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

Universal acclaim- based on 641 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 58 out of 641

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  1. 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. Jul 6, 2023
    0
    Tool is the worst band since The Beatles. I hate Maynard and his weirdness. This album has the song Schism which has the worst music video ever! The video has Aliens having weird alien sex with eachother and is not for children. I love more mature songs like Nine Inch Nails Closer, I freaking love Trent Reznor I mean he did the soundtrack for the social network a film about me. But becauseTool is the worst band since The Beatles. I hate Maynard and his weirdness. This album has the song Schism which has the worst music video ever! The video has Aliens having weird alien sex with eachother and is not for children. I love more mature songs like Nine Inch Nails Closer, I freaking love Trent Reznor I mean he did the soundtrack for the social network a film about me. But because of Maynards Laziness and all the songs on this album sound the same Tool gets a 0/10 sorry Tool should’ve made songs that sound different Expand
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Sep 4, 2021
    10
    One of the best music experience you can ever have. It discovered full potential of Tool as a band.
  6. 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.
  7. Mar 17, 2021
    10
    This is an album that's best to here in its entirety no distractions.
    Legit masterpiece in its entirety.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
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  11. 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
  12. Jan 2, 2020
    10
    The Patient is a mediocre song, but the rest of the album is something out of this world
  13. 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
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  14. 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
  15. 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.
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  16. 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
  17. Oct 25, 2015
    3
    Generally a very repetitive and boring album. All songs sound similar. And there are way too much pointless intermissions between the songs trying to be dark and deep while actually achieving to be psuedo-spiritually annoying.
  18. Mar 4, 2015
    3
    I don't know why Tool is constantly breaking up their rhythms, in songs and along the album. As soon as something gets going it has to stop on a dime for a lonely note progression. The album is busted into pieces by tracks used entirely for noises and moans/wails. It's a trick played on the listener to not get too comfortable. It makes the diehard fanbase feel smart because they canI don't know why Tool is constantly breaking up their rhythms, in songs and along the album. As soon as something gets going it has to stop on a dime for a lonely note progression. The album is busted into pieces by tracks used entirely for noises and moans/wails. It's a trick played on the listener to not get too comfortable. It makes the diehard fanbase feel smart because they can stomach it. This band has the ability to outspeak the social conventions it's railing against which is what I'm hungry for, but Lateralus feels like a hideaway. Too sullen and unlistenable in spots to keep people from enjoying it too much. Expand
  19. 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.
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  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
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  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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...
  31. 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.
  32. 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.
  33. 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!
  34. Dogstarr
    Mar 19, 2009
    10
    Easily the best Tool album, though Aenima is a very close second. I think this is the only really classic heavy record of the 21st Century. I'm as much a music snob as most music critics and a musician, unlike many pro critics I like heavy rock (most of them primarily like jazz and automatically drop scores on heavy stuff before even hearing it, or so it seems). I'd go as far as Easily the best Tool album, though Aenima is a very close second. I think this is the only really classic heavy record of the 21st Century. I'm as much a music snob as most music critics and a musician, unlike many pro critics I like heavy rock (most of them primarily like jazz and automatically drop scores on heavy stuff before even hearing it, or so it seems). I'd go as far as to say this is the best heavy rock album since Physical Graffiti, which makes sense, as Tool's easily the best and most imitated heavy rock band since Zeppelin. If you like heavy rock/metal/industrial, this is an absolute must have in your collection, but you probably already have it if you like heavy stuff. Expand
  35. DylanL.
    Jan 28, 2009
    10
    Does anyone else find it hilarious that there are basically only three different rating's on the hundreds of votes cast for this album? 10's, 9's, and 0's...Well, might as well just say the obvious, Do yourself a favor and put away your petty self-reaffirming text ammo, listen to this album...it's good for you.
  36. PatrickS.
    Dec 27, 2008
    10
    About as perfect as an album can get. There isn't much on this album that could really change for the better, and it's not often that you can say that about an album.
