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. 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
  2. MmTro
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Absolutely superb album. The compositions are masterfully constructed. This is a technical gem with all four members showcasing equally to create one of the best albums to come out in any genre in a number of years. This is a headphone album that requires patience and an open mind. It isn’t about radio friendly hooks and catchy lyrics it is a masterclass in technique and musical exploration.
  3. snazzlefra55
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    As a semi-OGT from back in 97, I can attest that I did not have high hopes for this album. However after 13 years, I was hoping for a great release. This album shattered my expectations. Not just content, but composition and production. Evil Joe did a fantastic job, also Bob Ludwig and the rest of the team. Love the jams, love how Maynard lets his band mates shine, love the satire. IAs a semi-OGT from back in 97, I can attest that I did not have high hopes for this album. However after 13 years, I was hoping for a great release. This album shattered my expectations. Not just content, but composition and production. Evil Joe did a fantastic job, also Bob Ludwig and the rest of the team. Love the jams, love how Maynard lets his band mates shine, love the satire. I understand it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this is Tool’s logical progression in a world of overproduced hit n hook heavy industry dominated in majority by ghost-written pop artists that sell their looks ahead of art. Bravo Tool.… Expand
  4. JPBrunel
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Tool's mind blowing return after 13 years. This is everything I was hoping and, truth be told, even more!
  5. smithtede1984
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Fantastic Album, showcasing sounds from across all their albums. 13 years for essentially 6 songs though....
  6. 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.
  7. Cmax210
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Amazing album. Surpassed my expectations. POTENTIALLY my favorite tool album just need to pass the test of time. We shall see
  8. 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.
  9. Mus1ckjm
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Just gets better and better. Every song on this album is good. A Masterpiece. This was worth the wait.
  10. Brodyhin
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    This is my favorite tool album. I don’t know what’s with all these bad reviews.
  11. TOOLman
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    This Album is on another Level. Unbelievably amazing! A must listen numerous times. For all the negative reviews above. I honestly can't understand how you can rate a zero . The effort, quality, technicality is above the vast majority of artists period! If your giving the album a zero because you don't like it est to never listen to music again.
  12. Tombennett77
    Sep 17, 2019
    10
    Masterpiece ...............................................................!
  13. Grunix
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Prog Rock and complex music at its best. Worth the waiting. It is not schubidu 3:30 min Pop, its complex music to dive in.
  14. MechaWolff
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    By far the Apex of Tool's evolution. Thoroughly enjoyed the album. Definitely worth the wait!!!
  15. Julitro
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Much better than expected. 13 years worth the wait. It's dreamy, powerful, atmospheric, brutal and deeper than the void itself. The level of production and mastering is as good or better than 10,000 days. It's the same Tool sound, but at a next level (if that's even possible).
  16. jwdomar08
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    Fear Inoculum is a beautiful piece of artwork. Tool delivered a well rounded masterpiece in my opinion. I don't understand the hate on this album, as I feel it is a culmination of their best work compiled into 7 amazing long form tracks (not counting the interludes). Danny Carey is the stand out. The album is worth multiple listens based on his work alone. He is the star of the album.Fear Inoculum is a beautiful piece of artwork. Tool delivered a well rounded masterpiece in my opinion. I don't understand the hate on this album, as I feel it is a culmination of their best work compiled into 7 amazing long form tracks (not counting the interludes). Danny Carey is the stand out. The album is worth multiple listens based on his work alone. He is the star of the album. It is by far his best work in Tool's discography. Adam Jones delivers exactly what you would expect from him but also expands on his great riff writing by adding some great lead moments which you don't usually get from a Tool album. I really enjoyed it. The musicianship is as good as it gets, the engineering was beautiful. Tool delivered a mature, spacious, very well rounded, musical opus that warrants multiple listens and is a perfect addition to their discography. Favorite tracks are 7empest, Descending, Pneuma, Invincible and Chocolate Chip Trip.… Expand
  17. Tha5252
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    This is a massive record...The days, months and years will reveal more about the new record. As with releases previous, there are wrinkles that will only emerge after the record is lived with and absorbed. But if you’re wondering whether ‘Fear Inoculum’ was worth the wait, then the answer is yes. If you’re wondering whether it’ll touch your heart, soul and spirt, the answer is also so.
  18. Raist1in
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    You can't judge Tool music that quick. This is just silly. Try to swallow this album first without choking. Once you do, listen how it starts to diagest. It always grows on you.
  19. Darkus
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    Sonically its: Complex, dense, technical, challenging, atmospheric, calculated, mature and inspiring.

