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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. JoeH
    Mar 21, 2009
    10
    This is the album I keep coming back to over and over and over again! My CD collection would never be complete without this album and to this day, it is the only album to which I continuously listen. Each and every song is a testament to how talented Tool is. Listen to this album!
  2. aalapd
    Jan 31, 2011
    10
    I couldn't stop listening to Tool for an entire year. This album is a favourite. The poly-rhythms, intense guitars yet a far mellower-than-before sounding Maynard, give you a life long's worth of spine chilling, introspective, life-changing music.
  3. ChrisR.
    Oct 6, 2007
    8
    Pitchfork Now, with the early new century demanding "opuses," Tool follows suit. The problem is, Tool defines "opus" as taking their "defining element" (wanking sludge) and stretching it out to the maximum digital capacity of a compact disc. Fuck Pitchfork and it's whiny little voice. If Pitchfork was a person he would be the geek from High School scampering through the hall with his Pitchfork Now, with the early new century demanding "opuses," Tool follows suit. The problem is, Tool defines "opus" as taking their "defining element" (wanking sludge) and stretching it out to the maximum digital capacity of a compact disc. Fuck Pitchfork and it's whiny little voice. If Pitchfork was a person he would be the geek from High School scampering through the hall with his ripped, shit stained underwear from all the wedgies he gets. No wonder he hates Tool. This is the bully's music.… Expand
  4. Olly
    Aug 13, 2003
    10
    My Definition of a Pitchfork Reviewer : Nihilistic too-cool to be cool E-head who masturbates over The Face magazine, thinks music is all about fashion, thinks music is all about interior decoration of their ego, thinks music should conform to "coolness rules".
  5. Anon
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    Critics are unreliable, plain and simple. I just sat and read the pile of crap written by Pitchfork and it is evident that they have no idea what decent music sounds like, let alone brilliant music. On to Tool. Maynard voice remains as astounding as with Aenima, filling me with as strange sensation of calmness. The rest of the band are on fire, from the buzzing rifs to the amazing Critics are unreliable, plain and simple. I just sat and read the pile of crap written by Pitchfork and it is evident that they have no idea what decent music sounds like, let alone brilliant music. On to Tool. Maynard voice remains as astounding as with Aenima, filling me with as strange sensation of calmness. The rest of the band are on fire, from the buzzing rifs to the amazing drumming there is not one moment that disappoints. But where Tool truly shine is the hidden meaning behind their songs. You could listen to the Album in just over an hour and then take hours decyphering the meaningful lyrics. All in all a great album.… Expand
  6. DevinT.
    Jan 12, 2002
    10
    out of site into mind
  7. metall94
    Jan 20, 2012
    10
    My meaningless opinion, this is perhaps 1 of 8 perfect albums ever made. I don't understand the people who claim to hate Tool but spend their time talking about Tool and their fans. I don't understand reviewing something you admit you have never even listened to. What a sad, angry life you must live. I don't dislike you, I feel sorry for you. Oh yeah and allow me to lecture you on theMy meaningless opinion, this is perhaps 1 of 8 perfect albums ever made. I don't understand the people who claim to hate Tool but spend their time talking about Tool and their fans. I don't understand reviewing something you admit you have never even listened to. What a sad, angry life you must live. I don't dislike you, I feel sorry for you. Oh yeah and allow me to lecture you on the importance of respecting people's taste in music as I bash Tool fans because of their taste in music. You really don't get it. It's okay though.… Expand
  8. Scraper
    Mar 4, 2015
    3
    I don't know why Tool is constantly breaking up their rhythms, in songs and along the album. As soon as something gets going it has to stop on a dime for a lonely note progression. The album is busted into pieces by tracks used entirely for noises and moans/wails. It's a trick played on the listener to not get too comfortable. It makes the diehard fanbase feel smart because they canI don't know why Tool is constantly breaking up their rhythms, in songs and along the album. As soon as something gets going it has to stop on a dime for a lonely note progression. The album is busted into pieces by tracks used entirely for noises and moans/wails. It's a trick played on the listener to not get too comfortable. It makes the diehard fanbase feel smart because they can stomach it. This band has the ability to outspeak the social conventions it's railing against which is what I'm hungry for, but Lateralus feels like a hideaway. Too sullen and unlistenable in spots to keep people from enjoying it too much.… Expand
  9. C.NileD.
    Oct 6, 2007
    0
    Good, now that I have your attention... This album is most definitely not a zero when it comes to scoring, but I cannot see this album being a perfect 10 on this scale. It is a decent album and I love the music, but it is not enough to be perfect.
