Fear Inoculum
by Tool
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Aug 30, 2019
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 733 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 581 out of 733
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 733
  3. Negative: 109 out of 733
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  1. joeyravioli
    Sep 4, 2019
    9
    After quite a few listens to the album, I gotta say it is well worth the 13 year wait. Every song on the album is definitely Tool quality. Adam Jones really showcases his riffs, Justin Chancellor's off kilter bass rhythms are great and the octopus Danny Carey powers though every song with his drums. As always, MJK's lyrics are basically poetry and are excellent. His vocals have somewhatAfter quite a few listens to the album, I gotta say it is well worth the 13 year wait. Every song on the album is definitely Tool quality. Adam Jones really showcases his riffs, Justin Chancellor's off kilter bass rhythms are great and the octopus Danny Carey powers though every song with his drums. As always, MJK's lyrics are basically poetry and are excellent. His vocals have somewhat softened in style, but for a guy who is in 3 bands and is almost 60 he sounds pretty damn good. To all the naysayers who say there are "filler" tracks, NEWSFLASH, they have them on practically every album. Those songs are simply there to convey a mood for the next track. Don't just give this album one listen, give it MULTIPLE and I swear you won't be disappointed.… Expand
  2. BlueChino
    Sep 6, 2019
    9
    A really solid album that could use a little editing. The 7 track version plays better than the 10 track, and honestly this could have just been 6 tracks and the better for it. Prime stuff, though, on the main 6 songs.
  3. dangyosabyss
    Sep 4, 2019
    8
    Its a great album but the 10 scores are ridiculous. Its content could be from any Tool session in the last 3 albums. It isnt different enough and doesnt show enough progression (ironic right?) to warrant 10 scores. Thats not to say it is bad. Its great. But its what we have come to expect from them and Tool were never about that. Its exactly what i expected it to be. 10k days part 2.
  4. dmiranda
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    Fear Inoculum's seven songs - which in digital format come with three more songs: "Litanie contre le peur", "Legion Inoculant" and "Mockingbeat", in practice three climatic and instrumental interludes - feature pretentious, original and hypnotic work . Six of the seven tracks exceed ten minutes (with the exception of "Chocolate Chip Trip", another instrumental interlude) and featureFear Inoculum's seven songs - which in digital format come with three more songs: "Litanie contre le peur", "Legion Inoculant" and "Mockingbeat", in practice three climatic and instrumental interludes - feature pretentious, original and hypnotic work . Six of the seven tracks exceed ten minutes (with the exception of "Chocolate Chip Trip", another instrumental interlude) and feature chords, harmonic progressions, rhythmic scales and predominantly ascending melodies, which makes the album have a very strong sound magnetism. In practice, this translates into a hearing that causes a kind of hypnosis as the songs unfold. The choice to construct the songs using sister chords and notes, coupled with Keenan's mostly ethereal vocal melodies, intensifies this mind-numbing sensation while opening new untapped songs in the listener's brain.

    The rhythmic part remains one of the highlights, with unconventional movements and an approach that talks with fusion, always supported by the univiteline union between bass and guitar. Chancellor's instrument, always a highlight, continues to play an almost percussive role and fills the spaces omnipresently. Drummers will still love Carey's work, while Jones maintains a guitar playing that, especially in Fear Inoculum, is much more interested in creating sound atmospheres than riffs.

    However, the weight comes. And when it comes, it arrives beautiful. The apexes of the songs, with instrumental explosions full of rhythmic turns, are chilling to even the most bald of fans. It's an original, unique and beautiful song that could either be defined as a hypnotic prog metal or a meditative fusion.

    The fact is that in Fear Inoculum the Tool requires a listener partnership so that what the band is proposing is effectively assimilated. This means that in a world where urgency predominates and anxiety is no longer an exception and has become the company of most individuals, a disc that is over 70 minutes long and tracks that are over ten minutes need some effort. from most listeners. Fear Inoculum is not one of those albums made for occasional and occasional listening. It demands an immersion, it takes time from those on the other side of the headset. But in doing so, it rewards you with creative delivery, a song that is totally out of the box and delivers incredible sensations.

