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. AdamS
    Apr 9, 2003
    10
    Tool is all that is significant, only seen with patience...it's an inner process, listen with the ears of an artist...you shall become one as well...sure of course it's not some blarring blahahhahaaaaaaaaa kind of band, where's the musical head within that..where's the real face behind that now..? c'mon now, pull your head out of your asses if you can't even Tool is all that is significant, only seen with patience...it's an inner process, listen with the ears of an artist...you shall become one as well...sure of course it's not some blarring blahahhahaaaaaaaaa kind of band, where's the musical head within that..where's the real face behind that now..? c'mon now, pull your head out of your asses if you can't even recognize Tool as one of the most phenominal bands alive yet...no other will match them, sure you could say that about every lame ass band such as P.O.D. but who's going to be remembered... … Expand
  2. MarksN
    Mar 23, 2003
    8
    Deep, great music.
  3. JasonE
    Mar 12, 2003
    10
    Tool's ludicrous amount of talent has led them to get better and better with each album. Danny Carey is simply the best drummer. Period. He is by no means a rhythm section, and has given rise to the wonderful concept of "lead drummer". They have surpassed all of their influences and predecessors to rise to the forefront of music as the most talented and intellectaully stimulating Tool's ludicrous amount of talent has led them to get better and better with each album. Danny Carey is simply the best drummer. Period. He is by no means a rhythm section, and has given rise to the wonderful concept of "lead drummer". They have surpassed all of their influences and predecessors to rise to the forefront of music as the most talented and intellectaully stimulating musiciansof the modern era. Dream Theater, while possessing a great deal of technical proficiency, is far too concerned with the Berkley-induced obsession with "the 95th note" to produce music with anything like Tool's feeling. In short, they have no souls. … Expand
  4. EricH
    Jan 18, 2003
    10
    Lateralus ranks among the greatest albums in the history of Rock music. I'm speaking along the lines of Dark Side of the Moon, Houses of the Holy, Paranoid, Master of Puppets, OK Computer, Dirt, .... Where the hell is Dream Theater these days anyways? I wonder if they ever cleaned all of the hornets out of their heads? Guitar solos are so so very a thing of the past. And thank god Lateralus ranks among the greatest albums in the history of Rock music. I'm speaking along the lines of Dark Side of the Moon, Houses of the Holy, Paranoid, Master of Puppets, OK Computer, Dirt, .... Where the hell is Dream Theater these days anyways? I wonder if they ever cleaned all of the hornets out of their heads? Guitar solos are so so very a thing of the past. And thank god for that! I hope and pray that Tool will have a legacy of many good albums to appreciate over the years like the greats before them.… Expand
  5. DenverH.
    Sep 10, 2002
    10
    this cd is the greatest thing that has ever happened. TOOL is the greatest thing that has ever happened.
  6. WayneB.
    Aug 29, 2002
    10
    I'm not a Tool fan. Never heard any of Tool's songs. I'm a rapidly-approaching-middle-age Pink Floyd fan and I had given up all hope for the future of music. But I kept reading good things about Lateralus and one day on an impulse I clicked the "Add to cart" button. Oh my God. This is amazing stuff. It's on the fringe of my style of music but I recognize good I'm not a Tool fan. Never heard any of Tool's songs. I'm a rapidly-approaching-middle-age Pink Floyd fan and I had given up all hope for the future of music. But I kept reading good things about Lateralus and one day on an impulse I clicked the "Add to cart" button. Oh my God. This is amazing stuff. It's on the fringe of my style of music but I recognize good songwriting and skilled, polished, high-precision musicianship when I hear it, and regardless of the genre that's what earns my highest admiration. Beyond that the quality of the recording takes it to the next level. These guys are smart enough to keep their hands off the dynamic range compression knob that has sucked the life out of just about every CD released in the past ten years. Listen to it on a big stereo system with big speakers and a big subwoofer, and let the bass (on tracks 9, 11, 12 especially) kick your ass!… Expand
  7. MichaelE.
    Aug 27, 2002
    2
    Almost as bad as their other albums, but not quite. Nice cover graphics.
