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. coolcrowe
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    Listen to this album at least three times before coming to any conclusions. The first time I was unsure, but by the third listen I was grinning and joyfully following along with the songs. Once your mind knows what to expect the whole thing is an extremely enjoyable experience, probably the most sonically pleasing Tool album. It's true that Maynard's vocals a little more subdued that inListen to this album at least three times before coming to any conclusions. The first time I was unsure, but by the third listen I was grinning and joyfully following along with the songs. Once your mind knows what to expect the whole thing is an extremely enjoyable experience, probably the most sonically pleasing Tool album. It's true that Maynard's vocals a little more subdued that in other albums but it actually works for the best, his lyrics and vocals mix with the other elements of the band better than ever before. The group sounds completely in their element and everyone does a fantastic job throughout, though Danny can't help but steal the show at times. It stands up to the band's reputation and can easily sit alongside their other albums as a wonderful and awe-inspiring work of art. The lyrics here also carry an urgency and desire for change that wasn't always present in past works... it's obviously written to move you and inspire action and change within, to remember where we come from, where we're going and how precious the time between is.… Expand
  2. eleventy4
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Exacting perfection. The most Tool Tool album ever. They doubled down on what they do best.
  3. Boban
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    13 years of wait is well rewarded. I listened Fear Inoculum more then 50 times before album was out and it is perfect song. 10 minutes feels like 2. Sam is with album. It has everything I wanted from Tool album but more mature. When you have such recognizable sound like Tool it is very hard to create something new but not to fat away from the sound that everyone expect from you. And Tool13 years of wait is well rewarded. I listened Fear Inoculum more then 50 times before album was out and it is perfect song. 10 minutes feels like 2. Sam is with album. It has everything I wanted from Tool album but more mature. When you have such recognizable sound like Tool it is very hard to create something new but not to fat away from the sound that everyone expect from you. And Tool did just that. Great album in every aspect… Expand
  4. mintlo
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    I'm a TOOL fanboy and I love the album. I get that they're an acquired taste. I think it's great.
  5. 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.
  6. twaddle
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    It's been a long time coming and it's been worth the wait. 'Fear Inoculum' is the best album of this decade.
  7. Jes1310
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    Fear Inoculum sounds like TOOL, the feeling, the sounds, the production, the visuals are all TOOL. I do not think this will make the TOON fanbase grow, because this is not their most accessible album. But then again the hype surrounding this record has been overwhelming, and that might lead new followers to TOOL.
    Fear Inoculum demands a lot from the listener, and the 10+ minutes song are    Fear Inoculum sounds like TOOL, the feeling, the sounds, the production, the visuals are all TOOL. I do not think this will make the TOON fanbase grow, because this is not their most accessible album. But then again the hype surrounding this record has been overwhelming, and that might lead new followers to TOOL.
    Fear Inoculum demands a lot from the listener, and the 10+ minutes song are all capable of mesmerizing the listener if the person listening is patient. Patience might be not be the thing in 2019, but try it, and you will be rewarded.

    Personally I think the songs are awesome and much better than I had hoped and for me it adds a lot to the legacy of TOOL.    … Expand
  8. JokerInTheGame
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Unlimited power! Has been and always will be my favorite band. Perhaps that makes me bias, but Tool is just genius.
  9. Jugmonkey
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Outstanding from from to back. If you're a Tool fan it definitely delivers. One of the greatest bands to ever deliver the hard rock goods. 7empest is 15:43 of head crushing goodness.
  10. BryanFurysMom
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    Fear Inoculum is a masterpiece. It's a Tool album that fits in nicely with the rest of their discography and certainly as a proper follow up to 10,000 Days. Even 13 years later is sounds like they never missed a beat, never lost their sound or their skills, or their vision. Maynard James Keenan's lyrics are as sharp and mysterious as ever; his voice is still spectacular. The combination ofFear Inoculum is a masterpiece. It's a Tool album that fits in nicely with the rest of their discography and certainly as a proper follow up to 10,000 Days. Even 13 years later is sounds like they never missed a beat, never lost their sound or their skills, or their vision. Maynard James Keenan's lyrics are as sharp and mysterious as ever; his voice is still spectacular. The combination of Adam Jones' unique guitars, Justin Chancellor's booming bass, and Danny Carey's carefully controlled chaos on the drums still give me chills after all these years. It doesn't feel Tool's been gone for 13 years. It feels like they've still been here all along. If you hate this album, if you can't listen to it...then you're not a Tool fan. You never were. THIS IS TOOL. THIS IS WHAT THEY SOUND LIKE.… Expand
  11. Panhodny
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    As usual not first listen friendly (hence some of the negative reviews) but incredibly rewarding with time.
  12. Crais
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    This is a triumphant 13 year return to form for TOOL. This isn't like Undertow, 10,000 days or any other album so, if you were expecting to rock out to some “Stinkfist”, "Sober" or “Ænema”, you’ve absolutely have come to the wrong place. This is a epic and soulful musical journey. The words sung by M. J. Keenan are a lot to digest, and dissect on this record. "Stay the grand finale
    Stay    This is a triumphant 13 year return to form for TOOL. This isn't like Undertow, 10,000 days or any other album so, if you were expecting to rock out to some “Stinkfist”, "Sober" or “Ænema”, you’ve absolutely have come to the wrong place. This is a epic and soulful musical journey. The words sung by M. J. Keenan are a lot to digest, and dissect on this record. "Stay the grand finale
    Stay the reading of our swan song and epilogue" sings Maynard on "Descending" hinting that this may not be the end, but if it is, TOOL surely ended on a high note.    … Expand
  13. 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.
  14. guitarpete987
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    This is the best way I can put it. Tool has delivered with Fear Inoculum. It doesn't suck. To what degree you love it depends on a few factors.
    1. If you're a fan with an open mind to their evolution and accepting of them creating art that is reflective of where they are right now in life, you will love it. They're acting their age and doing it splendidly.
    2. If you're a fan who longs    This is the best way I can put it. Tool has delivered with Fear Inoculum. It doesn't suck. To what degree you love it depends on a few factors.
    1. If you're a fan with an open mind to their evolution and accepting of them creating art that is reflective of where they are right now in life, you will love it. They're acting their age and doing it splendidly.
    2. If you're a fan who longs for their earlier more aggressive sound, and already thought the songs were starting to get too long and samey sounding on Lateralus and 10,000 Days, then you will like this album but will probably feel like "what?! That's it after 13 years?" and wonder how all the people who love it are feeling so strongly about it. But you'll probably still play it all the time.

