Lateralus
by Tool
  • Record Label: Volcano
  • Release Date: May 15, 2001
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 641 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 580 out of 641
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 641
  3. Negative: 58 out of 641

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  1. dustinm
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    this cd had it all. it had some of the best drums ive ever seen eith ticks and leeches and the grudge. great bass with schism. it just was huge. but it just hit every connection with me. the lyrics were amazing. it should be rated much higher.
  2. derekr
    May 22, 2005
    10
    the perfect metal album
  3. JorgeP
    May 23, 2005
    10
    Amazing. Period
  4. Dan
    Aug 12, 2005
    10
    Amazing, shows that this band continues on in not disappointing its listeners.
  5. MyaI
    Feb 14, 2006
    10
    No doubt the BEST album out there today.
  6. M-Stylez
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    Lateralus is better than Aenema and Undertow because of the more pronounced and more complex use of time signature changes, the cleaner production and the overall better variety of songs. For me, musical expression is about being passionate and different, and Tool hits the mark on Lateralus, standing above their piers as the best. There is a reason why many people consider Lateralus to be Lateralus is better than Aenema and Undertow because of the more pronounced and more complex use of time signature changes, the cleaner production and the overall better variety of songs. For me, musical expression is about being passionate and different, and Tool hits the mark on Lateralus, standing above their piers as the best. There is a reason why many people consider Lateralus to be one of the greatest albums of all time. Listen to the songs titled "The Grudge," "Ticks and Leaches," "Lateralus" and "Schism," and decide for yourself if Lateralus is your cup of tea.… Expand
  7. JDWilliams
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    Amazing! One of the best albums ever released...no doubt. Maynard and Adam are GODS! as Danny and Justin..are scientists! 10,000 Days their new cd that comes out this coming tueday(May 2nd) is a great followup i recommend buying lateralus and 10,000 days on tuesday and listen to lateralus then listen to 10,000 days and just smoke a joint and enjoy!
  8. StevenO
    May 11, 2006
    10
    two words... F***ing brilliant
  9. zachc
    May 17, 2006
    10
    Lateralus is mind blowing to say the very least and is easily my favorite album of all time. What Tool ended up doing was creating one of the most conceptual and visionary pieces albums in the last quarter century. There is, however, no real way to discuss this album in full unless there were about 100 pages of space to occupy- which there aren't, so I'll comment on the Lateralus is mind blowing to say the very least and is easily my favorite album of all time. What Tool ended up doing was creating one of the most conceptual and visionary pieces albums in the last quarter century. There is, however, no real way to discuss this album in full unless there were about 100 pages of space to occupy- which there aren't, so I'll comment on the essentials: Maynard proves once again that he is one of the most gifted frontmen/lyricists, of our time; Danny Carey is just insane.....i can't believe he's only got two arms; and Lateralus, the title track, might be my all time favorite song. Every time I listen to it I get chills down my spine and have to sit back and remind myself that these guys are just human beings ......or at least I try. In all, Lateralus is epic, it is beautiful, it is deep, it is dark, and is a clear indicator that music's future is bright indeed.… Expand
  10. KyleL
    May 19, 2006
    10
    This CD is a masterpiece. I think it is the best CD released in the past 25 or more years. The ONLY thing I didn't care for was the last "track", but that doesn't even count, because it's at the very end and its not even a song. I actually enjoyed all of the fillers in Lateralus. I HATED most on Aenima. This CD has the best flow of any I've listened to since Dark SIde This CD is a masterpiece. I think it is the best CD released in the past 25 or more years. The ONLY thing I didn't care for was the last "track", but that doesn't even count, because it's at the very end and its not even a song. I actually enjoyed all of the fillers in Lateralus. I HATED most on Aenima. This CD has the best flow of any I've listened to since Dark SIde of the Moon.… Expand
  11. Jeff
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    Brilliant.
  12. RobH
    Jul 15, 2006
    8
    This is a very good album, but common, best in History? The people reviewing this album have obviosuly never heard Dark Side, Sgt. Pepper's, Revolver, Let it Bleed, or OK Computer. There are also better Hard rock albums out there, such as Paranoid, Master of Puppets, RATM, and Led Zep's 1st album. This is very good, but in no way historical.