  8. RobertN.
    Aug 9, 2002
    10
    With Pink Floyd and TOOL CDs, what more could one ask for . . . perhaps to be enlightened (the next best thing).
  9. BixW.
    Aug 2, 2002
    8
    A fine example of what rock should be about. EXCELLENT!!!
  10. BryanO.
    Jul 26, 2002
    9
    I would give it a 10, but it doesn't seem possible. Honestly I should give it a 5 or 6, but that wouldn't seem right. Lateralus is the best CD I have ever heard. The reason I say 5 or 6 is because I know they have a few more GREAT CDs left in them, and if they keep doing what they are doing then they will only get better. I just cannot give this CD the best vote because that I would give it a 10, but it doesn't seem possible. Honestly I should give it a 5 or 6, but that wouldn't seem right. Lateralus is the best CD I have ever heard. The reason I say 5 or 6 is because I know they have a few more GREAT CDs left in them, and if they keep doing what they are doing then they will only get better. I just cannot give this CD the best vote because that would mean their next CD would only be either equal to or less than in quality, when I KNOW that it is going to be better!!!!!!!… Expand
  11. DjJazzyJeffreyJJuniorslickwidit
    Jul 21, 2002
    10
    This album blew me away. One of the contemporary albums best i own, right up there w/ Aenima and Radiohead's OK Computer. It maybe hard to get into if u don't listen to tool on a regular basis, but hearing the amazing ax work and drum solos will turn any musician on. Maynard, as always, proves to be one of the best frontmen alive.
  12. DjJazzyJeffreyJJuniorslickwidit
    Jul 21, 2002
    10
    This album blew me away. One of the contemporary albums best i own, right up there w/ Aenima and Radiohead's OK Computer. It maybe hard to get into if u don't listen to tool on a regular basis, but hearing the amazing ax work and drum solos will turn any musician on. Maynard, as always, proves to be one of the best frontmen alive.
  13. SierraG.
    Jun 10, 2002
    10
    I love Alien Ant Farm's new album "ANThology". It's like Michael Jackson joined a punk rock band! I love it! Rock on!!!
  14. AnthonyR.
    May 29, 2002
    10
    The Led Zeppelin IV of the 21st Century.
  15. AlexK.
    May 15, 2002
    10
    Just great! The best album since aenima
  16. RamiF.
    May 14, 2002
    10
    You dont find such an album in stores everyday. This is a master artwork by maynard. Its more than just songs. Its more like a religion or a science.
  17. BarrR.
    Apr 29, 2002
    10
    Auditory brilliance. Nothing short of a masterpiece. I have spun this disk a few thousand times and it still manages to raise the hairs on the back of my neck.
  18. DavidB.
    Apr 18, 2002
    10
    It speaks for itself, and it speaks numbers. Tool is unlike anything else the world has ever seen or heard.
  19. AytekynA.
    Apr 13, 2002
    10
    The greatest album ever!
  20. JamesP.
    Feb 8, 2002
    10
    In Lateralus, Tool have created a truly mindblowing musical vision - as thought-provoking as the monolith's in '2001: a space oddysey' yet just as intriguing, offering it's listeners the bands opinions about the meaning of life and our position in the cosmos. The inlay acting as a step-by-step guide through the album containing eye opening hidden messages for those In Lateralus, Tool have created a truly mindblowing musical vision - as thought-provoking as the monolith's in '2001: a space oddysey' yet just as intriguing, offering it's listeners the bands opinions about the meaning of life and our position in the cosmos. The inlay acting as a step-by-step guide through the album containing eye opening hidden messages for those that understand them. The music itself is complexing, twisting, psychological and epic - a true modern masterpiece that will inspire for years to come.… Expand
  21. MikeR.
    Feb 6, 2002
    10
    This album is by far the album of the year. Although, not for the MTV mainstream rock crowd. You know the ones that actually like the modern day accurance such as every record label grabbing a band that sound exactly like the ONE band that made it big. I mean how many Creed's do we need? Exceptional album!!!
