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. TarasBulba
    Jul 29, 2023
    8
    Yeah it's maybe one of the most iconic albums in Prog genre. Those musical ideas and performance techniques are breathtaking with their deep message to the listeners, allowing them to feel this atmosphere,Bravo!
  2. Joyasanactofres
    Sep 5, 2022
    10
    I love the odd time signatures, the hypnotic, and meditative dark vibe to specific songs such as Stinkfist and Eulogy and Forty Six & Two. This is a creative and intriguing metal album and I just love it.
  3. JakubFikekw
    Sep 6, 2021
    9
    Good album but tool has better albums than Lateralus so I give this album 9 points, btw this album is first album I listed to from Tool
  4. hctomash
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    One of the best music experience you can ever have. It discovered full potential of Tool as a band.
  5. jeremy9
    May 5, 2021
    10
    The album that set the rock canon at the beginning of the 21st century. The album that smashes into the floor from the beginning and leaves us there until the very end, and even longer.

    It's an amazing album. Great, clear sound, Musicians in great shape. Progressive rock has reached a higher level. Tool is in a class of its own. A record that will never get bored.
  6. Maximum996
    Mar 17, 2021
    10
    This is an album that's best to here in its entirety no distractions.
    Legit masterpiece in its entirety.
  7. Im_BoBo_
    Dec 14, 2020
    10
    This is probably Tool’s greatest released. Every song is great with the intensity of the opening track “The Grudge” to one of their most iconic songs “Schism” to the absolute banger of it’s title track. Lateralus is definitely one of most influential albums of the 2000s that’ll go down in history.
  8. Jes1310
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    Not as good as Animæ but still an awesome record. The complexity and melodies are nothing short of mindblowing. Animæ by the way is 11 out of 10. Go buy them both. It demands a lot of the listener, but the reward is amazing, if you are patient.
    TOOL just dont give a **** to what other people think and that makes them very special.
  9. CowboyCart
    Apr 2, 2020
    10
    This album is one of Tool's two that are often regarded as their best work in their entire discography. I'm under the camp that both this and Ænima are of equal quality, for widely different reasons. Whereas Ænima was more passionate, energetic and aggressive, Lateralus takes a more cerebral, mature and calming approach, while still maintaining Tool's fantastic sound, and even having someThis album is one of Tool's two that are often regarded as their best work in their entire discography. I'm under the camp that both this and Ænima are of equal quality, for widely different reasons. Whereas Ænima was more passionate, energetic and aggressive, Lateralus takes a more cerebral, mature and calming approach, while still maintaining Tool's fantastic sound, and even having some heavy tracks to boot. Instead of going track-by-track, I would like to go over my personal favorites:

    "The Grudge" - An iconic opening song that has a strong premise of the negative effects of holding grudges. This song is one of the prime examples of Maynard's vocal prowess, showcasing a 30-second high note towards the end of the song. This is not to discredit the rest of the song, nor Tool's bandmates, however, as the solid bass and guitar work make for an engaging listen from start to finish, and Danny Carey's drums are played just right. Not overly-complex to the detriment of the song's groove, nor too simple.

    "The Patient" - A song I feel is somewhat underappreciated on the album, although the most underrated Tool song, for me, still goes to "Third Eye." Regardless, the lyrics, the cleaner guitar and bass doing great with setting the mood before exploding into the pre-chorus and chorus, not letting off the pedal, save for a small section with bass harmonics that help nail in the song's atmosphere, all make for a very enjoyable listen.

    "Schism" - What else really needs to be said about what is arguably Tool's signature song? Great instrumentation, powerful vocals, well-written lyrics, moving on.

    "Parabol/Parabola" - If you aren't listening to these together, fix that. This two-part track is phenomenal from start to finish, with some of Adam Jones' best playing, fantastic vocals from Keenan and...do I really need to mention how great Carey is? Probably not, but I will if it's a particular highlight. Chancellor also does solid work, establishing a strong groove with Jones and making certain parts, especially in Parabol, quite a nice listen. Easily in the top 3 of the album as a whole.

    "Lateralus" - One of Tool's most complex songs, and definitely one of the best on the album. From the intro's memorable buildup, to Keenan's well-crafted, uplifting lyrics, especially towards the end, as he sings "Spiral out; keep going," and Carey's masterful performance on this track, this song is a hallmark in their entire discography, and a strong contender for the best song on Lateralus.

