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. harry909
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Tool managed to pick up exactly where they left off with a masterpiece. On the level of Lateralus, Dark Side of the Moon and In Rainbows but better.
  2. Omniscient7
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Fear Inoculum nailed every one of my expectations besides one. I don't know if I can say it's better than Aenima or Lateralus, but it certainly tops 10,000 days, Undertow and Opiate. They didn't necessarily change all too much (Adam's lead work has progressed as have the vocal/string section dynamics), but they have refined everything that makes them great and came out with a record that'sFear Inoculum nailed every one of my expectations besides one. I don't know if I can say it's better than Aenima or Lateralus, but it certainly tops 10,000 days, Undertow and Opiate. They didn't necessarily change all too much (Adam's lead work has progressed as have the vocal/string section dynamics), but they have refined everything that makes them great and came out with a record that's not lazily done, nor is it compromising them as artists. Fear Inoculum is a culmination of Tool creating music as a form of art to tell complex stories in a progressive manner. They succeeded in matching the hype, which is no easy feat. It's not the best album of their career, but it certainly has what I'd consider a few of the best songs of their career. Overall 10/10 due to it surpassing everything I expected with minimal disappointment. I'd give it 9.5/10, but I can't so I'll round up :)

    The bad: No MJK screams. Little aggression in his vocals. If you expected classic Tool vocals, you won't really get em here. MJK does a fantastic job vocally and does get aggressive on one track, but his singing is very tame and well kept. It's almost APC-ish, which I am cool with, it fits most songs. Some areas I was expecting a riff to get bigger and bigger then Danny to hit the cymbals then get into a groove while the riff plays at full aggression, but it didn't happen. Instead the riff switched or Adam started playing very large space-occupying chords which then led into an area that blew me away, negating my disappointment.

    The good: Danny freaking Carey folks. The man is an absolute monster on this album from start to finish. Chocolate Chip Trip is a drum solo track, backed by synths (which you may hate the synths but I actually enjoyed them). 7emptest is the best song on the album, top 5 Tool song of all time. For the first time in Tools lifespan this song is less of the Danny Carey show and more of the Adam Jones show. He is just slinging heavy riff after heavy riff here. Around the 10:35 mark, Tool releases the heaviest section of music they have made in their career. It will become a classic to headbang to. Jones showcases some great lead work here too, which accumulates to several minutes on this 16 minute behemoth.    … Expand
  3. MTW1
    Sep 18, 2019
    5
    There was loads of the reviews for this album up immediately after its release which doesn't make sense to me as you need to live with music for a bit before judging it. I think there's a bit of of Emperor's new clothes going on. Now that the dust has settled and I've given it a good go I have to say I'm disappointed.

    The album comprises of six main songs and little filler bits in    There was loads of the reviews for this album up immediately after its release which doesn't make sense to me as you need to live with music for a bit before judging it. I think there's a bit of of Emperor's new clothes going on. Now that the dust has settled and I've given it a good go I have to say I'm disappointed.

    The album comprises of six main songs and little filler bits in between, the filler bits aren't very good, 5 minute long drum solos don't do it for me I'm afraid.
    Overall the songs are just too long for the amount of ideas contained within them, quite often going too long in the verse chorus verse format before deviating into something to break it up. It's almost like they only had a few songs written and decided to make them longer to fill out the album and make it seem epic, it doesn't work. Also they seem quite formulaic, almost like a lesser band trying to do a Tool album. There are bits here and there I like but too few and far between. I'd be hard pushed to recall any of the main guitar riffs after listening to the album and they resort to simplistic chugging riffs way too often. The album definitely doesn't have the scope or variety of previous releases. I keep thinking how good the other Tool albums are when listening to this one, and how I'd rather be listening to them instead.