  22. DaveR.
    Feb 4, 2002
    10
    It is, the type of music that demands that you listen to the things you didn't hear the first 10 times. It is over the top on talent, and sound production is perfect. To those who hear it once or twice and say "yeah it's ok but it's bla, bla, etc.", failed to listen at all and are not connected with the depth of thought it takes to understand the musical arraignments. Or It is, the type of music that demands that you listen to the things you didn't hear the first 10 times. It is over the top on talent, and sound production is perfect. To those who hear it once or twice and say "yeah it's ok but it's bla, bla, etc.", failed to listen at all and are not connected with the depth of thought it takes to understand the musical arraignments. Or possibly too tied up with the "popular" instant gratification entertainment available to take some time to listen to one of the greatest compositions of sound ever created. … Expand
  23. kris
    Jan 28, 2002
    10
    the epitimy of a perfect album. Undeniably the most fluidly moving ablum I've ever heard.
  24. DavidT.
    Jan 24, 2002
    10
    un-fucking-believable
  25. ScottZ.
    Jan 22, 2002
    10
    Good Music
  26. MarkC.
    Jan 21, 2002
    10
    When you breathe you breathe for the moment, yet you breathe to stay alive the entire day as well
  27. DevinT.
    Jan 12, 2002
    10
    out of site into mind
  28. BryantR.
    Jan 7, 2002
    10
    Lateralus is an emotional aray of musical and lyrical dimentions of Maynard's intelect in words w/adam's guitar melodies is a perfect match.
  29. JaepilS.
    Jan 7, 2002
    10
    No need to ramble on about how I feel about this masterpiece. Just buy it or you're missing a chance to develop a possible brand new view on music. If Dream Theater is on the light side(heaven), Tool and this CD is right from the core of hell.
  30. DeanJ.
    Jan 3, 2002
    10
    Album of 2001 without a doubt. Listen to it once and you won't get it, listen to it more and the more you get out of it. There is no other band like Tool and there never will be, so glad they got over the legal crap. Very happy to see all the good reviews here, guess I will never understand the retard that gave it a 3!!!!
  31. BomarF.
    Jan 3, 2002
    10
    this is *real* music... uncompromising, brilliant, stunning, dark, iridescent, powerful, triumphant, original, intense, precise, vibrant, dynamic, and beautiful beyond words. Primal and cerebral all at once (no, that's not a contradiction!), with no compromises and zero waffling. Impeccable sense of sonic "space." And not one bit more technical than necessary--absolutely no filler this is *real* music... uncompromising, brilliant, stunning, dark, iridescent, powerful, triumphant, original, intense, precise, vibrant, dynamic, and beautiful beyond words. Primal and cerebral all at once (no, that's not a contradiction!), with no compromises and zero waffling. Impeccable sense of sonic "space." And not one bit more technical than necessary--absolutely no filler notes or filler songs. Tool made this latest offering WAY better than anyone would have ever asked them to...a labor of love... a 12-gauge shotgun blast through the heart of stagnation; a triumph of brilliance over blandness, of inspiration over asinine posturing; of creative vision over A&R guesswork; of artistry over sludgy, bloated, commercialized poodling-around. Buy it.… Expand
  32. JossS.
    Dec 25, 2001
    3
    umm...tool isn't doin anything new here. listenable for maybe ten minutes or so. go listen to some post-rock if you want something similar but quality
