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Rating: THE REVIEW
The beginning.
"Undertow" is the pivotal word in the career of the extraordinary Tool; it doesn't matter that "Opiate" had already been released in 1992, the fact is that Tool began their ascent to the throne of the music world solely in '93 thanks to this great CD. With their rise, the band would forever change the way music is written, played, and interpreted: they would destroy the curricular structures, thereby distancing any rules from their genre, fuse music and philosophy until they create a seamless blend of both; it's the transition from one era to another, and "Undertow" is the beginning of that transition.
In "Undertow" we find a different genre compared to "Ænima" and "Lateralus": it is an ambitious and claustrophobic union of metal and psychoanalysis of the mental abysses. A record that is hostile, sinister, draining. The Tool, as expected, are not yet in the final stage of their wild evolution, they are still open to the genres of music that influenced them (such as their friends Rage Against The Machine, or other Metal groups), although already in songs like Flood (magnificent by the way), and "Swamp Song" there is a very noticeable departure by Maynard & co. from "current" music.
Undertow includes masterpieces: "Prison Sex", "Sober" and "Flood", slightly more accessible to the public than the future hits, particularly the first two songs have awarded Carey & co. the platinum record that made them immortal. But the greatness of the album is not in the individual pieces, but the union of them from the initial "Intolerance" of unheard power to the unsettling refrain ...this is necessary... of the bracket "Disgustipated" that closes the album: "Undertow" is a brilliant puzzle made up of 10 very distinctive pieces.
It should be emphasized not only the monstrously energetic and perfect voice for Maynard's genre of music but also the usual crazy effects of Jones that manage to create a completely surreal atmosphere, never like in Tool is a real atmosphere highlighted alongside the music, as if it were important to understand the feelings expressed in the song.
If you can't appreciate Tool, and their genre of music represents only an ineffable substance to you, then "Undertow", being more accessible to the public, will be your guide to understand their entire career and even the more complex works like "Lateralus" and "10,000 Days".
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Summary by Bot
Tool's 'Undertow' marks a critical turning point in the band's career and the metal genre. The album blends heavy metal with deep philosophical themes, showcasing a departure from typical genre conventions. Featuring standout tracks like 'Prison Sex', 'Sober', and 'Flood', 'Undertow' offers a dark, intense experience that remains more accessible than Tool's later albums. The synergy of Maynard's voice and Jones's effects creates a unique atmosphere that deeply expresses the music's emotional weight.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Tool
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles known for long, complex compositions, dense production and striking visuals; their albums (Ænima, Lateralus, Undertow among others) are central to modern progressive/alternative metal.53 Reviews
Other reviews
By alex1
Undertow shows how Maynard & Co. are capable of transporting the listener to a parallel universe where reality is entirely subjugated by emotions.
Undertow is the essence of a reverse catharsis that sees, on the horizon, not redemption but complete symbiosis with the very evil that afflicts us.
By Skillfactory
The CD begins in full Tool style, with a sound that gives the impression of a diver who has run out of oxygen or has had their air hose cut, a perfect premise for instilling that sense of suffocation and unease that Tool convey.
Maynard first criticized the excessive expenses paid by Ron Hubbard’s followers to be devoted to his Church. Then, he began making strange noises into the microphone, imitating a sheep’s bleat (as if accusing the audience of behaving like a flock of sheep).
By Uomodimerda
If this album were a laxative, by now I would have crapped out even my soul.
After this album, everything else will seem useless and superfluous.
