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. StevenO
    May 11, 2006
    10
    two words... F***ing brilliant
  2. robg
    May 2, 2006
    10
    Musically complex and yet simplistic all the same, and with lyrics involving many mysteries and esoteric beliefs, Lateralus will stupify you and amaze you all at the same time. Tool's fourth studio release, and their most accomplished, is rife with intricate time signatures and deft drumming at its finest. The bass and guitar work complement eachother and fit well with the drums. The Musically complex and yet simplistic all the same, and with lyrics involving many mysteries and esoteric beliefs, Lateralus will stupify you and amaze you all at the same time. Tool's fourth studio release, and their most accomplished, is rife with intricate time signatures and deft drumming at its finest. The bass and guitar work complement eachother and fit well with the drums. The vocalist Maynard James Keenan has one of the most beautiful voices in music and weaves in mysterious and spiritual lyrics about freeing yourself from restraints, thinking for yourself, and living life to its fullest. They are not devil worshippers as a lot of people would like to say. Their music may be heavy as all heck, but their message is about healing and being one with the universe. Amazing album.… Expand
  3. Ed
    May 2, 2006
    8
    Most impressive. Let down in places by some meandering which acts like a speed bump to the album's overall flow, but it's rare to listen to a metal project where the silences can be as potent as the sound.
  4. 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!
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. MelanieE
    Apr 9, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever listened to. Every time you listen to it you hear or experience something new.
  8. 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.
  9. AnthonyL
    Apr 1, 2006
    6
    I love Tool as a band, so I'll have to explain the bad score. Tool have always had songs that were long and slipped in and out of harder lyrics and riffs, but this album just gets it all wrong. Even the good songs will have you bored out of your mind half of the time. Example: "Schism" is a great song.....during the parts of the song where they actually sing and play more music than I love Tool as a band, so I'll have to explain the bad score. Tool have always had songs that were long and slipped in and out of harder lyrics and riffs, but this album just gets it all wrong. Even the good songs will have you bored out of your mind half of the time. Example: "Schism" is a great song.....during the parts of the song where they actually sing and play more music than an almost silent chord or two. The rest of the 7 minute song will just have you going to sleep. So much of the album is filler space (even within songs like mentioned before) that I just cant recommend it over the obviously better put together Aenema or Undertow.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. Steve
    Mar 17, 2006
    10
    This is the best album of all time.
  12. DaveB
    Mar 5, 2006
    10
    This is definitely one of the most relevant and introspective rock albums released in the last decade - if it weren't for Tool, there would be no hope for the evolution of modern rock past the year 2000. I find it hard to believe anyone could miss the value and beauty flowing from this record.
  13. TheressaH.
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    best album ever.
  14. Anthonyy
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    This could very well be the best album ever created. Its tied with Kid A and Animals.
  15. ToddL
    Feb 18, 2006
    10
    The only way they could have made this album better is to include a blowjob with every copy!
  16. MyaI
    Feb 14, 2006
    10
    No doubt the BEST album out there today.
  17. simonm
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    Best Band Eva!!!!
  18. Nieman
    Jan 13, 2006
    10
    one of the best cd's I,ve ever owned
  19. stevem
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    go figure it out your self people they have broke through on those music chains that have let most people wana link bands to one another when tool cant be compared to another, they stand alone with their own sound,
  20. 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
  21. Hand
    Nov 3, 2005
    10
    Creates a beautiful mindscape to dive into. The album is drenched in meaning, escapism and complexity.
