There was a collective air of excitement buzzing around the O2 in anticipation of seeing Tool back in London on the UK leg of their current European tour. It had been two years since the legendary Progressive / Alternative Metal band graced the city, and the buzz to once again hear them play a mixture of newer songs from Fear Inoculum (2019) – alongside classics from their now vintage era records – Undertow (1993), Ænima (1996) and Lateralus (2001) – was flowing through the crowd like an electric charge.
First up Tool’s fellow native Californian’s Night Verses took to the stage. An intriguing instrumental trio whose blend of Post-Rock and Metal with D-Jent poly-rhythms draws natural comparisons with Animals As Leaders – as well as the likes of Russian Circles and Pelican. The band who previously recorded with producer Ross Robinson (Korn / Sepultura) parted ways with their vocalist in 2017, and have gone on to establish themselves as an instrumental force. Their musicianship is impressive throughout, and Night Verses provide the perfect overture to kickstart the evening.
Tool hit the stage to a rapturous applause, with drummer Danny Carey’s wildly impressive riser taking centre stage in an elevated position. The area below is flanked by the colossal amp setups of guitarist Adam Jones on one side, and bassist Justin Chancellor on the other. While either side of the drum-kit are two elevated platforms in which singer Maynard James Keenan is able to prowl at will. The first part of Tool’s set comprises the songs ‘Jambi’ and ‘Rosetta Stoned’ from their fourth album 10,000 Days (2006) – alongside ‘Fear Inoculum’ and ‘Pneuma’ from their most recent release.
They dive back to their debut with ‘Intolerence’- and deliver ‘The Grudge’ from Lateralus before a short interval. The band allow Danny Carey to return to the stage solo, where he provides an exquisite rendition of ‘Chocolate Chip Trip’ – impressively interchanging between synths, sampler and live percussion. As one has come to expect, the Tool live experience is not just one of sound – and the visuals that accompany the music are absolutely mind-blowing throughout. Deeply hypnotic, the experience becomes one even more immersive on the senses, as confetti drops from the rafters during ‘Flood.’
Two hours absolutely flies by before Tool close out with a rendition of ‘Forty Six & 2’ from Ænima … an absolute highlight of the night! It may have been nice for them to have dipped into this particular record a little more, with ‘Stinkfist’ especially one song I was hoping to hear – alongside perhaps ‘Sober’ from Undertow. But this is but a minor quibble, and really Tool absolutely excelled themselves once again, delivering a concert that will last long in the memory for all who were there to experience it. KZ
Words / Pictures / Videos by Abstrakt_Soul
Kult-Zilla – Rock // Metal – Live Show Reports
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