A short 6-song set lasting less than 30 minutes, it's well worth having as part of a complete Tool diet.

I got this album and immediately liked the heavy bass playing, but the lyrics were controversial along with the art displayed in the album. "A part of me" is an anti-military song in my opinion and as far as showing the priest rising to power on the cover, it is very wiccan--a new form of craft.

This is the first and last good release from Tool. "Opiate" is a fantastically raw, aggressive and garage-sounding album. It seethes with emotions that similar bands can only pretend to. Ministry's "Psalm 69..." is the only thing that comes close. After this, Tool cranks out three hours of guitar reverb, twelve beats-per-album and groaning sludge-metal hoo-hah. Is that even a sentence? It doesn't matter. But "Opiate" is a great, lightning-in-a-bottle release.

Employing dark, violent images and an abstract sonic palette, Tool pummels its listeners with a primal sound as distinct as it is disturbing. With a fixed, fiery glare, vocalist Maynard James Keenan assaults the audience with bone-chilling whispers and blistering hollers of unparalleled hatred and loathing. Behind him, heavy, ominous music swells and gives, building uncomfortable tension that makes your hair stand on end, then releasing that tension in frantic bursts of intensity.

Before you see my 3-star review, I will put one thing straight: I love Tool. They are one of my favorite bands and "Lateralus" is one of my top ten favorite albums of all-time. I love "Ænima" and "Undertow" as well. I don't even think that "Opiate" is a bad album, HOWEVER, one thing I will say is this:

This isn't terribly different from what a lot of the early '90's alt-metal artists were doing. Helmet and Prong churned out stuff like this for about as long and the results were more impressive. Helmet's lyrics were less juvenile than those on "Opiate." But that's one thing that makes this an interesting listen. It shows that they were not always a band that was about complexity and being big. I do prefer the more "pretentious" sides of Tool, though.

The band doesn't really hide their meanings under any of the messages. It doesn't require thinking about what the songs are about since they are all so straight-forward in the lyrics. Sometimes you just have to look at the titles, even, to know the meaning. 2 of the tracks are live, but it works since the production is so raw. In some points, I enjoy it and find it entertaining. The censorship message of "Hush" is against the idea of sugar-coating and other moments on it are noteworthy. Some of it is not really that interesting, and while it's probably the best musically, "Opiate" is just ridiculous in the lyrics. I see that it's anti-religion and such, but this shows how juvenile the lyrics in Tool were. I mean, even on a track like "Eulogy," Maynard was much more "deep" in content.

Overall, "Opiate" is not for the faint of heart and rough around the edges, but if you love Tool you may find something out of this.

in this tool ep which is there 1st is prolly one of the best manily because of the anger in maynards voice in hush and in jerk off this is still one of the best tool cds around. so pick her up

The songs are full-speed-ahead alternative rock. Simple, basic and catchy. Explicit lyrics are used where they get the greatest impact. I would expect nothing less. Buy this album if you cen get it cheap because it is an EP with only 6 songs. 6 great songs.

Tool in 1992 a then unknown band with vocalist Manyard James
Keenan put out this impressive debut album, to someone who does
not like agressive lyrics it would probly sound like loud ranting.For the many fans who love Tool like me it was diffrent
and suprisingly good for there first shot, although not as good
as undertow or aneima or lateralus it has enough goods to show
that this band was not to be underestimated with titles like
Jerk Off and Opiate.Short songs in comparison with there other
releases but the songs are original even if they do sound hostile.Tool has been going on strong still for 14 years with
there latest release 10,000 days.It is worth buying for anyone who adores Acid Rock.

The sad thing about it is, that this debut CD which I think came out in 94' sounds thousands of times better than CD's put out by bands today in 2006! The sound quality is not that great, but the music is awesome! Straight forward heavy rock, no mathematical complex riffs here. Probably Maynard's most angry lyrics out of their whole discography, but nevertheless graet. Opiate was the start of a legendary band that puts out 10/10 CD's all the time. The only other band that puts out 10/10 release all of the time is Opeth.

at 6 minutes,6 seconds of track #6,there is a secret song called: "THE GAPING LOTUS EXPERIMENT". The name was even admitted by the band members.Weird, huh?

Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, White Zombie, Rage Against the Machine, Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. were either emerging or at the peaks of their musical prowess. Tool has always stood out as an epic band with epic songs, consistently creating new and innovative albums over the last 14 years. This one is four and a half stars overall. Five stars each for Hush, Cold and Ugly(live), Jerk-off(live) and especially Opiate, and Sweat and Part of Me drag it down a half a notch (at least for me). Solid EP. Buy if you don't have this.