    The only people I see online who say it "sucks" sure seem to be (based on the way they act toward others) trolls. As a fan since nearly the beginning, I'll say this: it doesn't suck. It's practically delusional to consider something this finely crafted and performed as sucking. But your degree of loving it will depend DEEPLY on what YOU expect from it.    … Expand
  15. Killabytz
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    Best album ever! Only sheep that never understood Tool hate on this album, it’s absolute perfection..change my mind??
  16. 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
  17. metal666
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Best album ever its all your time woth ;)
    This is the prog gods finest work
  18. djangojimi
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Tool is best at being Tool; they are always supremely idiosyncratic and true to their own sound as the classic 4-piece band in the mold of Sabbath and Zeppelin (and keeping the flame alive for the sound they created and which has been emulated countless times since Opiate/Undertow). Regardless of their absence or a casual fan’s opinion about A Perfect Circle or Puscifer, this album isTool is best at being Tool; they are always supremely idiosyncratic and true to their own sound as the classic 4-piece band in the mold of Sabbath and Zeppelin (and keeping the flame alive for the sound they created and which has been emulated countless times since Opiate/Undertow). Regardless of their absence or a casual fan’s opinion about A Perfect Circle or Puscifer, this album is another perfect crystallization of Tool’s ethos: heaviness, thoughtfulness, turning dismay or confusion into beautiful art. Favorite tracks of mine are 7empest, Pneuma, Fear Inoculum, one of the coolest drum solo songs put down as a studio album track (Chocolate Chip Trip)...aw hell, the whole album. Users or “fans” who express boredom or dismay that Tool haven’t fulfilled some fantastical expectations from a 13 year studio album hiatus should ask themselves this: what did you expect? Tool to all of a sudden sound like Gojira or Meshuggah? I’m definitely puzzled by how people would expect Tool to metamorphose into something they’re not.… Expand
  19. litbright
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    It took quite a few spins but I suddenly found myself loving Fear Inoculum. Listening from start to finish, not skipping the interludes, and out of nowhere it became a magical experience every bit as wonderful as previous Tool albums. Listen with the best headphones you can find or go to the quietest space available, and just allocate some time to sit and listen properly withoutIt took quite a few spins but I suddenly found myself loving Fear Inoculum. Listening from start to finish, not skipping the interludes, and out of nowhere it became a magical experience every bit as wonderful as previous Tool albums. Listen with the best headphones you can find or go to the quietest space available, and just allocate some time to sit and listen properly without interruption. Worth every day of the 13 year wait.… Expand
  20. MilkXy
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    I never write reviews. So Since I'm here Best to grab a copy of this Gem. It's truly a Masterpiece. I really hope TOOL continues to write music!
  21. Markitoz
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    It's Tool, Danny Carey is excellent, Adam Jones and Justin Chancellor in the best form of their career, and Maynard, without screams, takes a rol more like a narrator of the songs, but in the end, you have that feeling of satisfaction.
  22. vagman
    Dec 25, 2019
    10
    Never being a tool fan until now.Have heard some of their most knowned songs and liked them but never gone through listening a complete album.This one made me revisit their oldest work.Can easylly say its thei best and an amazing album.Its being since my early 20s that i find myself captivated by an lp and listening it over and over again.With a good set of headphones its a magicalNever being a tool fan until now.Have heard some of their most knowned songs and liked them but never gone through listening a complete album.This one made me revisit their oldest work.Can easylly say its thei best and an amazing album.Its being since my early 20s that i find myself captivated by an lp and listening it over and over again.With a good set of headphones its a magical experience best think ive listened as far a production.… Expand
  23. DieMyDarling
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    I feel like there is always a cultural barometer that exists for every music release: where does it fit in in the current geopolitical climate? How does it capture the attention of the youth? To say that such barometers are meaningless in considering this album feels almost too obvious, yet it is so singular that it cannot be overstated. This album exists in a space encompassing 13 longI feel like there is always a cultural barometer that exists for every music release: where does it fit in in the current geopolitical climate? How does it capture the attention of the youth? To say that such barometers are meaningless in considering this album feels almost too obvious, yet it is so singular that it cannot be overstated. This album exists in a space encompassing 13 long years and in doing so does not even try to comment on the present. It speaks in sweeping gestures lyrically, encompassing such universal beliefs that life is ruled by fear, or that we all struggle to remain relevant while constantly heading toward obsolescence. Musically this album does not give a flying **** about what the kids are into. There are no sing-along choruses. There are no pleas to a disenfranchised youth. There are no BASS DROPS. There is only a sonic landscape that requires effort to indulge in and comprehend.

