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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. Seven155
    Oct 1, 2020
    10
    Amazing album full of psychedelic pieces. The level of musicianship is at an all high.
  5. 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
  6. 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!
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. Jes1310
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    Fear Inoculum sounds like TOOL, the feeling, the sounds, the production, the visuals are all TOOL. I do not think this will make the TOON fanbase grow, because this is not their most accessible album. But then again the hype surrounding this record has been overwhelming, and that might lead new followers to TOOL.
    Fear Inoculum demands a lot from the listener, and the 10+ minutes song are    Fear Inoculum sounds like TOOL, the feeling, the sounds, the production, the visuals are all TOOL. I do not think this will make the TOON fanbase grow, because this is not their most accessible album. But then again the hype surrounding this record has been overwhelming, and that might lead new followers to TOOL.
    Fear Inoculum demands a lot from the listener, and the 10+ minutes song are all capable of mesmerizing the listener if the person listening is patient. Patience might be not be the thing in 2019, but try it, and you will be rewarded.

    Personally I think the songs are awesome and much better than I had hoped and for me it adds a lot to the legacy of TOOL.    … Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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 :(
  15. 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
  16. atliy
    Dec 31, 2019
    9
    It took me several listens to grasp this album. Now I get goosebumps almost every time I blast the album.
  17. vagman
    Dec 25, 2019
    10
    Never being a tool fan until now.Have heard some of their most knowned songs and liked them but never gone through listening a complete album.This one made me revisit their oldest work.Can easylly say its thei best and an amazing album.Its being since my early 20s that i find myself captivated by an lp and listening it over and over again.With a good set of headphones its a magicalNever being a tool fan until now.Have heard some of their most knowned songs and liked them but never gone through listening a complete album.This one made me revisit their oldest work.Can easylly say its thei best and an amazing album.Its being since my early 20s that i find myself captivated by an lp and listening it over and over again.With a good set of headphones its a magical experience best think ive listened as far a production.… Expand
  18. litbright
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    It took quite a few spins but I suddenly found myself loving Fear Inoculum. Listening from start to finish, not skipping the interludes, and out of nowhere it became a magical experience every bit as wonderful as previous Tool albums. Listen with the best headphones you can find or go to the quietest space available, and just allocate some time to sit and listen properly withoutIt took quite a few spins but I suddenly found myself loving Fear Inoculum. Listening from start to finish, not skipping the interludes, and out of nowhere it became a magical experience every bit as wonderful as previous Tool albums. Listen with the best headphones you can find or go to the quietest space available, and just allocate some time to sit and listen properly without interruption. Worth every day of the 13 year wait.… Expand
  19. 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".
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Katt1
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    This album is going to age well .
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. Nbecarri
    Sep 19, 2019
    7
    Being a new Tool fan, my expectations weren't as high as some of the older fans. Fear Inoculum, in my opinion, is good. Not bad, not great, but good. Perhaps I would've been harsher on this album if I was one of the people who waited 13 years for it to come out. So far, however, I would say that it is MAYBE a fraction better than 10,000 days.

    Favorite Tracks: Fear Inoculum, Pneuma,    Being a new Tool fan, my expectations weren't as high as some of the older fans. Fear Inoculum, in my opinion, is good. Not bad, not great, but good. Perhaps I would've been harsher on this album if I was one of the people who waited 13 years for it to come out. So far, however, I would say that it is MAYBE a fraction better than 10,000 days.

    Favorite Tracks: Fear Inoculum, Pneuma, 7empest.

    Least Favorite Tracks: Invincible.    … Expand
  27. Tombennett77
    Sep 17, 2019
    10
    Masterpiece ...............................................................!
  28. 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
  29. Soliloquy7
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    Kickass high quality is their lowest common denominator. Thirteen years we’ll spent imho.
  30. Venussbrc
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wow, this album is just amazing. 80 minutes traveling in my mind and soul. Open your ears… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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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.
    Read full review
  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.”
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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