Angry, wrenching songs and primal beats fill the release. At times, the band allows the music to float through multiple distorted guitar riffs, giving it a celestial quality. These are the album's best moments and the most eloquent demonstration of Tool's creativity. They are, however, regrettably sparse. The band does it so often on this album, though, it eventually sounds like a collection of B-side noodlings.
Nothing is danceable, singable or memorable.
As a result, the concert-like feel that made Tool's first album such a success is lost, despite the inclusion of some material from the band's live acts. This is a shame because the talent in Tool is overflowing. Guitarist Adam Jones is sharp and expressive and blends well with recently signed bassist Justin Chancellor. The two take turns at the forefront songs, much like Les Claypool and Larry Lalonde of Primus. In similar fashion, Chancellor fills the entire album with catchy bass riffs, and drummer Danny Carey dictates the relentless speed of the album.