  22. MarkD
    Nov 3, 2005
    10
    Ah... The first album by Tool that i was introduced to... The beginning of a new life I tell you. Tool are masterminded people and I love this album in all its glory! All their albums are outstanding and unique. For my favorite band in the world and their best album - Lateralus- I tell all you that aren't Tool fans and understand much: Learn to swim! ...UND KEINE EIER! Believe in Ah... The first album by Tool that i was introduced to... The beginning of a new life I tell you. Tool are masterminded people and I love this album in all its glory! All their albums are outstanding and unique. For my favorite band in the world and their best album - Lateralus- I tell all you that aren't Tool fans and understand much: Learn to swim! ...UND KEINE EIER! Believe in nothing and question authority! To the understanding and great tool fans out there: Great Listening and over thinkning over analyzing seperates the body from the mind... (oh great now i got the song stuck in my head)… Expand
  23. DavidW
    Oct 30, 2005
    10
    I own over 300 albums, and this is my favourite. It takes a few listens at first, but persevere, listen the whole way through and enjoy the journey
  24. 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
  25. AbdulM
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    Maybe not perfect, but as close to perfect as possible.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. ElusiveCat
    Sep 19, 2005
    7
    Their defining element "wanking sludge" (good one {Pitchforkmedia!). Ha Ha Ha. That's definetly true and sad about Tool's overrated guitar sludge. This band and this album particulary, are overrated by its listeners and their zombified fanbase. Overall, the album has some solid riffs and some impressive dymanic tension parts. Though it's much of what has been released in Their defining element "wanking sludge" (good one {Pitchforkmedia!). Ha Ha Ha. That's definetly true and sad about Tool's overrated guitar sludge. This band and this album particulary, are overrated by its listeners and their zombified fanbase. Overall, the album has some solid riffs and some impressive dymanic tension parts. Though it's much of what has been released in Tool's past records. Nothing out of the ordinay, Nothing that contributes to the evolution of rock and roll, but most importantly its accesibilty is only limited to a peculiar taste of rock. Radiohead's Kid A is the true testament of the 21st Century.… Expand
  29. SeanG
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    An album that fits into a category of it's own. Unlike any other form of music, T o o l has blended so many techniques and sounds that no category or label of music does them justice. Lateralus is T o o l 's piece de resistance as it is an album that will make you rethink what good music is.
  30. JSS
    Sep 4, 2005
    7
    Often pretentious. Often beautiful. Often overrated. But...Maynard is quite the singer.
  31. RubenB
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    An utter masterpiece.
  32. PatrickM
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    Undeniably perfect!
  33. Dan
    Aug 12, 2005
    10
    Amazing, shows that this band continues on in not disappointing its listeners.
  34. eemisj
    Aug 2, 2005
    10
    Can't say what is better.. Lateralus or Aenima but both of them deserves full 10. I love this.
  35. MikeN
    Jul 23, 2005
    10
    Lateralus is beautiful!!
  36. TheressaH.
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    best album ever.
  37. papyg
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    Amzing very weird and original! mitical and calming! simply good for the soul!
  38. ryans
    Jun 2, 2005
    10
    no words can describe this cd.
  39. Corey
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    It's just great!
  40. christiand
    May 30, 2005
    10
    es lo mejor la verdad q se podria decir q mi mentalidad ambio radicalmente despues de escuchar esta banda simplemente son una leyenda viva
  41. JohnG
    May 24, 2005
    10
    This was great when it was released, and it has also aged very well. This is one of the few albums I have ever experienced that I can listen to years after its release (and not to mention for the thousandth time) and it still feels just so good. And I'm sure it will 10 years from now. These guys are amazing.
  42. JorgeP
    May 23, 2005
    10
    Amazing. Period
  43. derekr
    May 22, 2005
    10
    the perfect metal album
  44. 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!!!
  45. 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.
  46. JohnR
    May 11, 2005
    10
    the best peice of music ever created by mortal man. well, actualy, the best peice of music ever created by any being. God couldnt make music this good.
  47. 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!!!!
  48. stiNKfist..
    Apr 27, 2005
    10
    One of the greatest albums i've heard.. amazing.
  49. EmmieG
    Apr 10, 2005
    10
    Lateralus Is a true inspiration to all who take the time to soak in the meaning of its lyrics.
  50. 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.
  51. fleaisretardedpartdeux
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    This album is an amzing display of talent, passion, and artistry in an amalgam of beauty. The user flew spends more time assailing things he does not understand. bassists who use picks are not good? He is a moron. Tool does not know their instruments? time shifts in precision lay that idiotic statement to rest.
  52. JessicaV
    Feb 25, 2005
    10
    Awesome
  53. ColinB
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    jaw dropping amazing.
  54. adamg
    Feb 10, 2005
    10
    this is an amazin piece of art work man, one of the most innovative and insiring pieces of music ive ever heard.
  55. JasonR
    Jan 25, 2005
    10
    This is an amazing album, so complex and emotional. It takes a bit for the music to sink in but once it does, you'll know this is the best Tool abum yet.