    Danny Carey  Adam Jones (7empest it's his magnum opus) Justin Chancellor  Maynard James Keenan  They all have their moments. Lyrically it matches Tool's standards, lots of: pedagogies, metaphors, parables, philosophy, mythology, literature, psychology, historical    Sonically its: Complex, dense, technical, challenging, atmospheric, calculated, mature and inspiring.

    Danny Carey 

    Adam Jones (7empest it's his magnum opus)

    Justin Chancellor 

    Maynard James Keenan 

    They all have their moments.
    Lyrically it matches Tool's standards, lots of: pedagogies, metaphors, parables, philosophy, mythology, literature, psychology, historical references, scientific references, sociology, etc. It takes multiple listens to fully comprehend it. Be patient.    … Expand
  20. Detnael
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    There is nothing better than this album. Pneuma is my favorite. Best surprise was to hear a drum solo song on an album.
  21. elli0tt
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    This is Tool in its prime - in the league with AEnema and Lateralus. Although some other top prog and industrial bands have put out solid but past-prime albums in the last few years, this isn't that. Tool still has the fastball and Maynard's voice sounds perfect.
  22. BadVibrator
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    Best metal album of this decade. I can't believe even after 13 years TOOL can still blow my goddamn mind... Whole jniverse came together to make an album.. #fearinoculum
  23. Toolfan27
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    Album is PHENOMENAL! Everything about it, the intricacies, the builds, and the overall experience. Puts you in another dimension, it really does! The length of the songs is not a problem at all either, Tool is exceptional at pulling you in on each song, and every song does that! 13 years, WELL WORTH THE WAIT! This may just be my favorite album from them to.
  24. Higgensworth
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    Just brilliant. Amazing adaption of their craft and evolution of their sound.
  25. HRFloyd
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    Enjoy tour trip around the spiral. A deep, tribal, psychodelic experience. Love it.
  26. Alblockhead
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    Great album. Love all 83 min. It has been a long time in the making. And it doesn’t disappoint
  27. tohadacritic
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    "Fear Inoculum" - Tool

    First things first: **** off Fantano and the gullible fanbase who follows his opinions Debatable if Tool's new album is a bonafide masterpiece or just rather underwhelming, there's no denying that this album has been an event. Prog-Metal and Art-Rock pioneers Tool returns with a more intricate, a more mature and yes, a ridiculously circuituous album that excels    "Fear Inoculum" - Tool

    First things first: **** off Fantano and the gullible fanbase who follows his opinions

    Debatable if Tool's new album is a bonafide masterpiece or just rather underwhelming, there's no denying that this album has been an event. Prog-Metal and Art-Rock pioneers Tool returns with a more intricate, a more mature and yes, a ridiculously circuituous album that excels after every listen.
    Sonically pleasing, as it should have been, that even the minute of details can be picked up by even the lowest of volumes, as expected since the band's renowned for their whimsical production choices. While having no complaints regarding this album, an argument could be brought up since it's 13 years in the making, hyping it up to be album of the decade, but unfortunately, the band doesn't deliver that energetic presence they once had making it hard to convince for me to even consider Fear Inoculum as album of the year; however, considering that this is the same band that created ground-breaking accomplishments in "Lateralus" and "Ænima", not many bands could out-perform those spectacles. Nevertheless, Fear Inoculum does indeed come close, each song being over ten minutes long does make it feel a bit jarring, but the build-up to each rivoting track by instantly amusing intricate riffs and drumming patterns culminating in a - Grunge-esque Maynard vocals in one of the most extra-ordinary Tool song since 2001 - satisfying end, making the wait for the entire album and the entire listen, absolutely worth it as each significant member get their moments to shine.

    Absolute Favourite Track/s: Invincible, Pneuma, 7empest

    Great track/s: The rest of the album minus the interludes

    Least favourite track/s: The Interludes

    Rating: 10/10 (Masterpiece)    … Expand
  28. DannyG2550
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    We know your nature, and a tempest must be just that. Inoculate yourself and face your fears...
  29. Melo6666
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    Excelente álbum, sem duvidas um dos melhores dessa década, álbum diferente de tudo que temos visto na atualidade.
  30. Drewwypoo
    Sep 10, 2019
    10
    They're back and just as good. You have to let the album grow on you, it really is worth the wait.
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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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