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. Sklo17
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    I absolutely love it. 10,000 days (tools last album) came out in 2006, it’s been 13 years. The first I remember that I started listening to them was around 8 years ago, so I’m not going to sit here and act like I’ve waited the full 13 years like others have. But for the 8 years that I have, I’ve built the biggest love for them, and they’re now my 2nd favorite band, and have been for years.I absolutely love it. 10,000 days (tools last album) came out in 2006, it’s been 13 years. The first I remember that I started listening to them was around 8 years ago, so I’m not going to sit here and act like I’ve waited the full 13 years like others have. But for the 8 years that I have, I’ve built the biggest love for them, and they’re now my 2nd favorite band, and have been for years. And I think this album was well worth the wait. As soon as it came out at 12am last night I listened to it fully through immediately. I absolutely loved Fear Inoculum and there are no complaints I have about it. I think it’s one of the best albums of the decade in my opinion. Fear Inoculum, Pneuma, Invincible, Descending, Chocolate Chip Trip, Culling Voices, and 7empest are all amazing tracks, and the 3 segues are like always are awesome but a bit mysterious. And everyone’s performance is just astounding, Danny Carey was just absolutely phenomenal as usually, especially obviously during CCT, Justin Chancellor of course crushed it with the tone and just the amazing riffs that usually compete with the guitar, and add a different texture to the song. And of course Maynard James Kenenans voice sounds amazing, and then Adam Jones, he was absolutely phenomenal during this album. I think this album has some of the hardest/ complex guitar riffs and just some of the best guitar playing overall I’ve ever heard. I would review the tracks individually but I have stuff to do so I’m just gonna leave it at saying all the tracks kick ass and are amazing. I think if give it a 9.5-9.8 out of ten but I’m just gonna round it up to 10. There’s nothing I can really think of that I didn’t like, or that they didn’t do. It’s just that I like some of their other releases better. Rock on hope this review helps … Expand
  2. Zimdesign
    Aug 30, 2019
    9
    Well worth the wait for Tool fans. Not likely to win them new ones however!
  3. Hurricanev8
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Brilliance, feels like you’ve been invited into the greatest jam session of all time.
  4. Cweird
    Aug 30, 2019
    9
    Not just an album, this is an experience. Intense, complex. Each listen brings out something new and powerful, and deepens the appreciation of the music. One of the very few times something has been not only been able to meet the hype surrounding it, but surpass it.
  5. BasePrimeMover
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    13 years it took to get to this moment and now the moment is here and well worth the wait! I'm not ready to hail it as their magnum opus yet as with every tool album it requires weeks to dig through the songs and get to the root of it all. With that said the first play through astounded me, the album feels like a natural progression of 10,000 days with sweeping guitar riffs, crazy and13 years it took to get to this moment and now the moment is here and well worth the wait! I'm not ready to hail it as their magnum opus yet as with every tool album it requires weeks to dig through the songs and get to the root of it all. With that said the first play through astounded me, the album feels like a natural progression of 10,000 days with sweeping guitar riffs, crazy and spectacularly drumming, bass lines that smack of thunder and deliver lightning and of course Maynard… Expand
  6. 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
  7. f0ntain3
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Imho their best work to date, these guys have outdone themselves, so loose, live, psychedelic and REAL. Thank you Tool for the amazing effort, this album is a work of beauty across the board.
  8. A5AP_Mark
    Aug 30, 2019
    6
    Great music and lyrics actually mean things which is always good but 10 min. a song is too much. Don't listen to if you're trying not to fall asleep. 13 years I waited and 13.000 days is what I got.
  9. Mferraz
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Melhor álbum do ano! Cada detalhe, Maynard James Keenan é um monstro sagrado, bem como todos os integrantes dessa banda maravilhosa… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. Relaxingtr0ll
    Aug 30, 2019
    5
    Beautifully written masterpiece, even though it took 13 years to make. It was definitely worth the wait.
  12. Vedderman81
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    How do you review an album as layered, intricate and powerful as Fear Inoculum in a few words. A beautiful masterpiece from a band that stretch the parameters musically, lyrically and artistically. It’s been a long 13 years but this album was definitely worth the wait.
  13. dssquirrel
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Does it have the raw angst of Opiate and/or Undertow? No. Is it the metaphysical and often cynical, hook laden pure progressive rock of the last three? No. Is the mature madness of skilled musicians who are comfortable exploring new boundaries with little to no regard for popular musical edict? Hellya. The new album is a journey 13 years in the making and one well worth waiting for.