    Among the tracks, highlight the sensational song that beats the album, "Invincible", "Descending" and the incredible "7empest", the longest and heaviest of the album and where the full protagonism goes to the guitar of Adam Jones.

    Fear Inoculum makes up for the thirteen year long wait for a new Tool album with a complex, extremely immersive, musically rich work that carries both the seal of quality and the original aura the band has always possessed. One of the biggest albums of 2019 and one of the best albums of the quartet's career.    … Expand
  5. Tombennett77
    Sep 17, 2019
    10
    Masterpiece ...............................................................!
  6. Monsterplanet
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    This and Aenima are neck-and-neck in terms of breadth and quality, though with time frame and expectations in account, Fear Innoculum seems to shore up about 1 more "main" song short of the impact Aenima had in the late '90s.

    Even still, it manages to bring quality and execution to a modern table and does so successfully.
  7. Grunix
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Prog Rock and complex music at its best. Worth the waiting. It is not schubidu 3:30 min Pop, its complex music to dive in.
  8. Chrismkj
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    I love this album, I really do and it’s near perfect except for one thing. Lengthy sections of song where it’s just open chugging on the low d, like it’s ok to use it but just it takes up maybe ten minutes total on the whole album, do you really want that? It just seems very low effort even with odd time signatures
  9. Julitro
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Much better than expected. 13 years worth the wait. It's dreamy, powerful, atmospheric, brutal and deeper than the void itself. The level of production and mastering is as good or better than 10,000 days. It's the same Tool sound, but at a next level (if that's even possible).
  10. jwdomar08
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    Fear Inoculum is a beautiful piece of artwork. Tool delivered a well rounded masterpiece in my opinion. I don't understand the hate on this album, as I feel it is a culmination of their best work compiled into 7 amazing long form tracks (not counting the interludes). Danny Carey is the stand out. The album is worth multiple listens based on his work alone. He is the star of the album.Fear Inoculum is a beautiful piece of artwork. Tool delivered a well rounded masterpiece in my opinion. I don't understand the hate on this album, as I feel it is a culmination of their best work compiled into 7 amazing long form tracks (not counting the interludes). Danny Carey is the stand out. The album is worth multiple listens based on his work alone. He is the star of the album. It is by far his best work in Tool's discography. Adam Jones delivers exactly what you would expect from him but also expands on his great riff writing by adding some great lead moments which you don't usually get from a Tool album. I really enjoyed it. The musicianship is as good as it gets, the engineering was beautiful. Tool delivered a mature, spacious, very well rounded, musical opus that warrants multiple listens and is a perfect addition to their discography. Favorite tracks are 7empest, Descending, Pneuma, Invincible and Chocolate Chip Trip.… Expand
  11. trav17
    Sep 4, 2019
    9
    This album slaps after a few listens, but that's the standard recipe for Tool. For me, it falls between Lateralus and Aenima and maybe slightly ahead of 10,000 Days. Each song is a roller coaster that bobs and weaves between tranquil melodies, signature Tool timing, long and calculated builds, and soul jarring breakdowns. This is the complete package for Tool fans, stem to stern. BiggestThis album slaps after a few listens, but that's the standard recipe for Tool. For me, it falls between Lateralus and Aenima and maybe slightly ahead of 10,000 Days. Each song is a roller coaster that bobs and weaves between tranquil melodies, signature Tool timing, long and calculated builds, and soul jarring breakdowns. This is the complete package for Tool fans, stem to stern. Biggest drawback are the interludes that are common for Tool albums but in this one, they are certainly more of a distraction than an element that builds into the record as a whole.… Expand
  12. Tha5252
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    This is a massive record...The days, months and years will reveal more about the new record. As with releases previous, there are wrinkles that will only emerge after the record is lived with and absorbed. But if you’re wondering whether ‘Fear Inoculum’ was worth the wait, then the answer is yes. If you’re wondering whether it’ll touch your heart, soul and spirt, the answer is also so.
  13. iKindred
    Sep 4, 2019
    8
    Overall it's a great album that features great performances of Adam and Danny. Personally, I would have wanted to hear more invested vocals and more synergy between them. The interludes feel out of place, disconnected from the rest of the music and uninteresting.
  14. Raist1in
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    You can't judge Tool music that quick. This is just silly. Try to swallow this album first without choking. Once you do, listen how it starts to diagest. It always grows on you.
  15. Detnael
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    There is nothing better than this album. Pneuma is my favorite. Best surprise was to hear a drum solo song on an album.
  16. elli0tt
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    This is Tool in its prime - in the league with AEnema and Lateralus. Although some other top prog and industrial bands have put out solid but past-prime albums in the last few years, this isn't that. Tool still has the fastball and Maynard's voice sounds perfect.
  17. BadVibrator
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    Best metal album of this decade. I can't believe even after 13 years TOOL can still blow my goddamn mind... Whole jniverse came together to make an album.. #fearinoculum
  18. RighteousRice
    Sep 5, 2019
    9
    Although it might not be the strongest Tool album, that’s not really saying much as it is amazing and It’s a musical journey.
  19. ChickenOrBeef
    Sep 6, 2019
    9
    Simply put, all the band members deliver their A game except for Maynard, who delivered more of a B. He's definitely good, but not as good as before. So therefore, 9/10.
  20. tohadacritic
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    "Fear Inoculum" - Tool

