Tool formed in Los Angeles in 1990 — Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Danny Carey, and Justin Chancellor — building progressive metal from shifting time signatures and immersive visual art. Lateralus (2001) and Ænima (1996) are the pillars; the holographic Fear Inoculum editions are collector catnip. Find Tool vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Tool formed in Los Angeles, California in 1990. The lineup is Maynard James Keenan (vocals), Adam Jones (guitar), Danny Carey (drums), and Justin Chancellor (bass), who replaced founding bassist Paul D'Amour in 1995. The band is known for a deliberate, perfectionist approach, releasing albums years apart and maintaining tight control over its visual and conceptual presentation. Keenan is also known for his work in A Perfect Circle and Puscifer.
Tool play progressive metal and alternative metal characterized by intricate, shifting time signatures, extended song structures, dense dynamics, and philosophical and psychological lyrical themes. Adam Jones's textured guitar work, Danny Carey's elaborate drumming, and Keenan's expressive vocals combine with striking visual art and music videos to form a distinctive, immersive identity widely studied within heavy music.
Tool's catalog is highly collectible, with elaborate special editions including the holographic-cover Fear Inoculum and various picture-disc and box configurations. The band's long absence from streaming heightened demand for physical copies, and original pressings of Ænima and Lateralus are sought after.
Listeners new to Tool often start with Lateralus (2001) or Ænima (1996). For related listening, see and .