  14. ProgGroyper
    Aug 30, 2019
    9
    The album itself is really good. I can't understand the guys who say it's badly mixed/mastered. It sounds really good in my earsThe album feels like a continuation of Lateralus rather than 10,000 Days (except for "Descending" which sounds like straight outta 10K Days).
    The songs reach from pretty ok to masterpiece. If I had to rank the tracks from worst to best it would be:
    7. CCTrip    The album itself is really good. I can't understand the guys who say it's badly mixed/mastered. It sounds really good in my earsThe album feels like a continuation of Lateralus rather than 10,000 Days (except for "Descending" which sounds like straight outta 10K Days).
    The songs reach from pretty ok to masterpiece. If I had to rank the tracks from worst to best it would be:

    7. CCTrip (6.5/10)
    6. Fear Inoculum (7.5/10)
    5. Invinsible (8/10)
    4. Descending (8.8/10)
    3. Culling Voices (9/10)
    2. 7empest (9.5/10)
    1. Pneuma (10/10)    … Expand
  15. Pdfortune
    Aug 30, 2019
    9
    I've listed to all 10 songs multiple times. The 3 digital only songs aren't must have, but my review is based on the 7 key songs. Much better than 10,000 days; which is a very good album. My one complaint is that Maynard's vocals are often an afterthought throughout the album. The combination of trippy music with cool and intense lyrics from previous albums is a shame. Not a bad songI've listed to all 10 songs multiple times. The 3 digital only songs aren't must have, but my review is based on the 7 key songs. Much better than 10,000 days; which is a very good album. My one complaint is that Maynard's vocals are often an afterthought throughout the album. The combination of trippy music with cool and intense lyrics from previous albums is a shame. Not a bad song on here. My favorites are 7empest, Pneuma. Although, the songs are long they don't feel too long to me.… Expand
  16. MorriganDax
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Earth, the final frontier
    These are the voyages of your brain
    Its 13 years delay To explore strange new worlds
    To seek out new life
    And new civilizations
    To boldly go where no man has gone before
  17. drksl92
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    These tracks are creatures that come to life and grow to be monumental. Majestic album, with a crystalline production, the typical Tool’s sound that we didn't want to lose and a superfine contrast between delicacy and heaviness of the instruments. We needed it.
  18. Montenegro
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    It wasn't an instant connection. When listening for the first time a few minutes after its release I found it a little strange. Now I am listening the album for the third time and it sounds so familiar. I must say it surpassed my expectations. I might be biased by the excitement of finally listening to a new Tool album after 13 years of wait, but I feel their musicianship is more evidentIt wasn't an instant connection. When listening for the first time a few minutes after its release I found it a little strange. Now I am listening the album for the third time and it sounds so familiar. I must say it surpassed my expectations. I might be biased by the excitement of finally listening to a new Tool album after 13 years of wait, but I feel their musicianship is more evident in this album than in any of the previous. So glad to be living this moment.… Expand
  19. wildmuffin
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    After listening to the album 5 times today on releaseday, I can only say that it is amazing! After the first time I would probably have given it a 8/10 but the songs really grow on you and I am now rating it a 9.5/10.

    Maynard's lyrics is no longer so intimate as we are used to from some of the old stuff, and the double meanings of the lyrics that we so love to analyse is not really    After listening to the album 5 times today on releaseday, I can only say that it is amazing! After the first time I would probably have given it a 8/10 but the songs really grow on you and I am now rating it a 9.5/10.

    Maynard's lyrics is no longer so intimate as we are used to from some of the old stuff, and the double meanings of the lyrics that we so love to analyse is not really there, but he delivers vocally for sure. Danny's drumming is of the chart, I would say that this is the big takeaway from this album..the drums. It is not their best album, but a very, very good one for sure. Lets hope it does not take another 13 years for the next one..    … Expand
  20. Mr_Connecticut
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Absolute perfection. Classical tool but with a new and more mature feel. The production is great and the talent displayed from all of the guys is astounding. The absolute star is Carey on drums, he achieves things with 2 arms and 2 legs that a trained octopus couldn't hope to emulate. The guitar and bass are powerful and Maynard's vocals chilling and poignant. Simply must be heard to be believed.
  21. laar1907
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Carey and Chancellor stood out in a superb way. All the songs have amazing build ups to it and the time signatures just fits perfectly. Maynard vocals are really good and melodic.
  22. nowena
    Aug 30, 2019
    8
    I honestly love the fact that it doesn't sound like any other Tool album and that they took their time with it. Fear Inoculum is not their most accessible album but fans of the genre will find it gratifying if they give it their time to digest every single song. It might take 5 or 10 listens but Fear Inoculum keeps surprising me at every listen.
