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. ServoPedes
    Sep 1, 2019
    9
    This is quintessential Tool, it feels like nothing yet everything we have heard from them.

    This album requires patience from listeners, since each composition is filled with intricacies and complexities, and lengths that borders on self-indulgence but doesn't quite go there. Each song is unique, which Invincible and Descending being the most alike (and that's a bit of a stretch), and I    This is quintessential Tool, it feels like nothing yet everything we have heard from them.

    This album requires patience from listeners, since each composition is filled with intricacies and complexities, and lengths that borders on self-indulgence but doesn't quite go there. Each song is unique, which Invincible and Descending being the most alike (and that's a bit of a stretch), and I find myself loving each track for very different reasons.

    The bonus tracks/interludes are alright, interesting at best but with no true replay value in my opinion, unless I'm listening to the whole album from start to finish again. (PS, CCT is not a bonus track.)

    The album itself moves forward naturally towards its gargantuan and jaw-dropping finale, 7empest, one of the tooliest Tool songs they have ever made. It feels like it encompasses every phase and aspect of their discography and sound since Opiate, all crammed up into one hell of a banger track.

    I am already seeing some people expressing deep dissapointment with this album, but it is my opinion that the more I read their reviews, the more it seems that it has more to do with their own expectations of it instead of taking it for what it is. Again, just my opinion. However, I remember when 10,000 Days was released and some fans were expressing similar dissatisfaction, same with Lateralus. Each album stands on its own, and in time Fear Inoculum will too.    … Expand
  2. rarefaction
    Sep 1, 2019
    9
    This is a prog album, by some certified masters of the genre. I don't think the detractors complaining about song length realize this. No one should be allowed to review a tool album before it has been out for at least a week since, much like the rest of their catalog, this music evolves in the ear and mind of the listener with each listen and takes time to fully evaluate. All that beingThis is a prog album, by some certified masters of the genre. I don't think the detractors complaining about song length realize this. No one should be allowed to review a tool album before it has been out for at least a week since, much like the rest of their catalog, this music evolves in the ear and mind of the listener with each listen and takes time to fully evaluate. All that being said this is an incredible album! The production is great and it takes some delightful, unexpected turns at times. Other times I hear strong echoes of Tool's previous material. give it 10 listens and then decide what you think.… Expand
  3. Pucrettub
    Sep 17, 2019
    3
    Let me start by saying that most of this album sounds like the softer songs in the 10,000 Days album. That's okay, figuring the band was probably considering their live tours & wanted a catalog that wouldn't require the energy of 20-year-olds. That's fine, but let me explain my low rating for this album:

    Plainly put, it's a tad bland. Not because it's slow; there are current bands    Let me start by saying that most of this album sounds like the softer songs in the 10,000 Days album. That's okay, figuring the band was probably considering their live tours & wanted a catalog that wouldn't require the energy of 20-year-olds. That's fine, but let me explain my low rating for this album:

    Plainly put, it's a tad bland. Not because it's slow; there are current bands like Mogwai that do it successfully for me. As others have said, the songs really do blend together. There's no energy, there's no experimentation, and the vocals really don't add anything to the songs. I've listened to it a dozen times as I just had a lone 32 hour road trip, and I've read the lyrics. Meh. Now, I wasn't a huge fan of 10,000 Days when compared to Lateralus and Aenima, but that was just based off how many songs I really loved. The Pot, Vicarious, and Right in Two were great. I "liked" Jambi, Rosetta Stoned, and 10,000 Days. They weren't great for me, but they stood out for several reasons. Lateralus had amazing songs and was probably the sharpest album for me. Aenima, on the other hand, also had amazing songs, but succeeded because it had some experimental songs that ended up being worth so much more than the sum of their parts.

    This album breaks no new ground, showcases no new skill that I assumed the band had been perfecting over the last 13 years, and lacks personality other than it being distinctly "Tool". But I argue that any distinct sounds here were already covered in 10K Days, and a tad bit in Lateralus. That means they failed to progress as a band in my ears. I know Keenan has two other bands, but listening to his last decade with those bands, I felt like he wasn't using up any of the same energy that he expends with Tool, so I was hopeful. I also read that Carey, Jones, and Chancellor had been working on this album long before Keenan jumped on, so I was expecting so much more variety and skill than what I am hearing.