One of two great rock debuts from 1992 - the other one being the Rage Against The Machine ("RATM") debut - this EP came out a year after the grunge movement threatened to make all rock not from Seattle irrelevant. Yet this band was not grunge, and like RATM they were from So. Cal. The songs were unlike any other band, in that they seemed to concoct a new version of intelligent angst with Sabbath-influenced rock, played by a highly disciplined group of musicians who played more tightly as a unit than any other band this side of thrash. Another difference between Tool and grunge, however, was that there was an element of progessive, experimental music here, which the band would flesh out in their subsequent releases.

Arguably, the most unique thing about Tool on this record was their singer, Maynard James Keenan. He had an ability to convey self-loathing, angry, socially aware, generation X lyrics in a way that seemed fresh. He also had a crystal-clear, ferocious voice. Indeed, the live tracks, "Cold and Ugly" and "Jerk-off" were testament to Maynard's competance as a live singer. A new rock god was born.

This was a significant debut from the band that forged the way for alternative metal/prog rock. Most subsequent metal bands were influenced by these guys. The live tracks, in particular, are reason to pick up this EP as they represent the band's "Live at Leeds" moment.

Tool is a band that with each release takes not only time, but also effort to create something awesome. Although Opiate is just an EP with only 6 songs for its listeners, it still manages to satisfy. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a metalhead it has much to offer so early in their career. This is what helped gain Tool's early fan base before losing a few as well as gaining many more fans during the release of Ænima and Lateralus. For me though, I love every release they have done. I have so much respect for each album and I think that they are all perfect in their own ways. I have taken the liberty of rating the songs below.

1. Sweat - 10/10
2. Hush - 10/10
3. Part Of Me - 9/10
4. Cold And Ugly (Live) - 9.5/10
5. Jerk-off (Live) - 9/10
6. Opiate - 10/10

Overall: 95% A-

If you don't have this album yet or are new to the band and already like their newer stuff I would recommend purchasing this. That is if you desire to hear the roots of the band known as Tool.

This album is for Tool pretty much the same thing that 'adrenaline' was for the Deftones. This album is a pre-mature display of raw fury. There are hardly any progressive hooks or colorful contrasts in this recording, but that is not what this album is about. This album is about being pissed off, and is a must have for any die-hard tool fan. More casual fans of Aenima, Lateralus, or 10,000 Days may not enjoy, but to fans of Undertow, this album is well worth every last dollar.

'Opiate' is probably only necessary for Tool completists, but it isn't too bad of a listen. As many will tell you, this EP is pretty far removed from latter-day Tool, and is really nothing more than some fairly run of the mill early 90's alt-metal. Only 6 real songs here, none of them bad but none of them particularly remarkable either. The opener 'Sweat' is one of the best ones, great vocals, effectively driving bass, nice mix of melodic and more aggressive sections. Not a great song, but a pretty good one. The very best song here is probably 'Cold & Ugly'. It's a bit underwritten, actually, with like four different lines, but that main riff is just awesome. One of the best they've ever written. 'Jerk-Off' is also notable, not because it's a particularly great song, it's pretty average, but it has one fantastic scream which makes it worth listening too. One of the best screams of all time, easy. Then you close with the title track (well, not counting the stupid hidden track.) Again, not a brilliant song, but pretty good and a bit more dense and staid, pointing in the direction they would head shortly.

Yeah, that's it, Not a great EP, by any means, but of interest to Tool fans, anyway.

For being Tool's first CD, it's a really good piece of work. Not something that is way out there, or epic like most of their later stuff. Just something that introduces to you basic ideas of where they come from artistically and mentally, with a taste of what's ahead with the last track, Opiate.

Ya know, I love reading the reviews here on amazon for any of the Tool CDs. It really is entertaining. I know that sounds pathetic, but what else can I do... homework? haha... anyway, this cd is excellent. I love every second of it. But I can understand why someone wouldn't like it... gasp a Tool fan who can understand why someone doesn't like his favorite band in the world... omg... c'mon, if you dont like it, then why bother to write a review except to say that you don't like it. Don't go bash the fans or the band... its not like they really care what you have to say about them... and that can go both ways. i did like that one review that was full of sarcasm... brilliant. funny too. well, not all Tool fans are like that. Just get over it, Tool is here to stay, and if you don't like them, don't listen to em. Ignore what the Tool fans say about "not getting it" because it really doesn't mean anything at all. i don't really get Tool, and i still like them.

ok, ive said my two cents, if you enjoyed it, yay, and if you didnt, yay again.

bye bye

yeah yeah i know it's an EP, but it's so good i want to hear more. a very solid first cd without question.

