OCTOBER 23rd, 2023
TOOL
Review by Metallic Barbie
Photos by Peter Ruttan

http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/tool/

A single word used as a noun, adjective or band name that invites so much admiration, loyalty, and respect, can only be Tool.  But before spewing about them, a word about opener Steel Beans (aka Jeremy DeBardi of Everett, WA): the Ron Jeremy -esque one man guitarist, drummer, vocalist, the social media sensation who this night boldly told early arrivals to “eat my shit and suck my dick Tool asked me to be here personally”, mixed comedy and musicianship into a unique presentation no one saw coming.  While not at all in the Tool sonic vein, more of a White Stripes/Rival Sons-type sound, DeBardi impressed handling triple duty his entire set.

Out on their Fear Inoculum North American Tour, vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones, bassist Justin Chancellor and drummer Danny Carey transitioned in and spread the word with trademark intense visuals and a chilling sonic performance. Without hesitation, charging right into the tour’s namesake tune, the quartet allowed an unusual amount of light on their stage to give die-hards rare glimpses of Keenan as he belted out his signature howls alongside the drum kit. The set was rife with meticulous guitar articulation from Jones, distinguished bass wizardry from Chancellor and otherworldly beats from Carey, one of the most revered drummers on the scene.

The crowd swelled and undulated with favourites “Jambi” and “The Pot”, a horrific mass of limbs writhing with the beats and in time with the visuals.  As a band known for their kinetic presence through backdrops of intricate design and human-like creatures, Tool did not disappoint, wrapping the front of the drum and side risers with extra screens to create a completely immersive and psychedelic experience.

Highlights like a legit intermission, Keenan’s blonde mohawk, and Carey’s gong will only be overshadowed by the musical mastery that took place shared by all within the arena.  However, a universal gripe about the setlist being too heavy with new material and falling short of delivering the classics, a camp to which I subscribe, was somewhat mitigated by spitting closer “Ænema” at the rabid crowd. While the beer flowed, the weed burned, and Tool raged front and centre, there was no denying the absolute domination this band has in the hard rock world, let alone in the mind and in the senses.  They continue eastbound into Edmonton, AB, on October 25, sometimes slithering and sometimes splintering eardrums all along their path.  A final note of advice: drug with friends cause someone will invariably have to snap your ass back to this universe at some point in the visual soundscape.  Happy Tool-ing all