies. *sigh* when will Rottentomatoes start reviewing music and save readers from this crime against art?!?!… Expand
  58. BobR
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    why pitchfork.. WHY?!?
  59. NicH.
    Feb 28, 2008
    10
    This is one of the most creative and influential albums that has been written in our lifetime. Tool grows and expands with each piece they give birth to. This album in terms of "Their Creativeness" has only been matched by "10,000 days".
  60. JinL.
    Feb 6, 2008
    10
    The people at Pitchfork must be morons who can't stand it if the main riff of the song doesn't come out within the first 10 seconds.... Instead of just ripping apart a magnificent piece of art like that, why don't you guys actually listen before writing a review? I have introduced numerous people to Tool and not one has hated their songs because they were too long... And The people at Pitchfork must be morons who can't stand it if the main riff of the song doesn't come out within the first 10 seconds.... Instead of just ripping apart a magnificent piece of art like that, why don't you guys actually listen before writing a review? I have introduced numerous people to Tool and not one has hated their songs because they were too long... And most of the people who listen to Tool for the first time get addicted by the end of the month.… Expand
  61. PitchforkBlows
    Feb 7, 2008
    10
    Never read pitchfork reviews. They HATE progressive rock/prog metal. In fact, they HATE everything that isn't horribly mainstream or pop. Look at the reviews for any prog album on meta critic, 90% of the time pitchfork will give it the lowest review while others give it 90-100's.
  62. AdamL.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    Far and above the greatest drumming album ever, one of the greatest concept albums ever
  63. JeanineG
    Nov 9, 2001
    10
    The braindead critic who rated this album a 2 really should find a new line of work. This album has amazed and enlightened my musical mind as only TOOL can do.
  64. ThomasG.
    Nov 9, 2001
    10
    the evolution of tools music can not go unnoticed with every album you can undeniably notice how much each individual of the band has matured each song is like a different ride at an amusement park you can eather get on and hang on or throw your hands in the air and enjoy the ride there is no other band in the world that can make an album and tell a story from beginning to end tool is the evolution of tools music can not go unnoticed with every album you can undeniably notice how much each individual of the band has matured each song is like a different ride at an amusement park you can eather get on and hang on or throw your hands in the air and enjoy the ride there is no other band in the world that can make an album and tell a story from beginning to end tool is what there name says they are (a tool) that can be used for a never ending quest for knowledge all four of there albumes are telling us a story its up to us to put it together. … Expand
  65. AdamJ.
    Oct 28, 2001
    10
    Yet more proof that Tool has more straight-up, individual talent (on all instruments/vocals) than any other band around today, hands down. And the way they blend and time that talent into the songs on Lateralus is nothing short of amazing.
  66. MarkC.
    Jan 21, 2002
    10
    When you breathe you breathe for the moment, yet you breathe to stay alive the entire day as well
  67. DavidB.
    Apr 18, 2002
    10
    It speaks for itself, and it speaks numbers. Tool is unlike anything else the world has ever seen or heard.
  68. AnthonyR.
    May 29, 2002
    10
    The Led Zeppelin IV of the 21st Century.
  69. DjJazzyJeffreyJJuniorslickwidit
    Jul 21, 2002
    10
    This album blew me away. One of the contemporary albums best i own, right up there w/ Aenima and Radiohead's OK Computer. It maybe hard to get into if u don't listen to tool on a regular basis, but hearing the amazing ax work and drum solos will turn any musician on. Maynard, as always, proves to be one of the best frontmen alive.
  70. justind
    Nov 12, 2003
    10
    the best album from the most creative band out there
  71. RicardoP
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    MASTERPIECE. This a landmark album that goes along with The Dark Side Of The Moon
  72. matte
    Apr 12, 2003
    10
    This 4th album from TOOL is amazing.The intricate and sophisticated rhythm along with it's psychadelic nature surely shows the amount Tool has grown spiritualy and musically.IF the gentlemen of TOOL produce a new album it is still hard to see how anyone can surpass Lateralus.This band deserves respect and they have mine!