What The F**k is wrong with you. You are in need of mental health.....Adam Jones is one of the most greatest guitarists or if not THE most greatest guitarist I have ever heard. You won't know a good guitarist if he shoved his guitar head up your A$$.....which Adam Jones oughta do for bashing his great talent. Sure he doesn't show his best work on this but it's still good.....Tool's later stuff shows his real talent. That and Adam Jones as what influenced some guitarists today. So go listen to your click five and good charolet bullcrap while us people with nuts enjoy tool

Tool has come a long way since this EP, and while the songs of this mighty godfather of progressive rock may have changed from anti-commercialism three minute metal in the vein of Hush to sweeping epics such as Lateralus, it is still important to remember the roots of Tool, and recognize the certain qualities not present in their current releases, regardless of how incredible the current output may be.

The one thing included on Opiate which has become more and more lacking with each album is the blatantly obvious sense of humor and dismissive, insulting cracks at the society we live in. This is not to say I don't think Lateralus and AEnima are vastly superior to this, but there is a certain satisfaction in hearing Maynard rant and rave about commercialism in music and about that good old controversial religious figure JC on Opiate that started to only be included in segues between songs on later albums.

At the same time we have to remember that, as I said earlier, this album is just the roots of Tool, and greater things were (and hopefully are) still to come. The social commentary remains to this day in their music but looked at more from an angle of "what can I do to improve myself?" rather than just laying into corporate, religious America, which more than all my above rambling, just signifies that the band has matured over time.

The whole album is great from start to finish, but highlights are Sweat, which actually does invoke soon-to-be Tool themes of outer-body experiences, as well as Part Of Me, a tribute to vocalist Maynard James Keenan's genitals, and of course Opiate, the controversial album closer which started Tool's bubbling under of fame.

The two live songs are great as well and present Tool in a more punk-rock atmosphere, the sound quality of this amateur recording outdoing most professionally produced live recordings to date. Basically the only track I could have done without is Hush, and don't forget to wait for The Gaping Lotus Experience, the hidden track which salutes psychedilic substances in all their glory. Just buy it, you won't be disappointed.

This album rocks! Though, it's hard to expect any less from this band.

This is the first release by Tool and not even Tool fans like it. And they're bound to think that fart jokes Maynard makes on stage are the height of musical genius. So this is telling.

There's a reason Tool fans hate it; this is among the worst albums ever recorded by a major label band. Big surprise; Tool is one of the worst bands to ever be on a major label. But this album is something special in the world of awfulness.

You like two chord riffs played ultra slow? Does that constitute a melody for you? If so, enjoy this. Adam Jones shows over and over why he's among the worst guitarists in hard rock; can he seriously NOT think of chord progressions with more than two, three chords? And do those chords have to be barre chords two frets from each other? And why is their drummer in this band?! I swear, he's the reason Tool fans like them so much; his fall down on the ground amazing drumming makes their dull, uninteresting songs SEEM like their doing about two dozen things, when really he's just doing all he can to make up for their stupidity.

The lyrics? I wrote better poetry when I was 9. Hey buy it any ways; it's full price, and there's half an hour of music on it! Yay for rip offs, yay I say!

This is Tool's first albumeven though its half studio and half live but it still rocks. Tool is possibly my favotite band, and thats saying something about me. Just cant wait for the new record coming this spring. Til then I'll stick to the first four albums.

With song titles like "J - rk Off" and "Cold And Ugly," one could guess that this C.D.--Tool's debut EP--is very pissed off and full of testosterone. That would be a safe and accurate assumption, because frontman Maynard James Keenan rages throughout pretty much every song on here.

"Opiate" isn't as complex as Tool's later works. It is actually more of a real, straightforward metal album than a math metal one.

The album opener, "Sweat," ties fast drumming with Maynard's catchy, staccato vocals. "Hush" has several big, very Maynard-esque yells of "F - ck you!" Maynard later murmurs things like "go f - ck yourself" and "piece of sh - t." "Part Of Me," opens with the type of prog-ish sounding guitar noodling that Tool would later become famous for. Track four, "Cold And Ugly," is the first of two live songs on here, and its fast riffs, pounding drums, and very aggressive vocals make it a personal favorite of mine. The other live track, "J - rk Off," is highlighted by a couple of tempo changes. I also enjoy how Maynard builds to a big, violent yell, here. Lastly, the title track kind of sounds like a "Lateralus" b-side. And, with lyrics like "Jesus Christ, come save my life," and an extended yell of "we both want to rape you," this song is clearly the first (out of many Tool songs to come) to deal with religion and hypocrisy.

