Opiate
As the title of Tool's 1992 debut implies, they're none too impressed by religion, though other targets--fear ("Cold and Ugly"), hypocritical moralizing ("Jerk-Off"), nonconformity ("Hush")--get their time in the spotlight as well.Opiateis a collection of heavy, aggressive, cynical music (though the tail end of the title track sounds more like acid rock), packaged in songs noticeably shorter than on their later efforts (Undertow, 1993, andAenima, 1996). While not as impressive asUndertow, arguably their finest effort,Opiatehas a definite appeal. If ear-crunching riffs and enraged lyrics are what you go for, check this one out.--Genevieve Williams