    "Reflection" - While "Disposition" sets a solid foundation for a song to take advantage of and "Triad" closes things off decently enough, it's "Reflection" that proves the best listen out of the three-part song that closes this album (not counting that interlude). From Carey's complex drumming, it picks right up from "Reflection," giving it a little time before Chancellor comes in, soon followed by Jones and Keenan. The lyrics, while not the best Lateralus has to offer, still tell an engaging story and offer a theme to think about.

    Those are my personal favorites. However, I'll give special mention to pretty much any song outside of the interludes. "Ticks and Leeches" is the heaviest song on the album with some of Carey's most engaging work, while Maynard's vocal performance is some of the best on the album, and Chancellor and Jones do a great job setting one helluva groove on this thing. However, I feel that the slow part after the second chorus hits kinda made the song feel a bit bloated, and it feels like they pulled back what was otherwise one helluva punch, so I often tend to skip said part. It's still worth hearing the explosive finish after. It doesn't sound bad, but I don't feel that it fits this song, and that it goes on for a bit too long. I just think the slower part should've been trimmed down some, if not omitted entirely. "Reflection" sets a good mood, and "Triad" was okay. Probably the weakest out of all the songs on this album, but still not a bad one. The interludes are probably the best of any Tool album, especially "Mantra," which comes before "Schism," and maaaaybe "Eon Blue Apocalypse." Still, they don't offer that much, although I can say more about them than the interludes on the digital release of "Fear Inoculum," that's for sure.

    So yeah, that sums up my thoughts on one of my all-time favorite albums. Fantastic production quality, the instrumentation is memorable and does great to service the lyrics, and Maynard's vocals are on-point on this album. Yeah, I'm years late in reviewing it, but still, for those not sold on "Lateralus," I hope this at least helps. Please, do yourself a favor and listen through this masterpiece, if you somehow haven't already.
    10/10.    … Expand
  10. Rjoyce35
    Feb 7, 2020
    10
    Anyone who gives this under a 9 is on crack. We need to stick a pitchfork in Pitchfork because this is one of the handful of legendary albums they've dissed. For new fans, start here with Lateralus
  11. ZeManeiro
    Jan 2, 2020
    10
    The Patient is a mediocre song, but the rest of the album is something out of this world
  12. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    9
    So after they came to streaming services, I decided there was no excuse to not listen to this. And I was greeted with a monolith of an album, just under the 80-minute mark, which manages to keep my attention quite well, and also offers up some of metal's greatest songs.
    Maynard is a great vocalist and everything from his soothing voice in some of the interludes, like "Parabol" to his    So after they came to streaming services, I decided there was no excuse to not listen to this. And I was greeted with a monolith of an album, just under the 80-minute mark, which manages to keep my attention quite well, and also offers up some of metal's greatest songs.
    Maynard is a great vocalist and everything from his soothing voice in some of the interludes, like "Parabol" to his lengthy screams in "Ticks & Leeches" proves this. The rest of the band are also incredible. The guitar riffs are incredibly sharp and fierce on most tracks, but by the ending twenty-ish minutes, they're relatively soft and soothing, something that I did really like. The bass is also quite prominent (I'd be remiss if I didn't mention "Schism") and Carey is an incredible drummer, even Pitchfork says so!
    The lyrics, though, yes, a bit pretentious, are amazingly crafted, and the concepts behind some songs (especially the title track) are extraordinary, albeit a bit overrated. The topics brought up aren't often covered, and while this might be because of sheer coincidence, it makes the album feel even more unique.
    There's a problem with the album though, and that's the interludes. They can feel extremely unnecessary, and the first three interludes (yes, "Parabol" too!) are quite dull and pointless. But surprisingly enough, very well crafted and engaging instrumentals/interludes to show up, especially "Triad".
    But to counteract, these interludes are some incredible songs. I ended up enjoying the singles the most (hell, "Lateralus" has been in my top 3 songs of all time as soon as I heard it!). The album also takes its time more gracefully than I expected, and while the interludes do bring me out of the experience, it doesn't feel like 76 minutes.
    Overall, an amazing metal album, with so much substance to devour, and love. While I probably won't return to this album as much as others I rated this high, it's always an incredible journey when I do.
    **** Pitchfork.
    Favourites: Lateralus, Schism, Parabola, The Patient
    Least Favourites: Mantra, Eon Blue Apocolypse    … Expand
  13. MysticMan7
    Aug 28, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A perfect album. Timeless and soul stirring like Dark Side of the Moon. It gets better every time I listen to it, even after 18 years. My eternal gratitude to Adam, Maynard, Danny and Justin, you have provided us with an invaluable gift.… Expand
  14. ApertureJanitor
    Dec 12, 2018
    9
    Simply a masterpiece. Talented musicians, original and imaginative compositions, a heavy change in style from previous albums, bringing a more progressive feel to the record and implementing the metal inspired sound from their early work (Opiate and Undertow) to the tracks. But, as many progressive rock/metal works do, some songs are meaningless and go for way too long, hurting theSimply a masterpiece. Talented musicians, original and imaginative compositions, a heavy change in style from previous albums, bringing a more progressive feel to the record and implementing the metal inspired sound from their early work (Opiate and Undertow) to the tracks. But, as many progressive rock/metal works do, some songs are meaningless and go for way too long, hurting the accessibility of this record to new listeners.
    Despite the minor inconveniences that are tied more to the genre itself than to this single record, Lateralus is a must-have for any metal fan, it is an unique experience that encapsulates the best of progressive metal, with a bit of oriental music techniques, and it is certainly worth the 5-year hiatus the band took from their previous record (Aenima) to make this progressive metal masterpiece.    … Expand
  15. Pink_Zeppelin
    Mar 15, 2017
    10
    One of the best albums ever, certainly the best 21st century album for me. And I can't see why critics are bashing metal albums so much here, there's certainly much more talent in this band than any acclaimed pop act today
  16. Daniel_B
    Feb 2, 2015
    10
    One of my favorite albums of all time, and definitely Tool's best. The theme of mathematics fits into the songs seamlessly without hitting you over the head with it, and it justifies its length with their most ambient sound ever.
    The hyper-technicality of a lot of the tracks, like Schism, would have taken away from their enjoyability in the hands of a lesser band, but Tool makes a song    One of my favorite albums of all time, and definitely Tool's best. The theme of mathematics fits into the songs seamlessly without hitting you over the head with it, and it justifies its length with their most ambient sound ever.
    The hyper-technicality of a lot of the tracks, like Schism, would have taken away from their enjoyability in the hands of a lesser band, but Tool makes a song that changes time signatures forty plus times their most radio friendly song to date.
    Just an awesome album, and required listening to anyone who cares at all about progressive rock or progressive metal.    … Expand
  17. ThePotnoodleBoy
    Jun 21, 2014
    10
    Supreme musicianship and lyric writing make this already fantastic album even better. The technicalities, the intense guitar riffs, poly-rhythmic drum patterns and a mixture of deep and low sounding vocals delivered by Maynard, at the peak of his vocal career. Overall, a fantastic, complicated and interesting album capable of a thousand replays. 10/10
  18. carloswalnuts
    Mar 10, 2014
    10
    Excelente trabajo de la banda underground Tool, como no olvidar esos pasajes largos de guitarra y alternandolo dando asi un sonido psicodelico, esas canciones excesivamente largas y a la vez obras de arte, simpelemente genial.
  19. YasharGhaghchi
    Feb 5, 2014
    10
