Their latest album Fear Inoculum, which features several exceptionally long and dynamic songs that are atypical for active rock airplay, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2019, famously topping even the mighty Taylor Swift at the time. That same year saw the band’s long running absence from the major streaming services end, causing many songs from their back catalogue to hit the charts again as soon as they went online.


So what is it that draws so many people in? First and foremost, it’s the music itself. Each of the four members of Tool are generally considered to be among the top at their respective instruments and roles, and they mesh together in such a way that each member’s parts shine through and feel equally like the key to the band’s sound. Their writing has evolved throughout their career and taken on an intricate and progressive style that is highly enjoyable to take in as a full album playthrough. The songs are expertly and deliberately crafted over time, with each beat and note feeling very intentionally placed, often creating contrasting and cycling rhythms that build and release sonic tension as the sometimes smooth, sometimes abrasive vocal melodies weave throughout. All of this precision still manages to sound very natural, warm and authentic in the band’s delivery, and features some of the richest sounding instrument tones in the genre.
All of this carries through into the other major part of the Tool experience… the live show.
Tool has long had a reputation for their visuals, ranging from their thought provoking album artwork and unconventional music videos to their dynamic stage presentation. The entire show is dramatic with an air of mystique, and brings the entrancing nature of the music alive as a treat for any viewing eyes, and perhaps even the third one too.
Mark Jacobson is Tool’s lighting director and has been with the band for 27 years and counting. When those house lights do go down, that’s when Mark steps up.
“They’ve always taken the approach that it’s more about the show than specifically about them…” he said of the band during our phone interview. “They want you to be in the moment.”