  23. Aphexxx1978
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Best tool album...................................
    .................................
  24. MoxRyan
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    This was a great album. It's hard to compare to their older material but stands on it's own. There are definitely some interesting production choices but just because it doesn't perfectly resemble their older material doesn't mean this wasn't intentional. Once again this is an album that sounds ahead of it's time. Tool's work is usually like that, a brilliant portent of our collective evolution.
  25. monkespaceshape
    Aug 30, 2019
    0
    This album was forced and pretentious. Love is much better! If you read the lyrics you will understand the context but when you are putting the sound together it does not come through as clear and conveyed.
  26. dkcoffey
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Sounds like Tool. Enjoy the change Maynard did with the vocals, and Danny, Justin and Adam all have their moments to shine on the album per usual. Album is just going to get better as I spin it around more and more. Great stuff. Worth the wait.
  27. Eke666
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Simply the best album I have heard in decades. Recording is out of this world, sounds unbelievable.
  28. don268
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    This album is not a destination, it is a journey. It is a road trip with so many things to experience along the way; so many places to pause, get out of the vehicle and just gaze at what's there to be seen. At times the road is jarring and your mind reaches for the handle to make it still. Moments later, serenity takes over and the road passes through a seemingly endless, seeminglyThis album is not a destination, it is a journey. It is a road trip with so many things to experience along the way; so many places to pause, get out of the vehicle and just gaze at what's there to be seen. At times the road is jarring and your mind reaches for the handle to make it still. Moments later, serenity takes over and the road passes through a seemingly endless, seemingly impossibly peaceful place. For a moment, you realize that you are in a bit of a trance, a relaxing place less like sleep and more like meditation. You are held there for a while only to be reminded that the world can never be only full of peace, for to know peace you must know war; to know the quiet, you must know the noise, to know serenity, you must know suffering. This album is one of the most balanced collection I've ever heard. Nearly 90 minutes after leaving on this journey, you realize that you've arrived at the end. And, if you listened.. if you paid attention during the ride, you are entirely grateful for the whole of what you've just experienced. And if, like a child, you've spent the ride waiting for that one destination, looking only forward to that one place, you are likely disappointed. If this is you, I recommend taking that journey one more time. Don't stop for a burger and don't stop to piss along the way. Just drive it in one straight shot. And, spend each moment listening with your ears, with your mind. There is no other way for this journey to be experienced.
    This    … Expand
  29. demoncleaner666
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Impressive effort by Tool, and a worthy addition to their discography. They take the sound and style they developed through Aenima and Lateralus to its logical conclusion: long, complex, winding compositions build from compelling melodies to bone-crunching climaxes. They've eschewed pretty much all semblance of traditional song structure, and it gives the songs an epic and organic feel:Impressive effort by Tool, and a worthy addition to their discography. They take the sound and style they developed through Aenima and Lateralus to its logical conclusion: long, complex, winding compositions build from compelling melodies to bone-crunching climaxes. They've eschewed pretty much all semblance of traditional song structure, and it gives the songs an epic and organic feel: each unfolds like a story. With each song clocking in at well over 10 minutes, this is some of Tool's least accessible music to date, probably more for the diehard Tool fan than the uninitiated, but if you give it a chance there's something here that any fan of good music can enjoy. Just a great album, and a feat of musicianship of the highest order. 10/10, easy.… Expand
  30. aleatoric
    Aug 30, 2019
    2
    Production hits like a wet noodle. Bass is somehow lost in the mix, making the music seem flat and linear through its attempted highs and lows. The guitars are high in the mix but have no edge or distortion, making them seem low impact and not as heavy as they should be. The vocal performance is not bad, but the production makes them lack punch and dilutes their emotional impact. TheProduction hits like a wet noodle. Bass is somehow lost in the mix, making the music seem flat and linear through its attempted highs and lows. The guitars are high in the mix but have no edge or distortion, making them seem low impact and not as heavy as they should be. The vocal performance is not bad, but the production makes them lack punch and dilutes their emotional impact. The songwriting is complex for complexity's sake, but does not seem to have much purpose or climactic payoff (they should listen to Mogwai to understand how to do that better). Electronic interludes are laughable and amateur compared to anything remotely similar created in the last 10 years (go listen to Tim Hecker or something if you want a better example). Really, this album is good if you want to ignore all of alternative music's progression over the last 20 years, and instead release something that wants to regress the artform both technically and creatively. No thanks.… 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.
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  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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