It was just recently that I started listening to the band once known as Toolshed, but now just as Tool. Their sound is compelling to say the least. Maynard has a voice like none other. It is a voice that has a sound of emotion and meaning. The instruments create a great sound, that you either love or hate. Most of their songs have an underlying meaning, which always keeps you interested. After the four albums they have released, I still feel Aenima is the greatest.

The instruments in the songs are like most other rock bands with drums and guitars, but Tool adds a twist in this album. They use other things as instruments, such as in the second track, Eulogy. It starts off with the sound of something tapping together, until it goes into the more traditional rhythm of Tool. The instrumentals in this album are great. Sometimes in the songs, the instruments are louder than Maynard's voice, and this only adds to the great effect of Tool's music.

Maynard's vocals in this album are wonderful. The rise and fall of his voice, makes such a great sound. Maynard is definitely one of my favorite lead singers out of all rock bands. He puts so much emotion and so many feelings into his vocals, that it is almost inspirational to you. I would give Maynard James Keenan's vocal performance on this album 5 stars.

To those not accustomed to Tool, the lyrics on Aenima may make you wonder, "What is he talking about?" Most of the songs on Aenima have an underlying meaning, more so than any other of the Tool records in my opinion. Some may not agree with them, as he sometimes does not agree with Christian beliefs and Jesus. His lyrics are most definitely powerful, and you should pay attention to them. For example, even the name of the group has a sort of weird meaning. They named the band Tool because they wanted to be a tool for people to understand Lachrymology, which translates to the "study of crying."

Although all of the songs on Aenima were good, my favorites on the album are: Stinkfist, Aenima, Third Eye, H., and Forty Six & 2.

Stinkfist has a sexual meaning, but not straight forward. It uses lyrics like "finger deep within the border line," to convey a sexual message. It is no doubt my favorite song on the album though. It has such great instrumentals, and Maynard does a great job on vocals in this song.

Aenima, the title track from the album, is one of my favorites. The sound of the song is great, but I especially love the lyrics. It talks about a tidal wave destroying LA and Hollywood, because Maynard believes all of the people there are fakes. It has a very complicated meaning, but I have explained the basic parts.

Third Eye is such a great track. It starts off with Bill Hicks talking. Bill Hicks is a great comedian, and this album has a lot about him. Even the cover inside the CD, has a drawing of Bill Hicks. It goes on to a very wonderful song that talks about Third Eye, which is basically about opening your self up and understanding the world.

H is another one of my favorite songs. It has a great beat and Maynard does another excellent job on vocals. A lot of people don't exactly understand the title of this song. H is the symbol for hydrogen. Hydrogen forms water, and that forms tears. Tears are the key to Lachrymology, which the band is about.

Forty Six & 2 is another one of my favorites. It is basically about the theory of Forty Six & 2. If you are not familiar with it, it is the theory that humans will evolve to Forty Six & 2 chromosomes. The song is basically saying that society is too stupid to evolve, and Maynard is ready for it to happen.

Finally, I would highly recommend you to buy this album. The language is not that bad, although the album does have a parental advisory. Tool is a great band that does not get old. The lyrics are great, and the music is the best. It will definitely be worth your $15.00 to go out and buy Tool's greatest album yet in my opinion. Just remember to be open when listening to this album and you will enjoy it as much as I have.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Reading or Studying