With Lateralus , you must endure pulverizing beats, off-kilter experiments and jazzy experimentation, sometimes within the same song. Some of the songs, if you can even call them that, run in excess of seven minutes. But Tool's rabid fan base would want nothing less. Adam Jones is also in top form, able to withstand the dynamic changes from thrashing intensity to eerie mood music. Justin Chancellor's bass work is also key in establishing Tool's presence.
Few bassists have the ability to create a staple sound of a band with only a couple of chords.
However, drummer Danny Carey may get the MVP honors on this outing. Always an amazing asset, this time, Carey explodes with an intensity that has been building since the Opiate days. When it comes to sheer power, Tool's aggression is noticeably toned down. As for the rest of the album, well, there's a bit of everything in each track. Unfortunately, this can be a bit daunting at times.