  13. Michaelk
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    this is stuning! album you can listen to again and again for years and always find some thing new in it! an album thet caries ideas and a concept its and album thet makes you think! wthl briliant deep multy layerd lyrics and music, with complexity any band can learn from! i guess some of this critics dosnt have the brains to actualy understand what its all about.... but if you looking for this is stuning! album you can listen to again and again for years and always find some thing new in it! an album thet caries ideas and a concept its and album thet makes you think! wthl briliant deep multy layerd lyrics and music, with complexity any band can learn from! i guess some of this critics dosnt have the brains to actualy understand what its all about.... but if you looking for a smart original and deep progmetal albumthet dilivers on all fronts this is the one for you! absolute masterpeice!… Expand
  14. TheressaH.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    best album ever.
  15. WadeP.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    For enlightened people only. If you don't get it your too ignorant.
  16. JamesM
    Dec 19, 2007
    10
    Lateralus stands up as one of the greatest accomplishments in modern prog. With it, Tool have created new sound which is mimicked by musicians across the globe, and it will be listed as a key influence by the prog heroes of tomorrow. One look at the professional reviews is proof that you can't always believe what you read.
  17. SunShine
    Jan 22, 2007
    10
    By far the most amazing song I have ever heard, can never get bored with it. Tool is the God of inteligent music.
  18. ChadM.
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    the people who don't give this cd a 10 must not comprehend the in deep meaning of every song and cd as a whole i could listen to this cd all day and never try understand it so it stays fresh and knew everything you listen to it youtae just a little more from it it is a amazing work of art and music
  19. CianH
    Dec 26, 2008
    10
    Quite possibly the greatest album ever recorded, it takes time to find the sweet spots but it's oh so worth it. Genius.
  20. ShareefS.
    Nov 12, 2001
    10
    could not have been better -- takes a minute to get use to -- but when you listen to the words and zone out makes so much sense and it pulls you into the world of tool -- all you can do is let go and be free and just let it take hold of you ...
  21. JimG.
    Nov 28, 2001
    10
    As late 30s, long-time Rush and Pink Floyd fan, its been awhile since I've heard new music to get excited about. Not any more. Lateralus opened the door for me to find Aenima, Undertow, Opiate and Salival. Where was Tool when I was 21?
  22. SteveStevie
    Nov 15, 2003
    10
    Its Too Long To listen to in 1 session but its a totally incredible CD
  23. Joe
    Nov 26, 2004
    10
    Excellent. The closest thing a band can come to perfection.
  24. JamieB.
    Dec 22, 2004
    10
    Lateralus the album is by far the best album ever created. I love the album and the songs esp. Lateralus and Schism. Maynard has an awesome voice and the song lyrics are deep.
  25. stevem
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    go figure it out your self people they have broke through on those music chains that have let most people wana link bands to one another when tool cant be compared to another, they stand alone with their own sound,
  26. AliP
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    Simply put, the greatest, complex and most beautiful album ever made. Anyone who hates this seriously must be crazy (ie Pitchfork and the other retards who gave this less than 10).
  27. AlanD
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    This is what music is missing from now a days tunes that are being produced. 100% of amazing went into this.
  28. MattD
    Dec 14, 2006
    10
    Im sorry but Lateralus is perfect in every way. If you didnt score this album AT LEAST 8 then you obviously dont like any music of this genre or you are a completely retarded 13 year old nu-metal punk b*tch who frankly shouldnt be reviewing it. Full stop.
  29. Justin
    Dec 29, 2006
    10
    Lateralus is a work of Art.
  30. DamienL
    Nov 14, 2007
    10
    Lateralus is Tool's best album, HANDS DOWN. It's the most beautiful, inspiring piece of work ever. Keep in mind though, Tool's music has always been an acquired taste. Don't listen to some of these idiotic critics (especially pitchfork.)
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Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2001
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2001
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Wall of Sound
    83
    A 79-minute sonic sojourn of hard rock delivered with an arty, fusion-conscious sensibility rooted most obviously from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Jane's Addiction.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    Ultimately, it's Tool's experimental, borderline progressive, edge that proves most rewarding. [Aug 2001, p.141]
  3. Dot Music
    90
    It is dense, it is long, it is complicated. It is also a magnificent triumph of artistry over blind anger.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »