| TOOL |
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| Tool, the first (and probably best) alternative metal band to engage the mainstream consiousness. Although their influences come largley from punk rock, thier core audience consist of the "new evolved" heavy metal fan who is sick of glitter and glam of 80's hard rock. Unlike many underground acts, Tool wasted no time in entering the mainstream alternative movement that was already in full swing ( See Altern-Rock and Grunge Revolution ). They released the EP Opiate in March of 1992. A record which was founded upon hardcore punk influences but instead of cliche punk, the album delivered a new form of Alternative-Metal or Nu' Metal which was beginning to take form thanks to bands like Alice In Chains and Soundgarden. |
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| The bands first full length album, "Undertow," was released in April of 1993 and featured a more mature Tool emerging. The songs were much more melodic than those on Opiate. The album contains songs such as "Prison Sex" which may be Keenans attempt to speak about his abusive stepfather. |
| The band, who (at the time) was known as an alternative band, landed a spot on the well remmembered Lollapolloza tour in 1993. The band performed flawlessly, and made enough of a name for themselves to be bumped up onto the main stage. The bands fan base was set in stone and would continue to grow as Tool and Lollapolloza moved across the country saturating the nation with their new fresh sound of alternative energy. |
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| Their next album would be their most successful to date, Aenima (1996). The band survived the Alternative movement intact and emerged to become the leader of their newly founded genre of Alternative Metal. This may not be the lable the band wants but considering the bands fan base now consist of heavy metal fans, the title must stick. |
| Last year Tool released thier third studio album, Lateralus. Tools newest release found the band returning once again to the loud distortion assault they used in previous records, however unlike previous Tool records, this album requires time consuming and possibly repeated listening in order to appreciate it's mulit-dimentional sound. Tool as been on a constant tour since it's release. |