    Going by this I don't really care if Tool ever release another album again but at least we've got all their other releases to enjoy.    … Expand
  4. matdub
    Nov 26, 2019
    6
    I have tried so hard. Kicking back and listening from start to finish multiple times. Unlike previous albums it is not revealing itself to be more awesome every listen. Unlike any album they have ever released it reminds me of previous works. Not much good. Not much new. Maynard really phoned this one in, and the rest of the band are out of ideas.
  5. martinileemart
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    It grows like fine wine. I rated it after 10-20 listens but it’s perfection.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Hurricanev8
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Brilliance, feels like you’ve been invited into the greatest jam session of all time.
  9. RamblingDavey
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    This is a sonic marathon. A steady trot through varied landscapes. The ears glide along a smooth, darkened path before being slammed to the ground by an abrupt tremor and eventual quake in blinding brightness. Keep traveling, keep moving forward and you’ll arrive at the end weary and worn but mesmerized and euphoric.
  10. 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.
  11. Jupi13
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    This body of work is pure art. Otherworldly mind-blowing and mind-expanding experience.
  12. DrGreatJob
    Sep 12, 2019
    3
    Tool albums. It's been a long time since one of those has come out. I remember buying Lateralus on day 1 when I was a 15 year old. I remember buying 10,000 days 5 years later, laughing about how long it took them to release the album. I enjoyed both albums immensely, with Lateralus being one of music's shining achievements - an album filled with brilliant songs without a single misstep.Tool albums. It's been a long time since one of those has come out. I remember buying Lateralus on day 1 when I was a 15 year old. I remember buying 10,000 days 5 years later, laughing about how long it took them to release the album. I enjoyed both albums immensely, with Lateralus being one of music's shining achievements - an album filled with brilliant songs without a single misstep. Truly remarkable. 10,000 Days felt like they were getting a little long in the tooth, like their gimmicks weren't catching me the way they used to. Still full of really hard rocking tracks, and some beautiful ballads (like Right in Two,) it still felt like a solid entry.

    But here we are, 13 years later, a little under 5000 days since the last Tool album... and I'm glad I didn't expect much. Somehow a band that thrived on cutting-edge technique and writing has .. become the musical equivalent of a Tool coloring book. You can see the songs from previous albums, especially Lateralus, but they lack the soul of something original. The Tool song outline is there... but when they colored in the coloring book, they only used a box of 24 crayons instead of the box of 200 we're used to. It feels like it's pandering.

    Maynard's vocals aren't what they used to be. That's to be expected, he's around middle age now. They're still good, but they don't have the edge, and they tried to use effects to make it feel more dynamic. The guitars are remarkably the same sounding as they've always been. The bass sounds identical. The drums identical. It sounds like a Tool album... just one that's not interested in experimenting or pushing boundaries. The only real boundary pushed here is time. It's a massive album, and all of the songs are long. Some of these songs could be cut in half and they'd be better for it.

    Overall, it's their weakest showing. But it's doing well, and it's fun to see that Tool had 6 songs on the Billboard at once. Maybe that alone is worth it.    … Expand
  13. blacksun
    Sep 12, 2019
    3
    Sadly, all bands fade. Well, almost all. It is so rare to see a group put out material that stays fresh, true to it's roots and still pushing in to new exciting territory after so many years and albums go by. In this case it's 13 years and 5 albums. It's for this reason I forgive them.

    The album just doesn't deliver. It backs off when you want it to growl. It growls where it should be    Sadly, all bands fade. Well, almost all. It is so rare to see a group put out material that stays fresh, true to it's roots and still pushing in to new exciting territory after so many years and albums go by. In this case it's 13 years and 5 albums. It's for this reason I forgive them.

    The album just doesn't deliver. It backs off when you want it to growl. It growls where it should be nuanced. Grooves materialize, then disappear leaving you wanting more. I tried to like it. Listening over and over. But, for me at least, it's just not there. I don't have that urge to listen to it.

    I think it's fair to say there's a degree of come-lately-ism fanboy-ism in the reviews. I wonder how many of these people that rated it 10/10 and "some of the best songs ever" will still be rocking it a month from now. Or 6 months from now.