    In 1989 Maynard James Keenan met Adam Jones in L.A and they were thinking about create a band and they made one of the greatest bands in the world called Tool. Maynard the singer of the band, Adam Jones Guitarist, Danny Cray the drummer and Paul D’Amour bass player that got replaced later in 1995 with Justin Chancellor. They made the greatest progressive rock music because they put allIn 1989 Maynard James Keenan met Adam Jones in L.A and they were thinking about create a band and they made one of the greatest bands in the world called Tool. Maynard the singer of the band, Adam Jones Guitarist, Danny Cray the drummer and Paul D’Amour bass player that got replaced later in 1995 with Justin Chancellor. They made the greatest progressive rock music because they put all their toughs, ideas, and their feelings in to the music. Their first album Opiate came out in 1992, it was a great album and people impressed by their first album; one of their greatest songs in the first album was Sober and it was a song about drugs and humans emotion. Lateralus is their third album and its is one of their amazing albums that can put you into the spirals of humans imaginations and feelings.
    they were successful at what they made until today specially the videos that they made for their music and the visual effects on the stage in the live concerts. They travel all over the world for tour and entertain people by their great music that they make with their voice, guitar, bass, drum, minds, and hearts for people.
    Lateralus and parabola are their most popular and greatest hits of all time in music industry plus they are my favorite songs that I play it every day with my guitar and it just give me the good feelings that I don’t want to stop playing and I want to go on and go on, until my fingers start getting numb from holding the strings ,my rest start hurting from playing and my shoulders tired from holding the guitar.
    Just imagine your emotion is like a box and Lateralus is like something that will fit perfectly inside that box ad there is nothing else can replace it or remove it.    … Expand
  20. vriskasawesome
    Jul 27, 2013
    10
    Without a doubt, "Lateralus" is Tool's greatest album, presenting a consistent [and meaningful] message to its audience. In many other albums, Tool succumbs to the pleasure of writing angry music without a meaning behind it (Aenima's "Eulogy", 10,000 Days' "Vicarious"). Though I still enjoy these songs, Tool can hardly claim to be prog metal at these times, and I do think that they are atWithout a doubt, "Lateralus" is Tool's greatest album, presenting a consistent [and meaningful] message to its audience. In many other albums, Tool succumbs to the pleasure of writing angry music without a meaning behind it (Aenima's "Eulogy", 10,000 Days' "Vicarious"). Though I still enjoy these songs, Tool can hardly claim to be prog metal at these times, and I do think that they are at their best when their songs have a purpose as in "Schism" and "Parabola". Fantastic album, listen to it. Also, pitchfork… Expand
  21. christplatt
    Jun 21, 2013
    10
    An awe inspiring spiralling spectrum of sound. I still can't get over the standard of writing and musicianship on this album. All 4 members are firing on all cylinders like relentless mathematically precise art explosions The grudge, parabola, schism and the title track are just perfection. The chilled out ending is fitting also.
  22. WillyHaze
    May 17, 2013
    9
    Greatest album in the history of music. Perfect 10. Tool at their absolute best. I've listened to this album hundreds of times and I am still discovering hidden gems. Don't forget to listen to the Holy Gift version.
  23. no_such_thing
    Jun 4, 2012
    10
    I still remember first listening to this, not liking it at all.. Huh.. Then it just started rewarding every listening, again and again. Probably their best, and obviously demanding your attention.
  24. metall94
    Jan 20, 2012
    10
    My meaningless opinion, this is perhaps 1 of 8 perfect albums ever made. I don't understand the people who claim to hate Tool but spend their time talking about Tool and their fans. I don't understand reviewing something you admit you have never even listened to. What a sad, angry life you must live. I don't dislike you, I feel sorry for you. Oh yeah and allow me to lecture you on theMy meaningless opinion, this is perhaps 1 of 8 perfect albums ever made. I don't understand the people who claim to hate Tool but spend their time talking about Tool and their fans. I don't understand reviewing something you admit you have never even listened to. What a sad, angry life you must live. I don't dislike you, I feel sorry for you. Oh yeah and allow me to lecture you on the importance of respecting people's taste in music as I bash Tool fans because of their taste in music. You really don't get it. It's okay though.… Expand
  25. Rottencore
    Oct 3, 2011
    10
    I love Tool. The main focus has always been pushing boundaries and trying to find an alternative to the beliefs that are crippling social change and artistic creativity. This album in particular has been a huge inspiration to me. The intense drumming and slow rhythmic guitar filtered with the positive and potent message of Maynard with lines such as "A chance to be alive and breathing..."I love Tool. The main focus has always been pushing boundaries and trying to find an alternative to the beliefs that are crippling social change and artistic creativity. This album in particular has been a huge inspiration to me. The intense drumming and slow rhythmic guitar filtered with the positive and potent message of Maynard with lines such as "A chance to be alive and breathing..." and "We will come to find that we are all one mind, capable of all that's imagined and all conceivable...". Listening to this every day will certainly not hamper anyones progress in life. Certainly more inspiring than a band called 'Megadeath'.… Expand
  26. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    9
    Hypnotic and raw would be the two words I'd use to describe Tool's best and most ambitious album. The build up and payoff is worth every bit of your time. This is you ideal metal prog album.
  27. TheMainCritic
    Jul 31, 2011
    10
    Dont leave a bad review because you dont like the music/genre... its all about the lyrics retard. Which are amazing if you would listen and pay attention and not just sit there and think about how much you would rather be listening to people sing about money, hoes, cars, and clothes...
  28. aalapd
    Jan 31, 2011
    10
    I couldn't stop listening to Tool for an entire year. This album is a favourite. The poly-rhythms, intense guitars yet a far mellower-than-before sounding Maynard, give you a life long's worth of spine chilling, introspective, life-changing music.
  29. diegotool
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    The record of the decade! Simple as that! Tool have their unique way of improving every time. It's not always easy paying attention to their message, but after all, Tool is for everyone, but not everyone knows about that.
  30. JoeH
    Mar 21, 2009
    10
    This is the album I keep coming back to over and over and over again! My CD collection would never be complete without this album and to this day, it is the only album to which I continuously listen. Each and every song is a testament to how talented Tool is. Listen to this album!
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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
See all critic reviews »