  33. JohnM.
    Nov 29, 2001
    3
    Tool has been getting consistently worse. Not since Undertow have they made a generally good album and since then, their albums have been plagued with such an uneven sound that now, with Lateralus, it is nearly impossible to listen to the album the whole way through - especially when you could care less about what the rest of the album sounds like. Patience and tolerance are key here, and Tool has been getting consistently worse. Not since Undertow have they made a generally good album and since then, their albums have been plagued with such an uneven sound that now, with Lateralus, it is nearly impossible to listen to the album the whole way through - especially when you could care less about what the rest of the album sounds like. Patience and tolerance are key here, and even that can't save you from the filler here. Plus, the majority of the songs from Lateralus sound like re-hashes of past Tool songs, with very few serving to inspire the listener to repeat the track. Also, like the Pitchfork review states, Tool opuses are not really opuses at all, but rather proof that Tool cares more for filling up a CD to its maximum than putting out listenable music. Should have been a five-song EP. Rating: 3/10… Expand
  34. JimG.
    Nov 28, 2001
    10
    As late 30s, long-time Rush and Pink Floyd fan, its been awhile since I've heard new music to get excited about. Not any more. Lateralus opened the door for me to find Aenima, Undertow, Opiate and Salival. Where was Tool when I was 21?
  35. ShareefS.
    Nov 12, 2001
    10
    could not have been better -- takes a minute to get use to -- but when you listen to the words and zone out makes so much sense and it pulls you into the world of tool -- all you can do is let go and be free and just let it take hold of you ...
  36. ThomasG.
    Nov 9, 2001
    10
    the evolution of tools music can not go unnoticed with every album you can undeniably notice how much each individual of the band has matured each song is like a different ride at an amusement park you can eather get on and hang on or throw your hands in the air and enjoy the ride there is no other band in the world that can make an album and tell a story from beginning to end tool is the evolution of tools music can not go unnoticed with every album you can undeniably notice how much each individual of the band has matured each song is like a different ride at an amusement park you can eather get on and hang on or throw your hands in the air and enjoy the ride there is no other band in the world that can make an album and tell a story from beginning to end tool is what there name says they are (a tool) that can be used for a never ending quest for knowledge all four of there albumes are telling us a story its up to us to put it together. … Expand
  37. JeanineG
    Nov 9, 2001
    10
    The braindead critic who rated this album a 2 really should find a new line of work. This album has amazed and enlightened my musical mind as only TOOL can do.
  38. [Anonymous]
    Nov 6, 2001
    0
    THIS BAND SUX! IT'S SATANIC!
  39. AdamJ.
    Oct 28, 2001
    10
    Yet more proof that Tool has more straight-up, individual talent (on all instruments/vocals) than any other band around today, hands down. And the way they blend and time that talent into the songs on Lateralus is nothing short of amazing.
  40. MattS.
    Oct 25, 2001
    10
    This album kicks ass, The bass and drums are tight and Maynard is as haunting as ever.
  41. ^-~chibizarbon^-^rahardjo
    Oct 20, 2001
    9
    shit i did something wrong oh well like i said i dont know this cd but i will soon enough ^-~chibizarbon^-^
  42. AlexT.
    Oct 19, 2001
    10
    If you can listen to this album all the way through and feel nothing, you have no soul.
  43. grug
    Oct 13, 2001
    10
    Best album of 2001. Note the flaw in metacritic...1 bad review and the score drops significantly...
  44. DavidF.
    Oct 10, 2001
    10
    this Cd kicks ass, those who dont think so can suck it
  45. JasonD.
    Oct 5, 2001
    10
    i really enjoy this musical masterpiece!Maynard and company have done it again.I think this is the best album of2001.
  46. JessieC.
    Oct 3, 2001
    10
    Phenomenal and mesmerizing!
  47. ShannonK.
    Oct 1, 2001
    10
    Easily the best album I've heard in at least 5 years!
  48. JonathanG.
    Sep 23, 2001
    10
    10...why?...have you listened to it?