    As always, TOOL is using complicated time signatures and polyrhythms to keep the listener on their toes throughout plodding passages that would otherwise be snoozefests. Trying to figure out what Danny Carey is even doing is always one of the great pleasures of listening to a TOOL album and this one is as far from disappointment on that front as you could imagine. Adam Jones even gets to go nuts, as 7empest is a monolithic riff crucible that does not stop delivering for nearly 16 minutes. Pneuma - like Parabola before it - asks us to sit back and comprehend what a beauty life could (and should) be if we can only get out of our own way.

    If there is something negative to be said about the album, it's that the vocals are too tame. Even spots where it feels like Maynard should be cutting loose (the end of Invincible and Culling Voices, for example) he just sits back. Even if you don't care if he is getting aggressive, he is also way too shy about his vocal range. Parts of Fear Inoculum (the song) and Invincible really could have been sung much more dynamically (he proved he can do it on The Pot) but he just rests on his laurels.

    The fact that such an album could even exist let alone be embraced in 2019 is something to be celebrated. For people who long for the "old" TOOL, they are gone and thank god, because we needed this album more than we ever knew.    … Expand
  24. Venussbrc
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wow, this album is just amazing. 80 minutes traveling in my mind and soul. Open your ears… Expand
  25. PhillsAcer
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Great LP. Layered an mysterious. Every time you play the album, other details appear. Real masterpiece.
  26. Mement0
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    This album is another masterpiece they've produced.

    It's so clinical yet chaotic but disciplined. A perfect blend. The musicianship is otherworldly. Jones has produced his best work to date. All the tracks challenge you as a listener and require your full attention to genuinely appreciate and enjoy. After each listen it grows on me more and more. Layered beautiful album. This    This album is another masterpiece they've produced.

    It's so clinical yet chaotic but disciplined. A perfect blend.

    The musicianship is otherworldly. Jones has produced his best work to date.

    All the tracks challenge you as a listener and require your full attention to genuinely appreciate and enjoy. After each listen it grows on me more and more. Layered beautiful album.

    This album is not for the impatient and people looking for quick easy melodies. Be patient!!!    … Expand
  27. jburrelluk
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    A majestic beast of a record that people will be exploring for years to come. Nothing particularly new here but when it comes to this band, how is that a bad thing? Sits beautifully in their catalogue. Hope its not their last release!
  28. ioneil1
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    At first listen I would have said 8/10, but in classic TOOL fashion this gets better with each successive listen. The details in each of these records is staggering. All members were on top of their game on this one. Phenomenal album. Welcome back TOOL!
  29. martinileemart
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    It grows like fine wine. I rated it after 10-20 listens but it’s perfection.
  30. PhillipD
    Sep 4, 2019
    10
    13 years in the making, those who are worried that time would perhaps deliver something other than exceptional need not worry, this is a truly majestic piece of work. Layered and textured, like previous Tool albums, this album deserves your attention with nuances that become apparent upon further listening, a feast for the ears. The music is different to previous albums in that it is13 years in the making, those who are worried that time would perhaps deliver something other than exceptional need not worry, this is a truly majestic piece of work. Layered and textured, like previous Tool albums, this album deserves your attention with nuances that become apparent upon further listening, a feast for the ears. The music is different to previous albums in that it is softer in parts (these guys are 13 years older) a little of the anger has gone but still the quiet gives way to chugging guitar and machine like drumming, the bass drum sounds like a Harley motorbike starting up, insane. A great clean mix with bass guitar to the forefront with the drums over this rather than behind gives it a freshness, Adam's technical licks give it that high end, and Maynard's signing transcendent, forced at times, but still restrained, sublime. 10/10 for a Tool fan, 8/10 for a non fan that must appreciate the fine craft, scores of 0? That's not really fair on what is in my opinion their best work.… 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.
    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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