    First things first: **** off Fantano and the gullible fanbase who follows his opinions Debatable if Tool's new album is a bonafide masterpiece or just rather underwhelming, there's no denying that this album has been an event. Prog-Metal and Art-Rock pioneers Tool returns with a more intricate, a more mature and yes, a ridiculously circuituous album that excels    "Fear Inoculum" - Tool

    First things first: **** off Fantano and the gullible fanbase who follows his opinions

    Debatable if Tool's new album is a bonafide masterpiece or just rather underwhelming, there's no denying that this album has been an event. Prog-Metal and Art-Rock pioneers Tool returns with a more intricate, a more mature and yes, a ridiculously circuituous album that excels after every listen.
    Sonically pleasing, as it should have been, that even the minute of details can be picked up by even the lowest of volumes, as expected since the band's renowned for their whimsical production choices. While having no complaints regarding this album, an argument could be brought up since it's 13 years in the making, hyping it up to be album of the decade, but unfortunately, the band doesn't deliver that energetic presence they once had making it hard to convince for me to even consider Fear Inoculum as album of the year; however, considering that this is the same band that created ground-breaking accomplishments in "Lateralus" and "Ænima", not many bands could out-perform those spectacles. Nevertheless, Fear Inoculum does indeed come close, each song being over ten minutes long does make it feel a bit jarring, but the build-up to each rivoting track by instantly amusing intricate riffs and drumming patterns culminating in a - Grunge-esque Maynard vocals in one of the most extra-ordinary Tool song since 2001 - satisfying end, making the wait for the entire album and the entire listen, absolutely worth it as each significant member get their moments to shine.

    Absolute Favourite Track/s: Invincible, Pneuma, 7empest

    Great track/s: The rest of the album minus the interludes

    Least favourite track/s: The Interludes

    Rating: 10/10 (Masterpiece)    … Expand
  21. Implicit
    Sep 7, 2019
    8
    This album is not 10,000 Days Part 2. This album is not a smattering of radio hits or music that should necessarily be dropped into every playlist on your Spotify profile. But from a strictly full-album-listen standpoint, it really comes together. Clearly this was the attempt, and a noble one at that, still it is not my favorite of Tool's efforts perhaps for this reason. I don't findThis album is not 10,000 Days Part 2. This album is not a smattering of radio hits or music that should necessarily be dropped into every playlist on your Spotify profile. But from a strictly full-album-listen standpoint, it really comes together. Clearly this was the attempt, and a noble one at that, still it is not my favorite of Tool's efforts perhaps for this reason. I don't find myself tapping away at my desk with my pen, humming lightly to a melody that hangs around for weeks, as was my experience after listening to Tool albums previously. But as a piece of art, this album stands on its own two feet. Despite what most are saying, I don't see this as a flex of 7-based time signatures and unfollowable interludes that "you aren't supposed to get." Even when there isn't a clear path in the music, you can tell that this was created entirely organically by a group of extremely talented musicians.