    I dunno. It's nothing personal of course. And I'm quite grateful to have the rest of the albums, which have provided some serious intense rocking out over the years. Thanks Tool! Still easily one of the greatest heavy bands of all time.    … Expand
  14. Soundwizard
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Absolutely fantastic. Understanding that with their internal issues, media, songwriting and art, the child rearing and other personal matters we all experience and can relate to, it only makes sense that this album took 13 years. I'm not even mad. The best way I find myself enjoying this album is through having a knowledge and a degree of understanding of the more esoteric things. As wellAbsolutely fantastic. Understanding that with their internal issues, media, songwriting and art, the child rearing and other personal matters we all experience and can relate to, it only makes sense that this album took 13 years. I'm not even mad. The best way I find myself enjoying this album is through having a knowledge and a degree of understanding of the more esoteric things. As well as the history of the events that led up to making this album (just like all their albums, their lives coincide with the music). The odd time signatures and music theory with the instruments and vocals weaving through each other reaching cathartic unison. The lyricism and poetry and emotion strongly correlated to much of world today and the situation many people today face. All this requires the listener to have a deeper understanding to fully immerse yourself in the artwork that is Fear Inoculum. Try and see for yourself. They are masters of their art.… Expand
  15. trickykid3
    Sep 13, 2019
    3
    I'm really surprised at the good reviews here and a bit suspicious given how many of them are short explanations of a 10 rating. If anything Tool deserve a lengthy review, especially from fans who love the new album. That being said this album is mediocre at best. 13 years of waiting to get a mediocre Tool album is beyond disappointing. These guys are essentially dinosaurs who think theyI'm really surprised at the good reviews here and a bit suspicious given how many of them are short explanations of a 10 rating. If anything Tool deserve a lengthy review, especially from fans who love the new album. That being said this album is mediocre at best. 13 years of waiting to get a mediocre Tool album is beyond disappointing. These guys are essentially dinosaurs who think they can regurgitate past formulas forever and sadly there appear to be many fans who seem to validate that strategy. Well I will not, as much as I love this band I cannot defend the songs or even the lazy artwork here. Won't be seeing them on this tour, it sounds like it will be excruciating.....… Expand
  16. chbckyle
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    A less restrained 10,000 days, and better for it. This record, like so many classic prog records, is able to take you on a journey through your psyche. In the future this album will be a touchstone for prog going forward.
  17. BrushedRed
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    While I was too young to listen to Tool's early stuff, I really began getting into Tool a little after Lateralus released, thanks to my cousin. Years later, 10,000 Days entered the picture, and I for one, thought it was just as good as their older material, even though a lot might disagree. Well fast-forward 13 years later, I see they're announcing a new tour. I'd always wanted to seeWhile I was too young to listen to Tool's early stuff, I really began getting into Tool a little after Lateralus released, thanks to my cousin. Years later, 10,000 Days entered the picture, and I for one, thought it was just as good as their older material, even though a lot might disagree. Well fast-forward 13 years later, I see they're announcing a new tour. I'd always wanted to see them, but they never seem to come near me; I go to the show and low and behold, they announce the new album there! Was quite an experience and memory. Well the day is finally here, and how do I feel?

    I feel quite floored. I knew Tool wouldn't let us down, but I did have a few concerns due to myself not caring too much for Eat the Elephant, A Perfect Circle's newest album from last year. I was hoping it didn't rub off too much on this, and thankfully, it did not. Each song feels like the old Tool, but in a new way. Each track is long, and winds through many different movements, but if you've been a fan of the band for this length of time, it should come as not quite much of a shock. It feels like the perfect evolution from their more experimental and abstract 10,000 Days, but it doesn't stumble along the way.

    I think "Invincible" and "Descending" could definitely go down as the best songs in Tool's catalogue, which is already an impressive feat itself, but even the weird and off-the-wall "Chocolate Chip Trip" even felt natural in this album, and of course "7empest," which a lot cite as one of their best songs, too.

    I get that a lot of people may not appreciate this album as much as I have, and it's certainly not for those who are more casual and want more hooks (this album is kind of devoid of them), but if you want some good, moody, atmospheric, and abstract music played by one of the best bands that's ever existed, then grab your headphones and sink into this monster.    … Expand
  18. 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.
  19. Rajsankardey
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Adds an entire different dimension to music. I love this new album. Especially Invincible and 7empest♥️
  20. chkekt
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Titanic masterpiece completely smashing all wannabes & shows who's the daddies! Every track is super catchy!
  21. Elkasiero
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    A masterpiece for Tool fans,
    but not for everyone.
    You can't listen to a 15 minutes track and enjoying it without having the experience of listening to progressive songs .
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. Arenshi
    Sep 3, 2019
    5
    If this was a debut album from a band nobody had ever heard of I would understand the glowing reviews. But it isn't. This is a revered band who waited 13 years to release a bunch of recycled sounds from previous albums and underwhelming vocals from Maynard. Thirsty fans deserved better than a warm drink of water in the desert. Don't believe the hype. This is their worst album by FAR.
  26. Bonzorro
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    I was in highschool when a friend gave me a black casette with white tentacles. My music taste shifted that day. Now my son is in highschool and he's going to get Fear Inoculum. It has everything I missed on 10,000 Days, and all the pieces of previous albums' craftsmanship. Long awaited friends have finally come to visit us and they're more than welcome to stay.
  27. Kennethaakonsen
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Wow, that was amazing! Been a Tool fan for some time and was really excited for this album. It's something special about them. The creativity, vibe, the heavy parts with these crazy Tool loops, the odd time-signatures, everything was very clever. This made me even a bigger fan. They all did an INCREDIBLE job - I was blown away by Danny. Invincible was insane. Can't wait to listen more toWow, that was amazing! Been a Tool fan for some time and was really excited for this album. It's something special about them. The creativity, vibe, the heavy parts with these crazy Tool loops, the odd time-signatures, everything was very clever. This made me even a bigger fan. They all did an INCREDIBLE job - I was blown away by Danny. Invincible was insane. Can't wait to listen more to this album in the future.
    For a prog-metal fan and music lover this was a really cool experience.    … Expand
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. Zimdesign
    Aug 30, 2019
    9
    Well worth the wait for Tool fans. Not likely to win them new ones however!
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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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