Member-only story
Tool’s ‘Fear Inoculum’ is the sequel to ‘Aenima’ that never happened.
Being a hardcore Tool fan comes with a lot of… let’s call them “conditions.” There’s the undying devotion, the respect for artistry and philosophy, and of course the celebration of Bill Hicks.
Most importantly, though, you should have the self-awareness to recognize you’re basically a cult member. Whether you’re OGT down from the first EP or whether you converted after watching a “Hip Hop Millennial Listens to Tool!!!!” reaction video, there’s something about Tool that rooted itself in you. There’s something about the synthesis of Maynard, Danny, Adam, and Justin (and Paul!) that speaks to you on a subconscious level, that exposes your vulnerabilities and passions and latches on for dear life.
Being a Tool fan means *believing* in Tool . The ironies of that statement are abundant, but I think it’s true. The lyrics, the instruments, the artwork — they all represent pieces of the larger systemic apparatus that deals with Jungian philosophy, mathematical constants, and occultist numerology. Unlike other bands whose music and imagery may be powerful, Tool’s music and imagery are manifestations of the sacred truths that guide humanity’s evolution. (Have I mentioned yet that being a Tool fan means everyone else thinks you’re a pretentious asshole?)
There was no way I could sleep that night. I’ve literally waited 13 years for this moment. I was a junior in high school when Lateralus came out. I was a senior in college when 10,000 Days came out. And now I’m a PhD, restlessly tossing and turning, trying to deceive myself that I might fall asleep. The album had leaked a couple days before and there was a minor controversy over whether fans should or should not listen. I chose to not listen, in part because I remember the kazaa days when Tool’s new album Encephalitis was all over the place (spoiler: it was a virus). But the main reason was because it felt like a betrayal. Maynard and Danny would never know if I listened to the leaked version or waited until August 30th. But I would know.
At midnight, I opened Spotify and at 12:01 it appeared. The opening high-pitch moments of…