  10. pablo4
    Oct 25, 2015
    3
    Generally a very repetitive and boring album. All songs sound similar. And there are way too much pointless intermissions between the songs trying to be dark and deep while actually achieving to be psuedo-spiritually annoying.
  11. JerothD
    Jul 4, 2004
    10
    Nothing short of absoltely INCREDIBLE. Finally a group has created an album that has surpassed the likes of Zeppelin and Floyd, this music isnt just amazing in its structure, it actually makes you see spirals and geometric shapes at parts of the album, and makes muscles in your legs twitch in rythm to the music, not main big muslec, but tiny intricate movements, feels like a wave of Nothing short of absoltely INCREDIBLE. Finally a group has created an album that has surpassed the likes of Zeppelin and Floyd, this music isnt just amazing in its structure, it actually makes you see spirals and geometric shapes at parts of the album, and makes muscles in your legs twitch in rythm to the music, not main big muslec, but tiny intricate movements, feels like a wave of moving muscles. So much for music being so powerfull that you hairs on your arms can stand up, they have taken music to a new level.… Expand
  12. NaveedS.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Greatest rock album of all time, Tool appeals to all senses. Don't believe critics, believe users. Critics rate Lateralus like chicken mcnuggets, I rate it as music and art. When it comes to that, it's a 10.
  13. John
    Nov 2, 2004
    1
    So, perhaps I have just never been "stoned out of my gourd" enough to appreciate this, but as it is, it feels extremely distanced, entirely unwelcoming. It's also the most atrociously overproduced, pretentious album in a long, long while. Tool hasn't released a decent album since Undertow.
  14. insanedrum
    Oct 7, 2004
    0
    Boring, slow, tuneless, unremarkable, lame, pretentious, behind the times, completely categorical. Tool proves that a lot of people have no idea what makes a good, creative, palatable band. As for them being metal, Hall and Oates are more metal than they are. That whiny lead singer can't get enough of himself and obviously has a messiah complex. They know they've got control of Boring, slow, tuneless, unremarkable, lame, pretentious, behind the times, completely categorical. Tool proves that a lot of people have no idea what makes a good, creative, palatable band. As for them being metal, Hall and Oates are more metal than they are. That whiny lead singer can't get enough of himself and obviously has a messiah complex. They know they've got control of Tool freaks' minds so they can make any lame nonsensical noises or lyrics and have them be revered to a quasi-religious degree. This shows the condition this country is in. It feels good to blend in with the congregation of Tool worshippers , doesn't it? Like religion, Tool's greatness is not to be questioned according to some posts. Like the TV preachers, Tool loves your money and is building up its own church. Don't be fooled by the anti-Christian stance, they have got their own religion with their own religious nuts who have been posting all over the internet. The music is bland and muddy, the drums uninteresting and plodding, the singer whining and self-righteous, the one-idea songs are moronic, and they are all lazy posers who have never learned to correctly play their instruments. It is a slap in the face that people will idolize Tool as the greatest band ever when there are thousands of better bands that deserve our attention and money. People are too lazy to find their own favorite group and do not like to search for interesting music. Better to fit in with all your Tool loving friends. For a real taste of metal, try Megadeth's new album. Forget Tool, they suck.… Expand
  15. SeamusS
    Oct 2, 2006
    3
    I can't comprehend how anyone can love this music.
  16. MarshallB.
    Jul 7, 2008
    1
    Painfully boring, meandering garbage.
  17. MichaelE.
    Aug 27, 2002
    2
    Almost as bad as their other albums, but not quite. Nice cover graphics.
  18. flea
    Sep 21, 2004
    1
    Well, there is much to be said about Tool. Many people think they are satanic worshipers, but that is false. Tool may be wierd but they are not satanists, the singer has faith in God, isn't that as far from satanism as it gets? Any ways now that that's cleared, I may defend them from outrageous accusations, but they are really overrated and not even really a good band. People Well, there is much to be said about Tool. Many people think they are satanic worshipers, but that is false. Tool may be wierd but they are not satanists, the singer has faith in God, isn't that as far from satanism as it gets? Any ways now that that's cleared, I may defend them from outrageous accusations, but they are really overrated and not even really a good band. People say the bassist is great when he uses a pick?! Come on, the real good bassists are Flea and, well I won't get into that. The giutarist is mediocre, the drummer is mediocre and the bassist completely sucks, making them a status of a below average band. People overpraise them when they really are not even very good mucisians. Good music comes from passion and actually knowing about your instrument. Not drummers that hit everything and bassists that use picks. Overall I hate Tool, and this album is just an example of how much they suck eggs.… Expand
  19. JoshuaT
    Sep 17, 2006
    0
    I'd have to agree with Miles as people see this more as art than music. Cause it's definetely not music. I don't know what it scores as art however since I'm rating it purely based as music.