  37. CianH
    Dec 26, 2008
    10
    Quite possibly the greatest album ever recorded, it takes time to find the sweet spots but it's oh so worth it. Genius.
  38. MarshallB.
    Jul 7, 2008
    1
    Painfully boring, meandering garbage.
  39. Bryan
    May 3, 2008
    10
    Great album..... I have no idea how pitchfork does there reviews (some are good, some are wayyyy off). This is one of the greatest albums I've heard.
  40. AdamL.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    Far and above the greatest drumming album ever, one of the greatest concept albums ever
  41. AmeyD.
    Mar 9, 2008
    9
    Absolute genius of an album! Lateralus pushes the boundaries of music and the person listening to it. I bought the album couple of months after its release in India, coz of its unavailibility, and still end up listening to tracks such as lateralus and reflection over and over again.
  42. Wiwickowiwick
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    Musical complexity at its best Lateralus is a mathematical experience.
  43. DarioS.
    Mar 1, 2008
    10
    Absolutly, positively the best album i've ever heard!
  44. 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".
  45. 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.
  46. 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
  47. JamesM
    Dec 19, 2007
    10
    Lateralus stands up as one of the greatest accomplishments in modern prog. With it, Tool have created new sound which is mimicked by musicians across the globe, and it will be listed as a key influence by the prog heroes of tomorrow. One look at the professional reviews is proof that you can't always believe what you read.
  48. GustavoA.
    Dec 7, 2007
    10
    Pure genius.
  49. AdriaanT.
    Dec 5, 2007
    10
    Faultless album. Astounded (but not disappointed) as to it's lack of official acclaim.
  50. WadeP.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    For enlightened people only. If you don't get it your too ignorant.
  51. TheressaH.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    best album ever.
  52. BrianH.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    Pimp ass shit. -BLAM- Pitchfork. -BLAM- the people that gave anything but a green score.
  53. DamienL
    Nov 14, 2007
    10
    Lateralus is Tool's best album, HANDS DOWN. It's the most beautiful, inspiring piece of work ever. Keep in mind though, Tool's music has always been an acquired taste. Don't listen to some of these idiotic critics (especially pitchfork.)
  54. Anon
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    Critics are unreliable, plain and simple. I just sat and read the pile of crap written by Pitchfork and it is evident that they have no idea what decent music sounds like, let alone brilliant music. On to Tool. Maynard voice remains as astounding as with Aenima, filling me with as strange sensation of calmness. The rest of the band are on fire, from the buzzing rifs to the amazing Critics are unreliable, plain and simple. I just sat and read the pile of crap written by Pitchfork and it is evident that they have no idea what decent music sounds like, let alone brilliant music. On to Tool. Maynard voice remains as astounding as with Aenima, filling me with as strange sensation of calmness. The rest of the band are on fire, from the buzzing rifs to the amazing drumming there is not one moment that disappoints. But where Tool truly shine is the hidden meaning behind their songs. You could listen to the Album in just over an hour and then take hours decyphering the meaningful lyrics. All in all a great album. Expand
  55. Fg
    Oct 7, 2007
    10
    Love it
  56. ChrisR.
    Oct 6, 2007
    8
    Pitchfork Now, with the early new century demanding "opuses," Tool follows suit. The problem is, Tool defines "opus" as taking their "defining element" (wanking sludge) and stretching it out to the maximum digital capacity of a compact disc. Fuck Pitchfork and it's whiny little voice. If Pitchfork was a person he would be the geek from High School scampering through the hall with his Pitchfork Now, with the early new century demanding "opuses," Tool follows suit. The problem is, Tool defines "opus" as taking their "defining element" (wanking sludge) and stretching it out to the maximum digital capacity of a compact disc. Fuck Pitchfork and it's whiny little voice. If Pitchfork was a person he would be the geek from High School scampering through the hall with his ripped, shit stained underwear from all the wedgies he gets. No wonder he hates Tool. This is the bully's music. Expand
  57. C.NileD.
    Oct 6, 2007
    0
    Good, now that I have your attention... This album is most definitely not a zero when it comes to scoring, but I cannot see this album being a perfect 10 on this scale. It is a decent album and I love the music, but it is not enough to be perfect.