    Sure, this may not be a "bad" album compared to anything else that has come out the last decade, but I can't help but feel disappointed. The trajectory Tool was headed to, from Opiate, to Undertow, to Aenima, and to Lateralus was something I still have yet to see from any other band in the world. They took a small dip with 10K Days, but I still hold it in high regard. Fear Inoculum took a deeper dip this time, and the fear that this will probably be the last Tool album we will ever get is absolutely heart breaking to me. I'm still a Tool fan and have their past catalog, but waiting 13 years for this is crushing in a way I can't put into words. I'm happy some people like it, and can understand some of the arguments against what I said here, but I dare some of the fans of this album to answer this:

    Is there a song on this album that can top Sober, Prison Sex, Stinkfist, Forty Six & 2, H., Pu5hit, Aenima, Third Eye, The Grudge, Schism, Parabola, Ticks & Leeches, Lateralus, Reflection, Vicarious, The Pot, or Right in Two? Because although I will keep listening to Fear Inoclum to see if I can pull anything more out of it, I can say with absolute certainly that I will not find a single song that can beat any on that list.

    My 3/10 rating is based off Tool the band, not as a standalone album

    *EDIT 9/16/19: After another ten days with this album, I think I have a clearer picture of why I don't really care for it compared to their previous works. Instrumental-wise, it is a very sharp showing, although lacking distinct variety on it's own. I think the issue, then, lies with Maynard. I think if Adam, Justin, and Danny knew how little Maynard was going to contribute, they may have shouldered the "variety" burden on themselves & would have given us some more variety in the songs. If you look at a song like Pu5hit, take out the vocals, then paste a vocal track from this album, I think it would be clearer on what happened. There are several previous Tool songs you could do this with & get the same results, like Reflection or The Pot. The latter song rocks on it's own, but Maynard's twist on it makes it stick out that much further in my ears.

    I don't normally read lyrics for any band, as I like to hear what I hear. But I decided to pull up the lyrics for Fear Inoculum & read them side-to-side with their previous three albums, & I can clearly see the lack of effort from Maynard. He is still a full on master in his field, so it's a little hard to offer criticism, but so much from the previous three albums has more depth & variety in them lyric-wise. Reading them out loud, I'm scratching my head as to how Maynard turned them into catchy hooks. I don't think very many singers alive today could churn out his melody with the lyrics from the previous three albums. With the lyrics from FI, they seem a bit flatter &, dare I say, easier. I think there are several singers alive today that could match his melodies with the FI lyrics presently.    … Expand
  4. Toondude10
    Aug 30, 2019
    5
    Not gonna lie, but this is really boring. There's just such a heavy emphasis and focus the the interludes, intros and outros that they completely overstay their welcome and make the album a complete chore to listen to. That being said, 7empest absolutely rules and might be one of Tool's best songs to date. Shame the rest of the album can't seem to follow suit, considering I was excitedNot gonna lie, but this is really boring. There's just such a heavy emphasis and focus the the interludes, intros and outros that they completely overstay their welcome and make the album a complete chore to listen to. That being said, 7empest absolutely rules and might be one of Tool's best songs to date. Shame the rest of the album can't seem to follow suit, considering I was excited to hear this.… Expand
  5. okc_rocker
    Sep 1, 2019
    7
    After listening to each track twenty times. Tool sounds just as amazing as ever. I feel that the goal of the album wasn't to really explore or try anything entirely different, but to focus on creating that typical transcending experience that you'd expect Tool to give us. I didn't hear any new or truly outstanding unique riffs by either Adam (guitar) or Justin (bass), and that's slightlyAfter listening to each track twenty times. Tool sounds just as amazing as ever. I feel that the goal of the album wasn't to really explore or try anything entirely different, but to focus on creating that typical transcending experience that you'd expect Tool to give us. I didn't hear any new or truly outstanding unique riffs by either Adam (guitar) or Justin (bass), and that's slightly disappointing. However Adam gets a chance to shine toward the end of Descending, which is great, because Adam is the weakest member of the band (just my opinion). But he works well with Tool, and that's what matters. Danny (drums) is clearly in the spotlight of the album. His odd and mathematical drumming style is just as prominent as ever. His work in Pneuma is phenomenal. He gets an entire track (Chocolate Chip Trip) to show off his talent. I'm not sure how I feel about the sounds chosen for that particular track. It's.... wildly different. Maynard gives a decent performance. He didn't have that many lyrics. Most of what he sang was just the same lines over and over. That's not a terrible thing, but it's a little disappointing. He uses his angelic like tone for what seems like the entire album. I didn't hear any rough sounds or screams that Maynard has given us in his previous work. 7empest is probably the closest he gets to that. In my opinion nothing in the album really stands out. Don't expect anything even close to the level of Vicarious, The Grudge, Lateralus, 10,000 Days, Ænema, Right in Two, Parabola, etc..