  49. Sean-PaulT.
    Sep 5, 2001
    10
    I try my best to be origional . I feel perplexed by comitting my feelings about my favourite band because I dont want to sound like everyone else . Tool is a band that is eternal , both musically and spiritually . Top ten of all time . You see it is very hard to sound origional , its an art . Therefor since I have not perfected by own personal origionality I will reframe from further I try my best to be origional . I feel perplexed by comitting my feelings about my favourite band because I dont want to sound like everyone else . Tool is a band that is eternal , both musically and spiritually . Top ten of all time . You see it is very hard to sound origional , its an art . Therefor since I have not perfected by own personal origionality I will reframe from further rating this CD .… Expand
  50. DaveN.
    Aug 23, 2001
    10
    Pure musical wizardry and meditational fodder, this is another leap forward for Tool. This band consistently demonstrates a hardcore effort to push beyond the expected, and further challenge their listeners to understand music of greater complexity than the norm. Does anyone else hear Queensryche in this album? ... not that their is anything wrong with that.
  51. SteveS.
    Aug 11, 2001
    10
    We wouldnt expect anything more beautiful and haunting at the same time than this album. The way it builds up from the 1 minute intro to maynard to the crushing blows of dannys drum at the end. The album is just clever, very clever. Everything you could ever want from music is here, beauty, anger, fluidness, anticipation. An awakening experience, as every Tool album has been.
  52. DonnieP.
    Jul 31, 2001
    10
    Lateralus is nothing short of a stellar effort that builds upon and (if such a thing is possible) transcends Tool's earlier works. Though I have been a Tool fan since the Opiate EP, I must admit that I was a bit disappointed with the overall pace of Ænima, their previous release. A part of me feared a repeat with Lateralus, and I had my finger poised over the scan button on my Lateralus is nothing short of a stellar effort that builds upon and (if such a thing is possible) transcends Tool's earlier works. Though I have been a Tool fan since the Opiate EP, I must admit that I was a bit disappointed with the overall pace of Ænima, their previous release. A part of me feared a repeat with Lateralus, and I had my finger poised over the scan button on my CD player to skip the indecipherable sonic filler that was all too prevalent on their last album. After experiencing Lateralus in it's entirety, I easily came to the conclusion that skipping tracks on this CD is not only stupid, but also completely unnecessary. It's rock-solid from start to finish. This is the first album I have owned in a LONG time that I can say that about. Truth be told, it's probably safe to say that it takes a more thoughtful sort of music fan to really appreciate the depth and intricacy of Tool's art. I challenge anyone who enjoys music to set aside some time, listen to this album with headphones, and not be gripped (and at times groped) by the sounds of this amazing band. Tool is the great "anti-hype", the mystery wrapped in an enigma that continues to defy the expectations of a capitalist recording industry, continues to garner the support of new fans without overmarketing themselves, and continues to provide the die-hard ones with sounds that are unmistakably TOOL. They are truly one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and Lateralus proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt. If they don't go down in rock history for this album, then something is really, really wrong with this world.… Expand
  53. MarcD.
    Jul 30, 2001
    10
    Better than their other albums combined. Beautiful.
  54. AndrewE.
    Jul 16, 2001
    10
    Very well put together music. A stir of emotion that gets you thinking in every song. Some are even disturbing, like FAAIP DE OIAD. It was crazy, but genius within itself as the entire CD is. If you look up the latin names of songs you can understand the whole meaning to the CD itself. Which is a good thing to have a relation between the song name and what is in the song. ^_^
  55. misterT
    Jul 6, 2001
    10
    anyone who gave this album anything less than a 7 must have only listened to it once. maybe a dj and some creed vocals would get better reviews?
  56. JamesN.
    Jun 27, 2001
    10
    They always evolve, from excellent to phenomenal....
  57. MattM.
    Jun 25, 2001
    10
    If you don't like it at first, just listen to it as you try to go to sleep. You'll start liking it more soon.
  58. JohnL.
    Jun 9, 2001
    9
    In your face rock, yet melodic at times. the only thing songs are extended unnecesarily.As a Whole the cd is the best thing out there at the moment.
  59. DamonM.
    May 24, 2001
    9
    Intense musical phrasing and lyrical genious drip from Lateralus - it's as patient as Tool's fans needed to be - this album does NOT disappoint.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

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