  56. 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
  57. MikeB.
    Jan 8, 2005
    10
    Maynard has one of the greatest voices of all time, along with some of most ingenius lyrics. If you rate the music on mere talent and think silly guitar tricks is the only real music out there your a fucking idiot. These guys play exactly what they here in their heads. Every riff on that album sounds exactly as it should. The idea of "sloppy" should never come into the picture. The album Maynard has one of the greatest voices of all time, along with some of most ingenius lyrics. If you rate the music on mere talent and think silly guitar tricks is the only real music out there your a fucking idiot. These guys play exactly what they here in their heads. Every riff on that album sounds exactly as it should. The idea of "sloppy" should never come into the picture. The album is driven by such a spiritual and musical force its unbelievable.… Expand
  58. 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
  59. JamieB.
    Dec 22, 2004
    10
    Lateralus the album is by far the best album ever created. I love the album and the songs esp. Lateralus and Schism. Maynard has an awesome voice and the song lyrics are deep.
  60. Burak
    Dec 9, 2004
    10
    Awesome ! Maynard does it everytime...
  61. Joe
    Nov 26, 2004
    10
    Excellent. The closest thing a band can come to perfection.
  62. 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
  63. Lissa
    Nov 9, 2004
    10
    I agree... absolutley mindblowingly awesome!
  64. John
    Nov 2, 2004
    1
    So, perhaps I have just never been "stoned out of my gourd" enough to appreciate this, but as it is, it feels extremely distanced, entirely unwelcoming. It's also the most atrociously overproduced, pretentious album in a long, long while. Tool hasn't released a decent album since Undertow.
  65. insanedrum
    Oct 7, 2004
    0
    Boring, slow, tuneless, unremarkable, lame, pretentious, behind the times, completely categorical. Tool proves that a lot of people have no idea what makes a good, creative, palatable band. As for them being metal, Hall and Oates are more metal than they are. That whiny lead singer can't get enough of himself and obviously has a messiah complex. They know they've got control of Boring, slow, tuneless, unremarkable, lame, pretentious, behind the times, completely categorical. Tool proves that a lot of people have no idea what makes a good, creative, palatable band. As for them being metal, Hall and Oates are more metal than they are. That whiny lead singer can't get enough of himself and obviously has a messiah complex. They know they've got control of Tool freaks' minds so they can make any lame nonsensical noises or lyrics and have them be revered to a quasi-religious degree. This shows the condition this country is in. It feels good to blend in with the congregation of Tool worshippers , doesn't it? Like religion, Tool's greatness is not to be questioned according to some posts. Like the TV preachers, Tool loves your money and is building up its own church. Don't be fooled by the anti-Christian stance, they have got their own religion with their own religious nuts who have been posting all over the internet. The music is bland and muddy, the drums uninteresting and plodding, the singer whining and self-righteous, the one-idea songs are moronic, and they are all lazy posers who have never learned to correctly play their instruments. It is a slap in the face that people will idolize Tool as the greatest band ever when there are thousands of better bands that deserve our attention and money. People are too lazy to find their own favorite group and do not like to search for interesting music. Better to fit in with all your Tool loving friends. For a real taste of metal, try Megadeth's new album. Forget Tool, they suck.… Expand
  66. flea
    Sep 21, 2004
    1
    Well, there is much to be said about Tool. Many people think they are satanic worshipers, but that is false. Tool may be wierd but they are not satanists, the singer has faith in God, isn't that as far from satanism as it gets? Any ways now that that's cleared, I may defend them from outrageous accusations, but they are really overrated and not even really a good band. People Well, there is much to be said about Tool. Many people think they are satanic worshipers, but that is false. Tool may be wierd but they are not satanists, the singer has faith in God, isn't that as far from satanism as it gets? Any ways now that that's cleared, I may defend them from outrageous accusations, but they are really overrated and not even really a good band. People say the bassist is great when he uses a pick?! Come on, the real good bassists are Flea and, well I won't get into that. The giutarist is mediocre, the drummer is mediocre and the bassist completely sucks, making them a status of a below average band. People overpraise them when they really are not even very good mucisians. Good music comes from passion and actually knowing about your instrument. Not drummers that hit everything and bassists that use picks. Overall I hate Tool, and this album is just an example of how much they suck eggs.… Expand
  67. bend
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    not as good as aenima but has the same impact. dannys drums stay magnificent
  68. Comothinon
    Aug 9, 2004
    10
    Best... Album... Evar...
  69. 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.