    As someone who loves Tool, I give the album, Fear Inoculum, a 7/10. My review is based on Tool's previous work, not comparing it to other artists. I've ordered 2 digital copies and a physical copy of the album. And I'll keep listening for years to come.    … Expand
  6. MartyG
    Aug 31, 2019
    9
  7. Phuckedison369
    Sep 10, 2019
    3
    I have a lot to say for one feeling so utterly speechless. I - like so many others - have been anticipating this album for far too many years. Tool is (was?) a band like no other, seeming to have been molded by some Cosmic Force and given the gift - in four parts to make the Whole - to reach beyond the confines of third dimensional illusion and into the limitless fabric of existence. And,I have a lot to say for one feeling so utterly speechless. I - like so many others - have been anticipating this album for far too many years. Tool is (was?) a band like no other, seeming to have been molded by some Cosmic Force and given the gift - in four parts to make the Whole - to reach beyond the confines of third dimensional illusion and into the limitless fabric of existence. And, from the Sacred Frequencies that are available to all yet accessed by so few, Tool brought to the world an extra-dimensional experience through a beautifully organic succession of albums that aptly reflect the Evolution of Journey: Undertow drops one off in the woods; Aenima is the road one finds after wandering for months through the density of Undertow. There is no light pollution on Aenima Road...there is only the flash of starlight and nebula above, and the SHINE in the distance that is Lateralus, when once reached, one finds an open door to all the potential and limitlessness that is Consciousness; Lateralus is the “dark matter” that waits just beyond the exit-point event horizon; Lateralus is the Sacred Geometry of music. Raw potential of manifestation. 10,000 Days begins back at ground-level, which is indeed a bit jarring after the spectacular view from Lateralus (to await the duplication of such heights is not fair to the band, nor to the fan’s own psyche and serves only to smother both with the gratuitous nature of expectation). So, 10,000 days is what it is: a return to “reality” and the mundane, the pain, the hypocrisy, and the healing that ensues. But, Fear Inoculum...this album is in VERY large part, the anti-Tool. While it seems that Justin and Danny are trying to establish the Sacred Frequencies that define Tool, it also seems that Adam Jones has completely lost his access to the inter and extra-dimensional molds from which his elemental contributions were once formed. Either that, or he chose to completely abandon them altogether in favor of...of what? Honestly, I’m unclear. I am saddened, perplexed, and unclear. Jones’ guitar sound (pre-Fear Inoculum) is so, so much of the extra-sensory vibrational construct that is Tool. The element belonging to Tool’s MJK is almost entirely absent on this album. (Btw, it’s incredibly hard not to feel like a garbage-troll’s slimy farts when leaving a review like this. … Expand
  8. MargotMan86
    Aug 30, 2019
    0
    The fact that Lateralus, 10,000 days, and Aenima have worse scores than this is pathetic and laughable. And please, fanboys, don't give me this 'If you don't like it, you don't understand it' crap. I challenge you to go back and listen to the rest of the catalog, then listen to this and tell me this is better. Spare me. SPARE ME! The riffs are repetitive. Maynard is boring, lacking anyThe fact that Lateralus, 10,000 days, and Aenima have worse scores than this is pathetic and laughable. And please, fanboys, don't give me this 'If you don't like it, you don't understand it' crap. I challenge you to go back and listen to the rest of the catalog, then listen to this and tell me this is better. Spare me. SPARE ME! The riffs are repetitive. Maynard is boring, lacking any energy or engagement. The lyrics try to hard, and fail to explore depths the way their other albums do. Okay, so this album is about growth, or expelling inner demons, or whatever you want to say about it. Grow up. It is boring. It is nothing special. It fails. Its a failure IT FAILS ITS A FAILURE. And having the courage to express this makes me a better Tool fan than you, because I don't settle for mediocrity and convince myself it's good because I am supposed to like it.… Expand
  9. Juneauz
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Another masterpiece from the gods of alt-prog. Rich, layered, profound, Tool is an esoteric experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life. The best to ever do it.
  10. Xaire
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    I'm a giant tool fanboy, so I was going to like this album no matter what. But, with music this good and the band being this tight. This became one of my favorites.
  11. zilt0id
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Magnificent! Incredible work, totally introspective and marvelous. Maybe the best metal album of the last 10 years.
  12. Anodynum
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    This album is an absolute masterpiece. Tool has never sounded better. Yet again, they have transcended any genre and made their music into something that must be experienced.
  13. Psychokrunk
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Only album I’ve ever cried to. Wasn’t anything specific that made me cry, just happened. It’s a masterpiece.
  14. t2dc
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    An incredible return by an incredible band. Building on their catalogue, it's all here but with even more depth, song after song. Will happily wait another 13 years for something this good. The most TOOL, TOOL has ever been.
  15. rarekly
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Masterful. Greatly rewards multiple listens. May not be to everyone’s individual taste, but the musicianship on display here cannot be denied. The world is a better place with this music in it.
  16. BreadCondiments
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Overall just fantastic album. Their progression as a band only gets better.
  17. JohnnyHercules
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    The ensemble of Tool is like Swiss clockwork: Every song is composed out little genius sonic ideas, whether it’s the drummer’s spastic tabla sound, the singer’s pizzicato chorus (reminiscent of The Scorpions somehow) or the guitarist and bass player echoing each others parts, just to name a few examples. All these sonic miniatures tightly alternate together, like the complications inside aThe ensemble of Tool is like Swiss clockwork: Every song is composed out little genius sonic ideas, whether it’s the drummer’s spastic tabla sound, the singer’s pizzicato chorus (reminiscent of The Scorpions somehow) or the guitarist and bass player echoing each others parts, just to name a few examples. All these sonic miniatures tightly alternate together, like the complications inside a Swiss clock. Tool has come to the point they simply have nothing to prove. All four of the musicians are on top of their craftsmanship and have full control of their music, channeling their imagination into sound.… Expand
  18. TheApostropheEx
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    The digital version is a 9 because all it adds is unnecessary filler tracks. The physical version is a 10. I wish I had heard the physical version first. The filler tracks put a somewhat bad taste in my mouth upon first listen.
  19. Thrawn997
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    The best Tool album yet! There isn't a weak song on the entire album - even the segues feel necessary.
  20. JOAODAEGA
    Aug 30, 2019
    6
    This album is great piece of sound for the ears, if you can stay in there... I cannot. Boring.
  21. Mr26point2
    Aug 31, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It twists and turns a lot of the old. The album sounds like a melting pot of all that came before it. Which is fine, just feels more like a "family reunion" than a new addition to the family. As with all family reunions its ok for a bit but eventually it can go on too long. This is very much a jam album.

