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. joeyravioli
    Sep 4, 2019
    9
    After quite a few listens to the album, I gotta say it is well worth the 13 year wait. Every song on the album is definitely Tool quality. Adam Jones really showcases his riffs, Justin Chancellor's off kilter bass rhythms are great and the octopus Danny Carey powers though every song with his drums. As always, MJK's lyrics are basically poetry and are excellent. His vocals have somewhatAfter quite a few listens to the album, I gotta say it is well worth the 13 year wait. Every song on the album is definitely Tool quality. Adam Jones really showcases his riffs, Justin Chancellor's off kilter bass rhythms are great and the octopus Danny Carey powers though every song with his drums. As always, MJK's lyrics are basically poetry and are excellent. His vocals have somewhat softened in style, but for a guy who is in 3 bands and is almost 60 he sounds pretty damn good. To all the naysayers who say there are "filler" tracks, NEWSFLASH, they have them on practically every album. Those songs are simply there to convey a mood for the next track. Don't just give this album one listen, give it MULTIPLE and I swear you won't be disappointed.… Expand
  2. BlueChino
    Sep 6, 2019
    9
    A really solid album that could use a little editing. The 7 track version plays better than the 10 track, and honestly this could have just been 6 tracks and the better for it. Prime stuff, though, on the main 6 songs.
  3. dangyosabyss
    Sep 4, 2019
    8
    Its a great album but the 10 scores are ridiculous. Its content could be from any Tool session in the last 3 albums. It isnt different enough and doesnt show enough progression (ironic right?) to warrant 10 scores. Thats not to say it is bad. Its great. But its what we have come to expect from them and Tool were never about that. Its exactly what i expected it to be. 10k days part 2.
  4. dmiranda
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    Fear Inoculum's seven songs - which in digital format come with three more songs: "Litanie contre le peur", "Legion Inoculant" and "Mockingbeat", in practice three climatic and instrumental interludes - feature pretentious, original and hypnotic work . Six of the seven tracks exceed ten minutes (with the exception of "Chocolate Chip Trip", another instrumental interlude) and featureFear Inoculum's seven songs - which in digital format come with three more songs: "Litanie contre le peur", "Legion Inoculant" and "Mockingbeat", in practice three climatic and instrumental interludes - feature pretentious, original and hypnotic work . Six of the seven tracks exceed ten minutes (with the exception of "Chocolate Chip Trip", another instrumental interlude) and feature chords, harmonic progressions, rhythmic scales and predominantly ascending melodies, which makes the album have a very strong sound magnetism. In practice, this translates into a hearing that causes a kind of hypnosis as the songs unfold. The choice to construct the songs using sister chords and notes, coupled with Keenan's mostly ethereal vocal melodies, intensifies this mind-numbing sensation while opening new untapped songs in the listener's brain.

    The rhythmic part remains one of the highlights, with unconventional movements and an approach that talks with fusion, always supported by the univiteline union between bass and guitar. Chancellor's instrument, always a highlight, continues to play an almost percussive role and fills the spaces omnipresently. Drummers will still love Carey's work, while Jones maintains a guitar playing that, especially in Fear Inoculum, is much more interested in creating sound atmospheres than riffs.

    However, the weight comes. And when it comes, it arrives beautiful. The apexes of the songs, with instrumental explosions full of rhythmic turns, are chilling to even the most bald of fans. It's an original, unique and beautiful song that could either be defined as a hypnotic prog metal or a meditative fusion.

    The fact is that in Fear Inoculum the Tool requires a listener partnership so that what the band is proposing is effectively assimilated. This means that in a world where urgency predominates and anxiety is no longer an exception and has become the company of most individuals, a disc that is over 70 minutes long and tracks that are over ten minutes need some effort. from most listeners. Fear Inoculum is not one of those albums made for occasional and occasional listening. It demands an immersion, it takes time from those on the other side of the headset. But in doing so, it rewards you with creative delivery, a song that is totally out of the box and delivers incredible sensations.

    Among the tracks, highlight the sensational song that beats the album, "Invincible", "Descending" and the incredible "7empest", the longest and heaviest of the album and where the full protagonism goes to the guitar of Adam Jones.

    Fear Inoculum makes up for the thirteen year long wait for a new Tool album with a complex, extremely immersive, musically rich work that carries both the seal of quality and the original aura the band has always possessed. One of the biggest albums of 2019 and one of the best albums of the quartet's career.    … Expand
  5. Tombennett77
    Sep 17, 2019
    10
    Masterpiece ...............................................................!
  6. Monsterplanet
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    This and Aenima are neck-and-neck in terms of breadth and quality, though with time frame and expectations in account, Fear Innoculum seems to shore up about 1 more "main" song short of the impact Aenima had in the late '90s.