  58. BobR
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    why pitchfork.. WHY?!?
  59. 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
  60. ChadM.
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    the people who don't give this cd a 10 must not comprehend the in deep meaning of every song and cd as a whole i could listen to this cd all day and never try understand it so it stays fresh and knew everything you listen to it youtae just a little more from it it is a amazing work of art and music
  61. MohammadA
    Aug 3, 2007
    10
    This album, Plus 10000 days, which came out 2006, Still give me shivers as I read the cryptology that's in them. Come on, what band since Tool has been able to fit a Fibonacci sequence in their song and Lyrics, and/or Much more importantly MAKE 3 SONGS BLEND INTO ONE! (If you haven't guessed yet, (Viginti Tres +WIngs for marie) combined with 10000 days makes Tool's latest This album, Plus 10000 days, which came out 2006, Still give me shivers as I read the cryptology that's in them. Come on, what band since Tool has been able to fit a Fibonacci sequence in their song and Lyrics, and/or Much more importantly MAKE 3 SONGS BLEND INTO ONE! (If you haven't guessed yet, (Viginti Tres +WIngs for marie) combined with 10000 days makes Tool's latest masterpiece). All I'm going to say is, these guys are Inhumane. Expand
  62. 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
  63. NaveedS.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Greatest rock album of all time, Tool appeals to all senses. Don't believe critics, believe users. Critics rate Lateralus like chicken mcnuggets, I rate it as music and art. When it comes to that, it's a 10.
  64. scottc.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    critics suck ball sack!!!
  65. 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
  66. Ivan
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    Probably the best album ever...
  67. JonH
    Mar 30, 2007
    10
    Greatest album of the 21st century. This is arguably the greatest Tool album, with a close second for Ænima. Tool really discovered what they can do, and how to approach things. Lateralus is deep. One listen is not enough. You could devote your entire life to this album. Feed on it's energy, and create something positive.
  68. RakS
    Mar 30, 2007
    10
    agree with Aaron W - this album is more of a soundtrack to your personal spiritual awakening. It will be with me forever... food for the soul and delivered with love
  69. 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.
  70. 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.
  71. 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.
  72. 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.
  73. 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
  74. BobS
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    I cannot describe how amazing this album is. Keenan's vocal range, style and songwriting are all first rate and Carey is one of the best drummers in rock music, period. Jones and Chancellor are most than solid but do tend to get outshined by Keenan and Carey. Anyway, every song on this album is simply perfect in their own way, from The Grudge all the way to Reflection. How this I cannot describe how amazing this album is. Keenan's vocal range, style and songwriting are all first rate and Carey is one of the best drummers in rock music, period. Jones and Chancellor are most than solid but do tend to get outshined by Keenan and Carey. Anyway, every song on this album is simply perfect in their own way, from The Grudge all the way to Reflection. How this record could be rated below a 90 is just beyond me, the beauty within this 79 minute album is the best 79 minutes you could ever spend listening to music. As you can see, my praise for this album is unrelenting, and I just hope that these so called "critics" will eventually learn why Tool is the best band out there right now. I've lost what little respect I have for these critics in their ratings for this one album alone. Expand
  75. 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.
  76. SunShine
    Jan 22, 2007
    10
    By far the most amazing song I have ever heard, can never get bored with it. Tool is the God of inteligent music.