    All in all, I enjoyed this quite a bit. I expect to create a playlist without the interludes and listening to once every few months.    … Expand
  22. DannyG2550
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    We know your nature, and a tempest must be just that. Inoculate yourself and face your fears...
  23. jaimepullthatup
    Sep 9, 2019
    9
    it didn't disappoint, everything that made previous Tool albums very enjoyable is still very much present here. I was left a little underwhelmed by the title track when it came out, but when I listened to the album I gladly found that it was the worst track of the record. The rest of it is pretty great. Maynard's delivers some of his best vocal performances ever in this album, this timeit didn't disappoint, everything that made previous Tool albums very enjoyable is still very much present here. I was left a little underwhelmed by the title track when it came out, but when I listened to the album I gladly found that it was the worst track of the record. The rest of it is pretty great. Maynard's delivers some of his best vocal performances ever in this album, this time his singing is actually very close to his A Perfect Circle style, mellower, more melodic and less aggressive. His vocal melodies on Culling Voices are amazing. Adam Jones also brings a nice chord progression on this track and on Invincible. I also love the guitar riff towards the end of the track. It does actually remind me of his riff on Jambi. 7empest is also full of great riffs and drum parts. Some parts are not as great as others, some jams on the album are a little boring at times, but as an overall piece of work it holds up really well. Pneuma is also one of my favorite tracks of the record.
    Just like previous Tool records this album takes a little bit of time to settle in your brain. Specially given the fact all the tracks are longer than 10 minutes, it's a very dense album and there's a lot to take in. But once you get involved in these melodies and masterful musicianship, as well as a really great sound and production, you'll be listening to this record over and over for quite a while. I'm still discovering new things that I like with each listen.    … Expand
  24. Arthuu
    Oct 23, 2019
    9
    Not easy to get into but after few longer sessions i realized it's masterpiece with "Pneuma" being best song of 2019, followed by "Descending" and "Invincible".
  25. ixd360
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    I don't know if its the long wait or the extremely high expectations but upon my first listen, i was underwhelmed. i felt like i needed more from my favorite band. Granted, i heard it while running errands without letting myself get fully immersed in the music (which is what TOOL's music needs and deserves.) Although Culling Voices and 7empest DID suck me right in!

    After    I don't know if its the long wait or the extremely high expectations but upon my first listen, i was underwhelmed. i felt like i needed more from my favorite band. Granted, i heard it while running errands without letting myself get fully immersed in the music (which is what TOOL's music needs and deserves.) Although Culling Voices and 7empest DID suck me right in!

    After re-listening.... and REALLY listening: i was blown away by the album. And the more i would listen, the better it got. i have probably heard the album 20+ times and read the lyrics and taken my time to experience this masterpiece! I fall further in love with it with every listen.

    The riffs, the vocals, the intricacies, the bass, the lyrics, the messages, the rises and falls, the drumming.... OH, THE DRUMMING!

    The music Gods created perfection when they put these four in a room together and they repay the Gods by making perfection! I really enjoyed 10000 Days but i have to say, this album is better! Its right up there with Laturalus and Aenima and FAR above Undertow and Opiate.

    Only negative? i could have done without Chocolate Chip Trip. That time could have been used for another beautiful song    … Expand
  26. Sibinmathew11
    Sep 11, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worth the wait!! Best metal album in the last few 10 years! An experience from start to to finish!… Expand
  27. Bethany_Celsius
    Sep 11, 2019
    10
    Feels like bathing in a metal waterfall. They've grown, and given us a musical landscape. The skill. Holy fk. I've just been playing it through from the beginning to end and then starting over.
  28. Foffe
    Sep 13, 2019
    9
    Fantastic record that just keep growing! Could very well be their best album
  29. gadadak
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    The more you listen the more you notice. Each song is a journey, and even the interludes feel like they belong.
  30. turbomustang84
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    Easily the best album in 13 year's and might be the quickest I've ever got addicted to of any Tool Album .
    Danny is a maniac
  31. Meanyspetrini
    Sep 13, 2019
    9
    I'm not an a-hole, so I don't write reviews. Why does it say leave rating only, then not allow me to do so?
  32. veful
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Fear Inoculum is a great album from start to finish, Danny and Adam were at their best and yes, worth the wait.
  33. Lelandusps
    Sep 14, 2019
    9
    Wow! This was well worth the wait, ladies and gentlemen!
    Fear Inoculum is not just an album...It's an experience!
    Tool has the had best thing going for years, and that's the fact that they cannot truly be compared to any other artists in music. The mold breaking ideals behind every album, every song and every lyric keep them in a class of their own, and this album is no exception! From    Wow! This was well worth the wait, ladies and gentlemen!
    Fear Inoculum is not just an album...It's an experience!
    Tool has the had best thing going for years, and that's the fact that they cannot truly be compared to any other artists in music. The mold breaking ideals behind every album, every song and every lyric keep them in a class of their own, and this album is no exception!
    From MJK's lyrical genius to the pumping feel of Danny's complex drum beats, to Adam's pioneering riffs and metal bass lines that keep the metal tripping grin on my face...I'm impressed!
    I can't really say if this is the Best of Tool, because this art, like all others, is subject to interpretation... but I will say that this consistence in quality means that Tool will always be my favorite band.    … Expand
  34. Diogenes42
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Nice mix, the songs feel very jammy, even though they are calculated as hell .Nice new synth elements, trippy vibe and nice vocals, even though they feel a litte bit monotonouse in 3 of the songs
  35. Soliloquy7
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    Kickass high quality is their lowest common denominator. Thirteen years we’ll spent imho.
  36. SnoMan003
    Sep 17, 2019
    9
    Fear Inoculum isn't perfect but is absolutely a worthy successor to 10,000 Days and Laterlalus. The album starts off with a bang in the the title track, Fear Inoculum. It's one of the more brief pieces on the record but is easily one of Tool's finest songs, perfectly blending atmosphere and a catchy chorus. Next is Pneuma, and while the lyrics are a little too typical for Tool, the songFear Inoculum isn't perfect but is absolutely a worthy successor to 10,000 Days and Laterlalus. The album starts off with a bang in the the title track, Fear Inoculum. It's one of the more brief pieces on the record but is easily one of Tool's finest songs, perfectly blending atmosphere and a catchy chorus. Next is Pneuma, and while the lyrics are a little too typical for Tool, the song itself is a powerful one that will likely get stuck in your head. Invincible and Descending are powerful and masterfully crafted epics, speaking on the aging process and the human condition. Chocolate Chip Trip isn't nearly as interesting as the other tracks, but at least is enjoyable and knows when it should end. Finally, the record ends with 7empest, easily one of Tool's most angry and energetic songs since Aenima; it's a little meandering, clocking in at 15 minutes, but is overall very well written and a great experience. In fact, I would say that line perfectly encapsulates the entire album. The lyrics are a bit cliched and the tracks themselves have a tendency to wander for long periods of time, but Fear Inoculum is an amazing experience once you allow your patience to catch up with the album. It may take a couple of listens to fully appreciate, but trust me when I say it's worth it. If i had one piece of advice though, skip the interludes on the digital version. They're probably the only straight-up bad thing about the whole experience, although they really don't get in the way.… Expand
  37. Animussz
    Sep 20, 2019
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The album still has it’s hypnotic Tool vibes, but the music doesn’t give you goosebumps anymore… Expand
  38. Neosophist
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Absolutely worth the wait, the new Tool album, potentially considered by some as their Magnum Opus, is a musical tour de force.
    Metal, prog and Tool fans will definitely appreciate the finer details behind every title, each a musical journey in their own right and collectively telling a tight nit conceptual story of awakening and transcendence. Typical Tool!
    Each member rises up to the    Absolutely worth the wait, the new Tool album, potentially considered by some as their Magnum Opus, is a musical tour de force.
    Metal, prog and Tool fans will definitely appreciate the finer details behind every title, each a musical journey in their own right and collectively telling a tight nit conceptual story of awakening and transcendence. Typical Tool!