    CONS
    - it lacks some oomph or feeling. There is not a lot of feeling in most of the songs. Invincible for instance, the way the vocals are delivered and how they sound "suppressed" doesnt match the tone of the song. The live recorded version on youtube with a million views gave me goosebumps because it had feeling. Studio version...not so much.

    - the songs can be a few mins too long, again very much a jam album.
    - it feels reserved, lacks a bit of identity.

    PROS- its TOOL

    songs in order of worst to best-(I agree with Proggroyper's ranking)

    7. CCTrip (6.5/10) (this is fairly irritating and have no problem skipping it, its noeon blue apocalypse)
    6. Fear Inoculum (7.5/10) (7.5 in its truest form, not good but not bad)
    5. Invinsible (8/10) (this could have been the best song on the album if it only had some life put into it, too weak to be "invincible")
    4. Descending (8.8/10) (very well done, adds more energy than invincible, but doesnt use its best sounds long enough and goes on for too long)
    3. Culling Voices (9/10) (beautiful and haunting, begging to be alive)
    2. 7empest (9.5/10) (la creme de la creme TOOL here, amazing)
    1. Pneuma (10/10) (HANDS DOWN THE BEST ON THE ALBUM, I would expect it to be the next single, I can see me listening to this for years to come)

    Love me some TOOL....but it's a 6    … Expand
  22. Kevinthewoods
    Aug 31, 2019
    6
    While it certainly has moments of genius, it just takes way too long to get to those moments. Incredibly self indulgent album. Tool needs to trim the fat badly.
  23. Alejandropa
    Aug 31, 2019
    6
    I was expecting so much more. Good to see this album has been doing great!..
  24. WAIYANLINHTET
    Aug 30, 2019
    5
    There is something missing in this album. I can say this is a pure art. However, the entire album is full of work what the artist wanted to describe. They probably created this without paying attention what the consumers (fans) want. If you love to listen raw music from any artist, this album is for you even though you're gonna feel boring in some songs. But for a fan, I honestly don'tThere is something missing in this album. I can say this is a pure art. However, the entire album is full of work what the artist wanted to describe. They probably created this without paying attention what the consumers (fans) want. If you love to listen raw music from any artist, this album is for you even though you're gonna feel boring in some songs. But for a fan, I honestly don't want to recommend this album. But I know you will listen. But it might be just once, or twice.… Expand
  25. inkblowout
    Sep 1, 2019
    3
    I feel that this album has been rated too high for it's hype and anticipation from Tool fans for 13 years. But had this been released 3-5 years after 10,000 Days.. people would be disappointed. This entire album feels like a regular Tool album.. you got your interlude fillers, 10+ minute songs, styles of playing remains the same and there are elements of Progressive Metal also there.I feel that this album has been rated too high for it's hype and anticipation from Tool fans for 13 years. But had this been released 3-5 years after 10,000 Days.. people would be disappointed. This entire album feels like a regular Tool album.. you got your interlude fillers, 10+ minute songs, styles of playing remains the same and there are elements of Progressive Metal also there.