  73. SayOw
    Jun 11, 2003
    10
    No fan of Tool or good music could dislike this album. Non-commercial, non-sellout, simply awesome music.
  74. mattbinladen
    Jun 22, 2003
    10
    it just kicks ass....plain and simple
  75. matsv
    Jul 17, 2003
    9
    toptastic progressive heavygnats gonad off perfection
  76. NamelessOne
    Nov 13, 2004
    10
    Lateralus is an exceptional creation. I agree that Aenima is slightly "better" - probably because it's not so cultivated. For those that complain that it's not "metal" - should this categorization be important to anyone? "Lame", "behind times" - Oh Yeah, terrorizing music instruments is really a remarkable achievement for the last years of musical "development". And YES, Lateralus is an exceptional creation. I agree that Aenima is slightly "better" - probably because it's not so cultivated. For those that complain that it's not "metal" - should this categorization be important to anyone? "Lame", "behind times" - Oh Yeah, terrorizing music instruments is really a remarkable achievement for the last years of musical "development". And YES, Brittney, Jennifer and...well I forgot their names...are SO avanguard, SO uncommercial. You can not condemn Tool as "lame" even in the shadow of J.S. Bach. Or maybe Bach himself is "boring" and "pretentious", or Mozart?… Expand
  77. Lissa
    Nov 9, 2004
    10
    I agree... absolutley mindblowingly awesome!
  78. sharkershark
    Dec 22, 2004
    10
    This album I believe is the most important release of the new millennium. Its quality is above the standard, in fact its almost difficult to conceive, how such a band(who have been labeled everything from being gay to the Antichrist) can create such a masterpiece. The music is brilliant, I feel that its the most important part of the entire album, one shouldn't understand the words This album I believe is the most important release of the new millennium. Its quality is above the standard, in fact its almost difficult to conceive, how such a band(who have been labeled everything from being gay to the Antichrist) can create such a masterpiece. The music is brilliant, I feel that its the most important part of the entire album, one shouldn't understand the words on their first encounter, as it happened to me. I couldn't figure out what the hell Maynard was saying and the words I could hear, I had no idea what they meant so I grabbed a dictionary and this whole new world opened up to me. The music itself, the bashing of the drums, the crashing of symbols can be heard with such clarity its amazing, the bass is just perfect and the guitar work takes you on a journey through out the songs. Then there is Maynard, this man has enigma, his lyrics are unlike any other. Here's a man who writes a true story and with such intelligence it will have you re-reading your dictionary to understand the words he knows so well. Not only are there words that you probably have never heard before but once you start understanding you will find that it makes complete sense and combines brilliantly with the music. This album is not for all though, people seem intent on a quick fix and good for them, but I prefer a journey with music and Tool will take you on one if you relax and open your mind. Tool is definitely an important band, so important I think that they frighten the American government so much so that they have a close watch on them, I fear for Maynard he speaks the truth and people in high places don't want certain individuals to have such power.… Expand
  79. Burak
    Dec 9, 2004
    10
    Awesome ! Maynard does it everytime...