    Even still, it manages to bring quality and execution to a modern table and does so successfully.
  7. 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.
  8. Chrismkj
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    I love this album, I really do and it’s near perfect except for one thing. Lengthy sections of song where it’s just open chugging on the low d, like it’s ok to use it but just it takes up maybe ten minutes total on the whole album, do you really want that? It just seems very low effort even with odd time signatures
  9. 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).
  10. 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
  11. trav17
    Sep 4, 2019
    9
    This album slaps after a few listens, but that's the standard recipe for Tool. For me, it falls between Lateralus and Aenima and maybe slightly ahead of 10,000 Days. Each song is a roller coaster that bobs and weaves between tranquil melodies, signature Tool timing, long and calculated builds, and soul jarring breakdowns. This is the complete package for Tool fans, stem to stern. BiggestThis album slaps after a few listens, but that's the standard recipe for Tool. For me, it falls between Lateralus and Aenima and maybe slightly ahead of 10,000 Days. Each song is a roller coaster that bobs and weaves between tranquil melodies, signature Tool timing, long and calculated builds, and soul jarring breakdowns. This is the complete package for Tool fans, stem to stern. Biggest drawback are the interludes that are common for Tool albums but in this one, they are certainly more of a distraction than an element that builds into the record as a whole.… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. iKindred
    Sep 4, 2019
    8
    Overall it's a great album that features great performances of Adam and Danny. Personally, I would have wanted to hear more invested vocals and more synergy between them. The interludes feel out of place, disconnected from the rest of the music and uninteresting.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. RighteousRice
    Sep 5, 2019
    9
    Although it might not be the strongest Tool album, that’s not really saying much as it is amazing and It’s a musical journey.
  19. ChickenOrBeef
    Sep 6, 2019
    9
    Simply put, all the band members deliver their A game except for Maynard, who delivered more of a B. He's definitely good, but not as good as before. So therefore, 9/10.
  20. 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
  21. Implicit
    Sep 7, 2019
    8
    This album is not 10,000 Days Part 2. This album is not a smattering of radio hits or music that should necessarily be dropped into every playlist on your Spotify profile. But from a strictly full-album-listen standpoint, it really comes together. Clearly this was the attempt, and a noble one at that, still it is not my favorite of Tool's efforts perhaps for this reason. I don't findThis album is not 10,000 Days Part 2. This album is not a smattering of radio hits or music that should necessarily be dropped into every playlist on your Spotify profile. But from a strictly full-album-listen standpoint, it really comes together. Clearly this was the attempt, and a noble one at that, still it is not my favorite of Tool's efforts perhaps for this reason. I don't find myself tapping away at my desk with my pen, humming lightly to a melody that hangs around for weeks, as was my experience after listening to Tool albums previously. But as a piece of art, this album stands on its own two feet. Despite what most are saying, I don't see this as a flex of 7-based time signatures and unfollowable interludes that "you aren't supposed to get." Even when there isn't a clear path in the music, you can tell that this was created entirely organically by a group of extremely talented musicians.

    All in all, I enjoyed this quite a bit. I expect to create a playlist without the interludes and listening to once every few months.    … Expand
  22. DannyG2550
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    We know your nature, and a tempest must be just that. Inoculate yourself and face your fears...
  23. jaimepullthatup
    Sep 9, 2019
    9
    it didn't disappoint, everything that made previous Tool albums very enjoyable is still very much present here. I was left a little underwhelmed by the title track when it came out, but when I listened to the album I gladly found that it was the worst track of the record. The rest of it is pretty great. Maynard's delivers some of his best vocal performances ever in this album, this timeit didn't disappoint, everything that made previous Tool albums very enjoyable is still very much present here. I was left a little underwhelmed by the title track when it came out, but when I listened to the album I gladly found that it was the worst track of the record. The rest of it is pretty great. Maynard's delivers some of his best vocal performances ever in this album, this time his singing is actually very close to his A Perfect Circle style, mellower, more melodic and less aggressive. His vocal melodies on Culling Voices are amazing. Adam Jones also brings a nice chord progression on this track and on Invincible. I also love the guitar riff towards the end of the track. It does actually remind me of his riff on Jambi. 7empest is also full of great riffs and drum parts. Some parts are not as great as others, some jams on the album are a little boring at times, but as an overall piece of work it holds up really well. Pneuma is also one of my favorite tracks of the record.
    Just like previous Tool records this album takes a little bit of time to settle in your brain. Specially given the fact all the tracks are longer than 10 minutes, it's a very dense album and there's a lot to take in. But once you get involved in these melodies and masterful musicianship, as well as a really great sound and production, you'll be listening to this record over and over for quite a while. I'm still discovering new things that I like with each listen.    … Expand
  24. 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".
  25. ixd360
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    I don't know if its the long wait or the extremely high expectations but upon my first listen, i was underwhelmed. i felt like i needed more from my favorite band. Granted, i heard it while running errands without letting myself get fully immersed in the music (which is what TOOL's music needs and deserves.) Although Culling Voices and 7empest DID suck me right in!

    After    I don't know if its the long wait or the extremely high expectations but upon my first listen, i was underwhelmed. i felt like i needed more from my favorite band. Granted, i heard it while running errands without letting myself get fully immersed in the music (which is what TOOL's music needs and deserves.) Although Culling Voices and 7empest DID suck me right in!

    After re-listening.... and REALLY listening: i was blown away by the album. And the more i would listen, the better it got. i have probably heard the album 20+ times and read the lyrics and taken my time to experience this masterpiece! I fall further in love with it with every listen.

    The riffs, the vocals, the intricacies, the bass, the lyrics, the messages, the rises and falls, the drumming.... OH, THE DRUMMING!

    The music Gods created perfection when they put these four in a room together and they repay the Gods by making perfection! I really enjoyed 10000 Days but i have to say, this album is better! Its right up there with Laturalus and Aenima and FAR above Undertow and Opiate.

    Only negative? i could have done without Chocolate Chip Trip. That time could have been used for another beautiful song    … Expand
  26. Sibinmathew11
    Sep 11, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worth the wait!! Best metal album in the last few 10 years! An experience from start to to finish!… Expand
  27. Bethany_Celsius
    Sep 11, 2019
    10
    Feels like bathing in a metal waterfall. They've grown, and given us a musical landscape. The skill. Holy fk. I've just been playing it through from the beginning to end and then starting over.
  28. Foffe
    Sep 13, 2019
    9
    Fantastic record that just keep growing! Could very well be their best album
  29. gadadak
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    The more you listen the more you notice. Each song is a journey, and even the interludes feel like they belong.
  30. turbomustang84
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    Easily the best album in 13 year's and might be the quickest I've ever got addicted to of any Tool Album .
    Danny is a maniac
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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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