IoMP 188: TOOL – Are They Rock or Metal?
Tool. Progressive metal legends? Progressive rock masterminds? Or just a band that makes really complicated music?
It's time for another edition of Are They Rock or Metal? on the Influencers of Metal Podcast, and this time, Collin and Tom are tackling a band that's almost guaranteed to spark some arguments: Tool!
Known for their unconventional time signatures, lengthy compositions, intricate musicianship, and thought-provoking lyrics, Tool have earned a reputation as one of the most distinctive bands in progressive music. But despite frequently being categorized as metal, do they actually have the heaviness to back it up?
Collin certainly has some thoughts.
After listening through Tool's discography in preparation for the episode, Collin comes armed with some brutally honest opinions about the band's songwriting, album lengths, and overall sound. Let's just say he isn't rushing to listen to Fear Inoculum again anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Tom takes a more analytical approach, explaining why Tool's music often demands more than a casual listen. From the unusual rhythmic structure of "Vicarious" to the musical puzzle pieces of "Schism," he explores how Tool uses its instrumentation to reinforce the messages behind its songs.
But even with all that musical brilliance, there's still one question to answer: Does complexity automatically make something metal?
Throughout the episode, the guys compare Tool's sound with bands like Rush, Dream Theater, Soundgarden, and HIM, explore the differences between progressive rock and progressive metal, and debate whether Tool's heaviest moments are enough to push them across the genre boundary.
They also discuss Maynard James Keenan's vocals, the experience of listening to Tool's albums versus individual songs, and the band's unusual approach to live performances.
So, are Tool really a metal band, or has the metal community simply adopted them as one of its own?
Click play to hear Collin and Tom debate Tool, deliver their verdict, and potentially upset a few progressive music fans in the process!
And once you've listened, let us know: Is Tool ROCK or METAL?
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