    Each member rises up to the occasion but most notably, Danny Carey; as he takes drumming and percussions to a whole new level.    … Expand
  39. captainpandy
    Sep 26, 2019
    10
    Overwhelming at first, it grows into you and every piece brings you in deeper each listening. Maynard's enlightened lyrics coupled with the powerful mastery of the music reaches ever higher. I cannot stop listening to this beauty. Moving to say the least.
  40. Katt1
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    This album is going to age well .
  41. Shaurya281994
    Oct 2, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was not ready for Fear Inoculum. I have studied every track for the past 1 month or so and tried to make sense of the passages. It will stand the test of time and go down as an influential metal relic of sorts in the years to come. It's breathtakingly complex and exponential.… Expand
  42. skatecake
    Oct 11, 2019
    9
    definitely a great album. lacks a bit on the hooks and great isolations. those moments were more powerful and prominent in previous albums, but still delivers a wonderful journey of musical chaos. my favorite part of the album is that is seems to be off rythm or ever changing to where you don't quite feel comfortable or as if somthing is off. i highly recommend te listen, also try bobbingdefinitely a great album. lacks a bit on the hooks and great isolations. those moments were more powerful and prominent in previous albums, but still delivers a wonderful journey of musical chaos. my favorite part of the album is that is seems to be off rythm or ever changing to where you don't quite feel comfortable or as if somthing is off. i highly recommend te listen, also try bobbing your head along to the music.… Expand
  43. ZeManeiro
    Jan 2, 2020
    10
    This is so different from everything tool has ever done!!! They really explored some psychodelic stuff... It also reminds me of some of the first albums by king crimson.
    And 7empest... wtf this song is 15 min but it feels like its 5
  44. ekalchev
    Jan 9, 2020
    10
    I wasn't a fan of Tool before this album (now I am). Amazing instrumentals, the only critics is for Maynard vocals. They are not so powerful as in the other albums and that is sad :(
  45. Steveb56
    Jan 9, 2020
    10
    Phenomenal evolution of this band - perfect
    Very dense and may take a few listens to have everything click but well worth the journey.
  46. Oneover137
    Jan 13, 2020
    10
    How does a a band that transcends generations meet the hype train that comes with a 13 year delay between albums?.... By exceeding ALL expectations with a masterpiece. This album absolutely rips and only gets better with each listen. Outstanding.
  47. cyman
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    YES! It's here and it's amazing. Let's get them out of the way and say that the interludes are really cleverly and creatively made and they do have a creepy, trippy, nice vibe. Now, the 7 tracks that Fear Inoculum comes with are really amazing as they come up with different vibes than the other seen before, although 7empest and Invincible do share lots in common with the older Tool tracks,YES! It's here and it's amazing. Let's get them out of the way and say that the interludes are really cleverly and creatively made and they do have a creepy, trippy, nice vibe. Now, the 7 tracks that Fear Inoculum comes with are really amazing as they come up with different vibes than the other seen before, although 7empest and Invincible do share lots in common with the older Tool tracks, they have completely different meanings and vibes and are of other complexity. So in my opinion all 7 tracks are great and I'm going to put them in my order (best to worst) even though I like them all and I can't really rank them (I'm also going to exclude Chocolate Chip Trip as it is just a great and complex drum solo). So we got Descending as my personal favorite, then Pneuma, Invincible both in second place, Culling Voices is damn right amazing, eerie and Justin ripps, 7empest being the complete Tool Jam with meaning, complex patterns, lots of solos, kick-offs and bassy bass riffs. Least but not last is Fear Inoculum which is really great but I can't really up it any higher amongst the others. Loved it, can't wait to get deeper into the meanings of the lyrics.… Expand
  48. JuanLuisGG14
    Mar 11, 2020
    7
    this album is a progressive beast . It is long and complex. While that could be a diminishing factor in accesibility, it does work brilliantly in good hands.
    The album is made of 6 real songs and 4 interludes (one of these is a battery solo). The songs are long and heavy, they're complex and have the time to breathe, morph and develop
    The band is on its best performance: Danny is a    this album is a progressive beast . It is long and complex. While that could be a diminishing factor in accesibility, it does work brilliantly in good hands.
    The album is made of 6 real songs and 4 interludes (one of these is a battery solo). The songs are long and heavy, they're complex and have the time to breathe, morph and develop
    The band is on its best performance: Danny is a complete beast!!! In fact, this might be one of the best drumming albums ever made, it's just brutal. Songs tend to develop into extended jams, those might be good if you're in the right mindset .
    As for the cons... MJK is well past its prime, he does it ok here, but not as outstanding at he was before
    Clean vocals are mellower they´ve ever been, and agressive vocals are just limited to one track
    As of today, i feel this might be a 7 for me, but it may change (as all Tool albums)
    Highlights: Pneuma, Invincible, Descending, 7empest    … Expand
  49. arostislavna
    Apr 26, 2020
    3
    Other bands that have been gone for a long time that have made substantial comebacks, have reinvented the wheel.

    Unfortunately, Tool have not. There is nothing in here that wasn't on 10,000 days or their back catalogue, experimentation is at an all time low, and has a serious uninspired sound to it.
  50. blarry21
    Jun 5, 2020
    9
    I previously had this album at a 3, however, I have given it more listens and definitely more dedicated listens. Trying to rate a Tool album in pieces is just not fair. It must be ingested in one full sitting to fully appreciate. If you are a fan of Tool then you’ll like this newest release.
  51. B-Bog
    Mar 21, 2021
    4
    A bloated and boring mess. Every riff gets milked a hundred times over (even if it's not that great to begin with), the songwriting has no real direction or purpose, the music comes to an almost complete stand-still WAY too often, there are tons of superfluous keyboard parts and sound experiments, the interludes range from non-sensical to atrocious, and maybe worst of all, there is next toA bloated and boring mess. Every riff gets milked a hundred times over (even if it's not that great to begin with), the songwriting has no real direction or purpose, the music comes to an almost complete stand-still WAY too often, there are tons of superfluous keyboard parts and sound experiments, the interludes range from non-sensical to atrocious, and maybe worst of all, there is next to no emotion, tension, and drive in the music.

    The musical performances on display here are amazing, sure, but unfortunately, they don't add up to a captivating end-product.

    So, it pains me to say that this is the worst Tool record, by a LONG SHOT. All it reliably achieves is putting me to sleep.    … Expand
  52. ethanmorris36
    Jul 6, 2020
    8
    Not a bad album, but for 13 years to make music, the album feels like it lacks much of its originally, most of the music feels like it's been taken from Lateralus and lengthened, and some riffs are reused, like the riff from Jambi is used in invincible, just slowed down. The songs definitely aren't aren't bad, but some of them feel like they drag on. I'm certainly disappointed, but it'sNot a bad album, but for 13 years to make music, the album feels like it lacks much of its originally, most of the music feels like it's been taken from Lateralus and lengthened, and some riffs are reused, like the riff from Jambi is used in invincible, just slowed down. The songs definitely aren't aren't bad, but some of them feel like they drag on. I'm certainly disappointed, but it's not bad at all. It's still a solid album, it's just not Tool solid.

    Update (07/06/2020): After almost year of listening, I'd have to say these songs have grown on me quite a bit. A few of the songs have worked their way up as some of my favorites. Descending for example has arguably the best bass-line of any Tool song. Updating from 7/10 to an 8/10.    … Expand
  53. Seven155
    Oct 1, 2020
    10
    Amazing album full of psychedelic pieces. The level of musicianship is at an all high.
  54. movingpictures
    Apr 25, 2020
    7
    Tool has given the world some of the finest progressive music since the drum was invented. However, they went too technical here. It's missing something. This is an album that's all head and little heart. I wish it had the energy of their earlier work. The last track, 7empest, comes closest to that energy. There are some fine moments that appear in a few other songs too. It will beTool has given the world some of the finest progressive music since the drum was invented. However, they went too technical here. It's missing something. This is an album that's all head and little heart. I wish it had the energy of their earlier work. The last track, 7empest, comes closest to that energy. There are some fine moments that appear in a few other songs too. It will be interesting. But don't expect it to be moving.… Expand
  55. Geffen
    Jun 23, 2020
    9
    Tool's comeback is widely welcomed. And this album is really immersive from start to finish.

    Some parts are a little repetitive, but that is no major problem.

    fantastic album!
  56. ViceAVersa
    Feb 12, 2021
    8
    Although in 2019 I had a great listen, now I can tell why this album wasn't that received well with fans. It is their most uninspired record to date, but like with any TOOL record, I like this record as much as the next.
  57. blackattack54
    Jul 1, 2021
    10
    i am a big proghead, and this album is a wet dream for someone like me. Other people needed to sit on this album for a bit in order to actually start to appreciate it, but when i first listened to the album i knew this was going to be my favorite album of all time immediately, which it did become. This album is pretty much perfect. The digital release's linking tracks are kind ofi am a big proghead, and this album is a wet dream for someone like me. Other people needed to sit on this album for a bit in order to actually start to appreciate it, but when i first listened to the album i knew this was going to be my favorite album of all time immediately, which it did become. This album is pretty much perfect. The digital release's linking tracks are kind of irritating, but the actual tracklist is an absolute eargasm. I'm fairly certain Invincible's bass solo made me cream my pants lol… Expand
  58. Ffaj
    Apr 11, 2022
    8
    Хороший альбом, в духе старых Tool. Конечно это не лучшая их работа, слышны наработки Lateralus/10 000 Days, до уровня темного звучания моего любимого альбома у них – Ænima он конечно не дотягивает. Но Fear Inoculum совсем другой альбом. Альбом мужиков за 50, которые прожили большую часть жизни, они больше ушли в философию "Reflection", чем в драйв "Stinkfist" и это можно понять. Tool неХороший альбом, в духе старых Tool. Конечно это не лучшая их работа, слышны наработки Lateralus/10 000 Days, до уровня темного звучания моего любимого альбома у них – Ænima он конечно не дотягивает. Но Fear Inoculum совсем другой альбом. Альбом мужиков за 50, которые прожили большую часть жизни, они больше ушли в философию "Reflection", чем в драйв "Stinkfist" и это можно понять. Tool не пытаются сделать что-то новое, но всё же это хороший альбом, он монолитен, содержит их проверенные и цепляющие ходы. Стоили ли эти 13 лет ожиданий? Думаю, что да, но в силу стольких лет, ожидания фанатов были явно завышены, поэтому и оценки настолько полярные. Если воспринимать это на холодную голову – альбом удался, но несколько затянут. Вещи вроде culling voices не настолько сильны, явно могли бы быть короче.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Oct 9, 2019
    63
    The album plays like an extended mood piece that bends and drifts, with a shortage of the crushing hard-rock crescendos and riffs that defined the band’s work on “Lateralus” (2001) and before.
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  2. Slant Magazine
    Sep 19, 2019
    60
    Sadly, there’s nothing on Fear Inoculum as immediately accessible or anthemic as past Tool glories like “Sober” or “The Pot,” but what is here will reward repeated spins, even if listeners initially find themselves waiting for those mammoth riffs to show up, a la “7empest,” or for Maynard to finally kick into high gear, as in the rousing refrain of “Descending.”
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  3. Exclaim
    Sep 10, 2019
    70
    Musically, Tool have taken the best of Lateralus's dynamism and the heaviness of 10,000 Days to explore the middle ground with great length on Fear Inoculum. Those who stuck it out through the decade-plus wait won't mind hanging around a little longer until the album's close.
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