  77. AlexD
    Jan 7, 2007
    10
    Far and away my favorite overall album. That is not to say that it began there. It took time and many cycles through my audio receptors to get there. I remember a time, after its initial release, that I thought "uh-ok. This is not what I expected". Then one day, I was listening. My mind was in the proper place and the pieces all came together. There was an alignment and it made sense. If Far and away my favorite overall album. That is not to say that it began there. It took time and many cycles through my audio receptors to get there. I remember a time, after its initial release, that I thought "uh-ok. This is not what I expected". Then one day, I was listening. My mind was in the proper place and the pieces all came together. There was an alignment and it made sense. If you don't get it, no problem. It's not for you. On a side note, I have noticed that INTP's (myself included) seem to be predisposed to this album in particular. Expand
  78. RyanM
    Jan 5, 2007
    10
    perfect. One of the best 5 albums ever made
  79. timg
    Jan 3, 2007
    10
    Before I heard this album in 2001 i wasn't a Tool fan. A friend from work really liked them and gave me this album on tape.... i listened to it once and threw in to the bottom of my driving tapes! About 3 months later i gave it another go. Interesting. Gradually this amasing, uniquely deep and mesmerising album showed itself for what it is; a masterpiece of modern metal and my Before I heard this album in 2001 i wasn't a Tool fan. A friend from work really liked them and gave me this album on tape.... i listened to it once and threw in to the bottom of my driving tapes! About 3 months later i gave it another go. Interesting. Gradually this amasing, uniquely deep and mesmerising album showed itself for what it is; a masterpiece of modern metal and my personal favorite album of all time. Buy.it.now. Expand
  80. Justin
    Dec 29, 2006
    10
    Lateralus is a work of Art.
  81. MattD
    Dec 14, 2006
    10
    Im sorry but Lateralus is perfect in every way. If you didnt score this album AT LEAST 8 then you obviously dont like any music of this genre or you are a completely retarded 13 year old nu-metal punk b*tch who frankly shouldnt be reviewing it. Full stop.
  82. AlanD
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    This is what music is missing from now a days tunes that are being produced. 100% of amazing went into this.
  83. AndersK
    Dec 10, 2006
    10
    Fantastic Album. In my top 5.
  84. AliP
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    Simply put, the greatest, complex and most beautiful album ever made. Anyone who hates this seriously must be crazy (ie Pitchfork and the other retards who gave this less than 10).
  85. SeamusS
    Oct 2, 2006
    3
    I can't comprehend how anyone can love this music.
  86. JoshuaT
    Sep 17, 2006
    0
    I'd have to agree with Miles as people see this more as art than music. Cause it's definetely not music. I don't know what it scores as art however since I'm rating it purely based as music.
  87. 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.
  88. MilesH
    Sep 7, 2006
    0
    This bad proves people can like anything.
  89. dfgsdg
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Critics suck.
  90. 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
  91. mikeb
    Aug 10, 2006
    10
    I don't know who these revieweres are or what album they listened to for this mid 70 overall score. Oviously not lateralus. Perfectly written, flawlessly mixed, with deep, awe inspiring lyrics. Music at it's greatest.
  92. PhilP
    Aug 9, 2006
    10
    Amazing. One of the best rock records ever made. Simply puts other bands to shame. P.S. Fuck you Pitchfork..most of your reviews just take the piss and put the artist/s to shame and you clearly have no idea what your talking about.
  93. 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.
  94. MikeS
    Jul 13, 2006
    10
    This is one of the most accomplished albums in rock music history. Lyrically poignant, instrumentally perfect, with haunting vocals, numerous gooseflesh producing choruses, and impeccable musical timing this album is one to cherish.
  95. Jeff
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    Brilliant.
  96. 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.
  97. 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.
  98. WillieG
    May 23, 2006
    10
    the best
  99. 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
  100. 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
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. 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.
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    Ultimately, it's Tool's experimental, borderline progressive, edge that proves most rewarding. [Aug 2001, p.141]
  3. It is dense, it is long, it is complicated. It is also a magnificent triumph of artistry over blind anger.