  20. MilesH
    Sep 7, 2006
    0
    This bad proves people can like anything.
  21. JohnM.
    Nov 29, 2001
    3
    Tool has been getting consistently worse. Not since Undertow have they made a generally good album and since then, their albums have been plagued with such an uneven sound that now, with Lateralus, it is nearly impossible to listen to the album the whole way through - especially when you could care less about what the rest of the album sounds like. Patience and tolerance are key here, and Tool has been getting consistently worse. Not since Undertow have they made a generally good album and since then, their albums have been plagued with such an uneven sound that now, with Lateralus, it is nearly impossible to listen to the album the whole way through - especially when you could care less about what the rest of the album sounds like. Patience and tolerance are key here, and even that can't save you from the filler here. Plus, the majority of the songs from Lateralus sound like re-hashes of past Tool songs, with very few serving to inspire the listener to repeat the track. Also, like the Pitchfork review states, Tool opuses are not really opuses at all, but rather proof that Tool cares more for filling up a CD to its maximum than putting out listenable music. Should have been a five-song EP. Rating: 3/10… Expand
  22. [Anonymous]
    Nov 6, 2001
    0
    THIS BAND SUX! IT'S SATANIC!
  23. JossS.
    Dec 25, 2001
    3
    umm...tool isn't doin anything new here. listenable for maybe ten minutes or so. go listen to some post-rock if you want something similar but quality
  24. ElusiveCat
    Sep 19, 2005
    7
    Their defining element "wanking sludge" (good one {Pitchforkmedia!). Ha Ha Ha. That's definetly true and sad about Tool's overrated guitar sludge. This band and this album particulary, are overrated by its listeners and their zombified fanbase. Overall, the album has some solid riffs and some impressive dymanic tension parts. Though it's much of what has been released in Their defining element "wanking sludge" (good one {Pitchforkmedia!). Ha Ha Ha. That's definetly true and sad about Tool's overrated guitar sludge. This band and this album particulary, are overrated by its listeners and their zombified fanbase. Overall, the album has some solid riffs and some impressive dymanic tension parts. Though it's much of what has been released in Tool's past records. Nothing out of the ordinay, Nothing that contributes to the evolution of rock and roll, but most importantly its accesibilty is only limited to a peculiar taste of rock. Radiohead's Kid A is the true testament of the 21st Century.… Expand
  25. DavidF.
    Oct 10, 2001
    10
    this Cd kicks ass, those who dont think so can suck it
  26. SierraG.
    Jun 10, 2002
    10
    I love Alien Ant Farm's new album "ANThology". It's like Michael Jackson joined a punk rock band! I love it! Rock on!!!
  27. RakS
    Mar 30, 2007
    10
    agree with Aaron W - this album is more of a soundtrack to your personal spiritual awakening. It will be with me forever... food for the soul and delivered with love
  28. ShannonK.
    Oct 1, 2001
    10
    Easily the best album I've heard in at least 5 years!
  29. JohnL.
    Jun 9, 2001
    9
    In your face rock, yet melodic at times. the only thing songs are extended unnecesarily.As a Whole the cd is the best thing out there at the moment.
  30. BomarF.
    Jan 3, 2002
    10
    this is *real* music... uncompromising, brilliant, stunning, dark, iridescent, powerful, triumphant, original, intense, precise, vibrant, dynamic, and beautiful beyond words. Primal and cerebral all at once (no, that's not a contradiction!), with no compromises and zero waffling. Impeccable sense of sonic "space." And not one bit more technical than necessary--absolutely no filler this is *real* music... uncompromising, brilliant, stunning, dark, iridescent, powerful, triumphant, original, intense, precise, vibrant, dynamic, and beautiful beyond words. Primal and cerebral all at once (no, that's not a contradiction!), with no compromises and zero waffling. Impeccable sense of sonic "space." And not one bit more technical than necessary--absolutely no filler notes or filler songs. Tool made this latest offering WAY better than anyone would have ever asked them to...a labor of love... a 12-gauge shotgun blast through the heart of stagnation; a triumph of brilliance over blandness, of inspiration over asinine posturing; of creative vision over A&R guesswork; of artistry over sludgy, bloated, commercialized poodling-around. Buy it.… Expand
prev
Page:

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 »