  80. bobb
    Apr 17, 2004
    10
    their best work yet
  81. ChrisM.
    Apr 28, 2004
    10
    this has to be one of the best cds ive ever gotten. tool certainly doesn't conform to the formulated music that is so common today. you hardly find a good band with songs longer than 4 and a half minutes. tool goes beyond 11 minutes, and the drummer is definitely the best drummer ive ever heard. the drum and guitar coordination to make perfect sounds is unbelievable, like in Schism this has to be one of the best cds ive ever gotten. tool certainly doesn't conform to the formulated music that is so common today. you hardly find a good band with songs longer than 4 and a half minutes. tool goes beyond 11 minutes, and the drummer is definitely the best drummer ive ever heard. the drum and guitar coordination to make perfect sounds is unbelievable, like in Schism and The Grudge. I could go on and on about the perfection of every song on this cd, but it'd take too long. so basically, tool kicks every band of the 90's and 2000's ass. all the pitiful bands with a lack of creativity and originality, and to all you that say tool makes boring and "overlong" songs, you can f*ck yourselves, because you obviously dont know the first thing about a good song, you dumbasses.… Expand
  82. Alan
    Jun 17, 2004
    10
    Tool is my favorite band. I am not a big metal listener. I listen to pink floyd, Simon and Garfunkel, Led Zeppelin and shit like that. I pretty much listen to everything. But Tools talent is tied with led zeppelin although a different style. I honestly to not consider ANY of Tool's albums to be metal except for Opiate. Anema and Undertow may sound metal but if ur a junkie and you let Tool is my favorite band. I am not a big metal listener. I listen to pink floyd, Simon and Garfunkel, Led Zeppelin and shit like that. I pretty much listen to everything. But Tools talent is tied with led zeppelin although a different style. I honestly to not consider ANY of Tool's albums to be metal except for Opiate. Anema and Undertow may sound metal but if ur a junkie and you let the music take u to a different world u will never look at anything the same again. Lateralus is great on the nod and Anema is even better. Both 10's… Expand
  83. ArthurD.
    Nov 13, 2005
    10
    Oh my God!?!?! Who are those critics who only gave the album 73 points?!?! Are you guys from the stoneage?!?! This is by far the best album ever!!! Okay, okay....as a TOOL-fan my view may be biased a little, but 73 points is ridiculous. I can imagine that people don't like the album, because they're more into classical music than into (symphonic) rock, but if you don't like Oh my God!?!?! Who are those critics who only gave the album 73 points?!?! Are you guys from the stoneage?!?! This is by far the best album ever!!! Okay, okay....as a TOOL-fan my view may be biased a little, but 73 points is ridiculous. I can imagine that people don't like the album, because they're more into classical music than into (symphonic) rock, but if you don't like the genre, then don't do any reviews on it! The Grudge, The Patient, Schism, Parabola, Ticks 'n Leeches, Lateralis....The whole album!.....It's a masterpiece. So many users can't be wrong, can they?!?! See....I'm a big fan of Tool (and "a perfect circle") and I would be the first one to admit when an album sucks. Like "A perfect circle" 's album E-motiv....now THAT one indeed did suck! But Lateralus is the best album from last decade… Expand
  84. Hand
    Nov 3, 2005
    10
    Creates a beautiful mindscape to dive into. The album is drenched in meaning, escapism and complexity.
  85. JessicaV
    Feb 25, 2005
    10
    Awesome
  86. dustinm
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    this cd had it all. it had some of the best drums ive ever seen eith ticks and leeches and the grudge. great bass with schism. it just was huge. but it just hit every connection with me. the lyrics were amazing. it should be rated much higher.
  87. derekr
    May 22, 2005
    10
    the perfect metal album
  88. JorgeP
    May 23, 2005
    10
    Amazing. Period
  89. Dan
    Aug 12, 2005
    10
    Amazing, shows that this band continues on in not disappointing its listeners.
  90. MyaI
    Feb 14, 2006
    10
    No doubt the BEST album out there today.
  91. M-Stylez
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    Lateralus is better than Aenema and Undertow because of the more pronounced and more complex use of time signature changes, the cleaner production and the overall better variety of songs. For me, musical expression is about being passionate and different, and Tool hits the mark on Lateralus, standing above their piers as the best. There is a reason why many people consider Lateralus to be Lateralus is better than Aenema and Undertow because of the more pronounced and more complex use of time signature changes, the cleaner production and the overall better variety of songs. For me, musical expression is about being passionate and different, and Tool hits the mark on Lateralus, standing above their piers as the best. There is a reason why many people consider Lateralus to be one of the greatest albums of all time. Listen to the songs titled "The Grudge," "Ticks and Leaches," "Lateralus" and "Schism," and decide for yourself if Lateralus is your cup of tea.… Expand
  92. JDWilliams
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    Amazing! One of the best albums ever released...no doubt. Maynard and Adam are GODS! as Danny and Justin..are scientists! 10,000 Days their new cd that comes out this coming tueday(May 2nd) is a great followup i recommend buying lateralus and 10,000 days on tuesday and listen to lateralus then listen to 10,000 days and just smoke a joint and enjoy!