    But quality over quantity, I feel that they made 10+ minute songs because "they can" in this album's case. Every song is over 10+ minutes long to draw out overextended instrumentals with little to no buildup, no climax or nothing. Other progressive rock/metal songs in the 70s to current times told a story within their songs or it felt like an adventure. Fear inoculum felt like nothing to me, it just droned on and on when I thought something good was going to come up. 10,000 Days was a much better album than this, 10,000 Days had flair, it had something to come back to. The only song I want to come back to is 7empest, which surprisingly it's the longest song in the album but it actually felt like an adventure because the instrumental composition was really good.

    I think if they cut a couple of unnecessary sections off and lowered it by 3-4 minutes, it would actually be more tolerable to listen to and it can still retain their complexity that the TOOL fanbase likes. (look at Aenima for example.) But with these 10+ min songs feels like a Tangerine Dream album but Metal. Also just remove the fillers for godsakes and ESPECIALLY "Chocolate Chip Trip." which is probably the worst song I've listened to. Sounds like Yoko Ono's terrible songs she's produced back then.

    For once Adam Jones' talent is finally showcased in a tool album. He's always been kinda there outshined by Danny, Justin and Maynard in the previous albums until this one and man he does kick ass in this album.    … Expand
  26. Jotak
    Aug 30, 2019
    6
    While I can appreciate the superb architecture and revolutionary engineering of the Si-o-se Pol and the Stari Most, eventually I want to get off the bloody bridge.
  27. Bazza
    Sep 1, 2019
    6
    I think anyone giving this a perfect 10 are lying to themselves. It's obviously a good album, but are you really going to put it in the same tier as Undertow or Ænima? It is probably as good as 10,000 days at very best, but definitely not better than Lateralus and certainly not close to the aforementioned two.

    Anyone who listened to Invincible or Descending live (I saw them in June)    I think anyone giving this a perfect 10 are lying to themselves. It's obviously a good album, but are you really going to put it in the same tier as Undertow or Ænima? It is probably as good as 10,000 days at very best, but definitely not better than Lateralus and certainly not close to the aforementioned two.

    Anyone who listened to Invincible or Descending live (I saw them in June) will surely think the studio versions are underwhelming, especially Descending which is absolutely tame in comparison to the live version. Live it's infinitely more powerful, louder and faster paced than on the album.

    The take outs from this album, for me, are the songs Fear Inoculum, Pneuma, Culling Voices and maybe 7empest, but I was disappointed with the rest. In any case 4 of the 10 tracks are actually filler (Litanie, Legion, CCT and Mocking Beat), which is a poor return for such an anticipated album. We may as well just class the album as an EP in the same vein as Opiate because that had 6 songs and so does this effectively.

    The instrumentals and production is top notch, although Descending and Invincible are bitterly disappointing when compared to the live versions. If you played both songs in live and then studio, any real Tool fan would find it difficult to disagree with me. Also, Maynard sounds like he's singing for APC more than Tool.

    Track ratings:

    1. Culling Voices
    2. Fear Inoculum
    3. Pneuma
    4. 7empest
    5. Descending (would be 1st if it sounded the same as the live versions)
    6. Invincible (would be 2nd if it sounded the same as the live versions)

    (not reviewing the filler)

    Overall decent, but no where near close to their prime (Undertow, Ænima).    … Expand
  28. renbern19
    Sep 8, 2019
    0
    This album is their worst. Such a let down. This album could go straight to the bin.
  29. Coastal2009
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Amazing album. I can’t say worth the wait because I never want to wait 13 years for another Tool album again.
  30. ThankYouCity
    Aug 31, 2019
    5
    With a sound that mixes the rhythms of 10,000 Days with styling of APC's Thirteenth Step Tools latest offering hits hard and will please long time fans but with song lengths of 11minutes on average it may be a hard sell for new listeners.
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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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