Tool

manitouman · September 2019

I would probably recommend halfway from the stage in order to take in all the visuals. I seen them in St. Louis just a few years ago and I was halfway back on the side of the arena. I remember the laser show kind of blanketed the people on the floor. It was cool to see that. Never would have seen that if I was on the floor. If you're too close you'll miss most of the visuals. Just my preference. I've been to many Tool shows in all areas of the arena.

benjs · September 2019

manitouman said:

I would probably recommend halfway from the stage in order to take in all the visuals. I seen them in St. Louis just a few years ago and I was halfway back on the side of the arena. I remember the laser show kind of blanketed the people on the floor. It was cool to see that. Never would have seen that if I was on the floor. If you're too close you'll miss most of the visuals. Just my preference. I've been to many Tool shows in all areas of the arena.

I'd tend to agree. I'll be trying for both in Toronto so if I happen to have the luxury of choice, I'll try to be close at one and around halfway back in the wings at another (though I remember missing the symmetry of the visuals and wishing for head-on, the distance isn't worth it).

pearljammr78 · September 2019

After a few deep listens to the new album, I realize that this album might take years to fully digest. Like someone said above, it feels familiar yet so far ahead of anything else it’s not even fair to compare it to other music. The musicianship is unmatched by any band out there right now. The weakest part of the album, if there is such a thing, has to be MJK. But that being said, I think his reserved vocals match the mood and the complexity of the album greatly. Do I wish there was some vintage screams? Of course. But after 13 years, the band hasn’t just gotten back in the game. They’ve changed the whole fucking game. Even the interludes between each epic song are awesome. This album will be dissected by Tool nerds for decades to come. It also has made all other current rock bands reach for that new bar. Outstanding. Astonishing. Breathtaking. Game changing. Just, WOW!

I think that I saw Danny Carey play Chocolate chip trip the last time I saw them live. It was just a drum solo I thought but it seems like a match to the album. It’s awesome!!

And yes, sorry Matt Fucking Cameron, but Danny Carey is the greatest drummer of all time. Hands down. No contest.

Merkin Baller · September 2019

I don’t think Maynard’s vocals are lacking at all, I think the album is pretty damn perfect. If anything, I’m surprised that after 13-1/2 years of waiting, it impossibly lives up to the hype. (Could it actually exceed the hype... it’s REALLY f’ing good).

pearljammr78 · September 2019

Merkin Baller said:

I don’t think Maynard’s vocals are lacking at all, I think the album is pretty damn perfect. If anything, I’m surprised that after 13-1/2 years of waiting, it impossibly lives up to the hype. (Could it actually exceed the hype... it’s REALLY f’ing good).

I don’t think they are lacking. They just seem more reserved for a Tool release. But shit. After 13+ years, MJK has probably aged like his fine wine. I agree, the album is pretty damn perfect. And that’s my opinion after 2 full listens. I usually don’t like albums the first or second listen. Can’t imagine how great it will be after many many many more spins.

Cant wait for the vinyl release!!!

benjs · September 2019

I agree about Maynard - I wish he was more aggressive in the album. It shows his soft side exceptionally, but I miss the harder edge and the primal energy it brings. In 7empest, when he gives that little growl of "here we go again" in sync with the guitar kicking it up a notch, I feel that energy, and I wish it was there more in the album.

pjl44 · September 2019

Maynard has been pretty open about how his voice is not what it used to be. Some songs they don't play live for that reason, others they may adjust the tuning. He's more restrained out of necessity.

pjl44 · September 2019

DewieCox said:

PJNB said:

Whats everyone's favourite section to see Tool? Front row? 10 rows back on the floor? Immediate wings? Other side of the arena on the lower bowl?

I have seen them twice. Once on the lawn at the Gorge and the other was 2nd row at a festival. Both amazing experiences and not sure which one I would give he edge to.

For the first 10k Days arena leg I had front row directly behind the soundboard. Maybe the best seat I’ve ever had to to see a show and that includes spot all over every type of venue. Unquestionably then beat sound I’ve ever heard at a show.

Agree with this 100%. If you can be centered and around the soundboard, that's the prime Tool experience. Especially if any of these shows have a GA section - let everyone else fill in up front and set up in one of those spots.

Gern Blansten · September 2019

We saw them in Louisville back in May...sat in lower bowl facing stage. That seemed perfect to me as we got the full video experience and great sound.

Definitely worth the money. Probably not a band I would see multiple nights due to the consistent setlist but you shouldn't miss them if they are close.

PJNB · September 2019

Gern Blansten said:

We saw them in Louisville back in May...sat in lower bowl facing stage. That seemed perfect to me as we got the full video experience and great sound.

Definitely worth the money. Probably not a band I would see multiple nights due to the consistent setlist but you shouldn't miss them if they are close.

Did you feel like you were too far back though? Thanks for the input everyone.

nicknyr15 · September 2019

pearljammr78 said:

After a few deep listens to the new album, I realize that this album might take years to fully digest. Like someone said above, it feels familiar yet so far ahead of anything else it’s not even fair to compare it to other music. The musicianship is unmatched by any band out there right now. The weakest part of the album, if there is such a thing, has to be MJK. But that being said, I think his reserved vocals match the mood and the complexity of the album greatly. Do I wish there was some vintage screams? Of course. But after 13 years, the band hasn’t just gotten back in the game. They’ve changed the whole fucking game. Even the interludes between each epic song are awesome. This album will be dissected by Tool nerds for decades to come. It also has made all other current rock bands reach for that new bar. Outstanding. Astonishing. Breathtaking. Game changing. Just, WOW!

I think that I saw Danny Carey play Chocolate chip trip the last time I saw them live. It was just a drum solo I thought but it seems like a match to the album. It’s awesome!!

And yes, sorry Matt Fucking Cameron, but Danny Carey is the greatest drummer of all time. Hands down. No contest.

I agree with all of this. And as a drummer, DC is in a league of his own. I can only dream of not only playing his parts, but coming up with them. And yes, it was listed on setlists as CCTrip. So u did see it!! Lol. All these years on the boards and I just found this thread haha. Pearl Jam Tool and Faith No More have always been my top 3.

nicknyr15 · September 2019

Could 7empest be the best thing they’ve ever recorded? I guess time will tell.

manitouman · September 2019

I was going to mention that CCTrip may have been what Danny was playing during some of the shows I had seen. He had all the visuals going too. Like stuff was floating out from behind his drum set.

pearljammr78 · September 2019

It was awesome. With his drum riser having the screen on it so it looked like he was floating in space while making magic.

cp3iverson · September 2019

Caved and bought the CD on eBay. Got it for way way less than the average if that’s any consolation.

Horos · September 2019

I pulled 4th row the day of the show last time they were in town. May have been close but the visuals were still great. Pics aren't that good because security was all over anyone taking photos.