  93. StevenO
    May 11, 2006
    10
    two words... F***ing brilliant
  94. zachc
    May 17, 2006
    10
    Lateralus is mind blowing to say the very least and is easily my favorite album of all time. What Tool ended up doing was creating one of the most conceptual and visionary pieces albums in the last quarter century. There is, however, no real way to discuss this album in full unless there were about 100 pages of space to occupy- which there aren't, so I'll comment on the Lateralus is mind blowing to say the very least and is easily my favorite album of all time. What Tool ended up doing was creating one of the most conceptual and visionary pieces albums in the last quarter century. There is, however, no real way to discuss this album in full unless there were about 100 pages of space to occupy- which there aren't, so I'll comment on the essentials: Maynard proves once again that he is one of the most gifted frontmen/lyricists, of our time; Danny Carey is just insane.....i can't believe he's only got two arms; and Lateralus, the title track, might be my all time favorite song. Every time I listen to it I get chills down my spine and have to sit back and remind myself that these guys are just human beings ......or at least I try. In all, Lateralus is epic, it is beautiful, it is deep, it is dark, and is a clear indicator that music's future is bright indeed.… Expand
  95. KyleL
    May 19, 2006
    10
    This CD is a masterpiece. I think it is the best CD released in the past 25 or more years. The ONLY thing I didn't care for was the last "track", but that doesn't even count, because it's at the very end and its not even a song. I actually enjoyed all of the fillers in Lateralus. I HATED most on Aenima. This CD has the best flow of any I've listened to since Dark SIde This CD is a masterpiece. I think it is the best CD released in the past 25 or more years. The ONLY thing I didn't care for was the last "track", but that doesn't even count, because it's at the very end and its not even a song. I actually enjoyed all of the fillers in Lateralus. I HATED most on Aenima. This CD has the best flow of any I've listened to since Dark SIde of the Moon.… Expand
  96. Jeff
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    Brilliant.
  97. RobH
    Jul 15, 2006
    8
    This is a very good album, but common, best in History? The people reviewing this album have obviosuly never heard Dark Side, Sgt. Pepper's, Revolver, Let it Bleed, or OK Computer. There are also better Hard rock albums out there, such as Paranoid, Master of Puppets, RATM, and Led Zep's 1st album. This is very good, but in no way historical.
  98. Michaelk
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    this is stuning! album you can listen to again and again for years and always find some thing new in it! an album thet caries ideas and a concept its and album thet makes you think! wthl briliant deep multy layerd lyrics and music, with complexity any band can learn from! i guess some of this critics dosnt have the brains to actualy understand what its all about.... but if you looking for this is stuning! album you can listen to again and again for years and always find some thing new in it! an album thet caries ideas and a concept its and album thet makes you think! wthl briliant deep multy layerd lyrics and music, with complexity any band can learn from! i guess some of this critics dosnt have the brains to actualy understand what its all about.... but if you looking for a smart original and deep progmetal albumthet dilivers on all fronts this is the one for you! absolute masterpeice!… Expand
  99. TheressaH.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    best album ever.
  100. WadeP.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    For enlightened people only. If you don't get it your too ignorant.
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Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2001
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2001
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Wall of Sound
    83
    A 79-minute sonic sojourn of hard rock delivered with an arty, fusion-conscious sensibility rooted most obviously from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Jane's Addiction.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    Ultimately, it's Tool's experimental, borderline progressive, edge that proves most rewarding. [Aug 2001, p.141]
  3. Dot Music
    90
    It is dense, it is long, it is complicated. It is also a magnificent triumph of artistry over blind anger.
    Read full review
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