  70. JerothD
    Jul 4, 2004
    10
    Nothing short of absoltely INCREDIBLE. Finally a group has created an album that has surpassed the likes of Zeppelin and Floyd, this music isnt just amazing in its structure, it actually makes you see spirals and geometric shapes at parts of the album, and makes muscles in your legs twitch in rythm to the music, not main big muslec, but tiny intricate movements, feels like a wave of Nothing short of absoltely INCREDIBLE. Finally a group has created an album that has surpassed the likes of Zeppelin and Floyd, this music isnt just amazing in its structure, it actually makes you see spirals and geometric shapes at parts of the album, and makes muscles in your legs twitch in rythm to the music, not main big muslec, but tiny intricate movements, feels like a wave of moving muscles. So much for music being so powerfull that you hairs on your arms can stand up, they have taken music to a new level.… Expand
  71. 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
  72. StevieJ
    Jun 12, 2004
    10
    absolutley mindblowingly awesome
  73. NathanD
    Jun 6, 2004
    10
    this cd is quite possibly the most amazing cd ever created. maynard continues to craft lyrics that are very origional, intelligent and satisfyingly heartfelt. the album seems to just grab at you and take you on a very unchartered journey leaving you amazingly blown away from the music you had just experienced. the sound is origional with alot of depth and texture while at the same time this cd is quite possibly the most amazing cd ever created. maynard continues to craft lyrics that are very origional, intelligent and satisfyingly heartfelt. the album seems to just grab at you and take you on a very unchartered journey leaving you amazingly blown away from the music you had just experienced. the sound is origional with alot of depth and texture while at the same time being created with an extremely high level of skill. incredible album, my favorite and my highest praise to Tool.… Expand
  74. 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
  75. AJJohnson
    May 5, 2004
    10
    one of my faves!
  76. 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
  77. 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
  78. bobb
    Apr 17, 2004
    10
    their best work yet
  79. Rych
    Apr 1, 2004
    10
    UN-BE-LIEVABLE!!!
  80. AL
    Mar 5, 2004
    10
    incredible music, incredible live act, incredible
  81. 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.
  82. ChrisC
    Jan 8, 2004
    10
    Lateralus is a cornecopea of incredible sound taking electric guitars and percussion to a level equal to early classical music, innovative all in its own, years and years ahead of it's time.
  83. jimbob
    Dec 15, 2003
    10
    very good can't see much improvement
  84. JoelG
    Dec 2, 2003
    10
    it puts you in a difrent state of mind
  85. DavidO.
    Nov 22, 2003
    10
    This album is a cornerstone of musical creation, an absolutely marvolouse journey of mesmeric brillience. Its poetry.
  86. SteveStevie
    Nov 15, 2003
    10
    Its Too Long To listen to in 1 session but its a totally incredible CD
  87. justind
    Nov 12, 2003
    10
    the best album from the most creative band out there
  88. 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......)
  89. RicardoP
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    MASTERPIECE. This a landmark album that goes along with The Dark Side Of The Moon
  90. TheressaH.
    Oct 5, 2003
    10
    best album ever.
  91. carriec
    Oct 5, 2003
    10
    It is amazing! They are true geniuses.. the elaboration is flawless and perfect
  92. KeytonE
    Sep 12, 2003
    10
    An absolutely amazing album from start to finish. A must have for any self respecting fan.
  93. Olly
    Aug 13, 2003
    10
    My Definition of a Pitchfork Reviewer : Nihilistic too-cool to be cool E-head who masturbates over The Face magazine, thinks music is all about fashion, thinks music is all about interior decoration of their ego, thinks music should conform to "coolness rules".
  94. ColbyC
    Aug 3, 2003
    10
    This is the best Tool ALBUM so far. While Aenima might have a better group of individual songs, the flow, pacing, and collective experience that Lateralus provides is amazing.
  95. 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!
  96. DarrenZ
    Jul 19, 2003
    10
    Intricate arrangements and spiritual meaning too difficult for today's lame "musicians" to match or even understand. This band is definitely the best around.
  97. matsv
    Jul 17, 2003
    9
    toptastic progressive heavygnats gonad off perfection
  98. mattbinladen
    Jun 22, 2003
    10
    it just kicks ass....plain and simple
  99. SayOw
    Jun 11, 2003
    10
    No fan of Tool or good music could dislike this album. Non-commercial, non-sellout, simply awesome music.
  100. 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!
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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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