The only problem with this EP is that it is quite short. There are only six songs on it--two of them are live recordings--and the songs' lengths are generally shorter than Tool's later works, too. But it's still a very good, promising debut with flashes of brilliance, and it also showcases Maynard at his angriest. Essential for all Tool collections.

One primary thing I have learned from MJK from interviews and topics he discusses is that he is uniformly as ignorant as the "mindless sheep" he bashes.He constitutes and alludes that astrology and magik are the primal truths in the universe and explain the nature of everything in perfect absolutes.Doesn't it take a marked degree of faith to believe that eternal truths are spelled out in the stars above?Is he one of the mindless herds who are brainwashed into believeing that Alestier Crowley, alchemy and necromancy have the awnsers for mankind's questions?Could it be possible that he has pigenoholed and restricted his perception of truth as well?It takes a strong ammount of personal assent any way to believe that magik and witchcraft are redemptive wellsprings for illuminating the pathways of the universe.The music on this CD is equally as muddled and uncertain.MJK's bandmates show some considerable skill but don't come close to the effective and affecting powerhouse of "Lateralus" or even "aENIMA".Ideologically,while those discs invite direct confrontations with God through their misguided and one dimensional bitter and overt blasphemy and point towards magik as the ideal truism,the music is still more in the forfront, particuarly "Lateralus", so that the lyrical agenda doesn't suffocate the musical means.MJK's personal fallout with Christians I find a bit hypocritical, especially for a lead singer who thinks religion is for fools.Isn't magik a type of religion and doesn't MJK support that wholeheartedly?The songs on here are pretty narrow minded lyrically and musically fall short.I was impressed by "Lateralus" as their definitive musical statement and by and by that CD is less a Christ/God bashing soapbox and more an enigmatic sonic journey.The expression of the latter might be this band's redeeming strength.They should let the music and not MJK's hateful rhetoric do more of the talkin'.

The first Tool song I heard was 'Sober' and even though it is probably Tool's biggest single I didn't really care for it. After listening to all of Undertow I started to like the band more and then with their third release I started to love them. Once I founf out they had the EP Opiate (their pre-Undertow) disc I wanted to check it out. Many years later I'm here writing this review and I still think Tool's Opiate is the best EP ever made. If your a fan of Tool or good old rock music in general give it a listen or two and see how it all started many years ago.

First off I really really love this EP. I've been a Tool fan for as long as I can remember and I can tell you that this is probably (in my opinion) their best. It just goes to show you that they are awesome live with all their live songs on the cd. Oh and to the person who thinks Christians can't listen to rock music. You're an idiot. and ignorant. People can listen to whatever music they want to. Anyway. I recommend this cd to anyone who has heard the name tool. righto.

This EP is great. It may not represent Tool's deeper side, but this is their first. The people that say Tool fans are depressed teenagers that hate their life are just being stupid. My hair is not black, I don't have piercings or tattoos, and I've never attempted suicide. I just simply love the band. Also, to the Christians writing reviews..what the hell are you listening to Tool for??? Doesn't that go against your religion? Anyway, this album is a bit harder than the rest of them. It is still outstanding. Oh yeah, I don't like it just because it's Tool. I DO love everything Tool does but if another band came out with this album instead of Tool, I would still think it was awesome. I think it's very well put together and has a lot of meaning. Great album..a must buy if you love good music and especially if you love Tool like I do.

This is it - the legendary first musical offering from Tool, a first hint at the greatness witnessed at their masterpiece LP's. And while it is certainly a different and unique recording, it is still a head above the majority of metal (or even all music) you hear.

That could seem too big a praise for a 26-minute EP, but it well deserves it. The band is here at its most energetic and emotional, but don't even think of comparing them to Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Korn or anything such, as it has got enough intelligence and depth to write a 20-page analysis of each song, with trademark Tool topics like hypocricy, religion, immorality, freedom and transcedent experiences. And if you like screaming, you certainly will love Maynard's vocals.

The songs, although short compared to ones from the band's subsequent releases, are quite strong and focused. Highlights in my opinion include Sweat which might be a perfect introduction to the world of Tool, the righteous Jerk-Off and the slightly mellower title track.

I really, really advise to all of you thinking people to buy this album. I'm not an underground metal fan or a hyper-intellectual person, but I still wonder (and regret) how anyone can be disappointed with this.

Anger, racism, live sets, what more could one ask for? This one has a rawness and purity never to be equaled. With tons of emotion and the spooky crescendoes which sealed their fame this album is nonstop in your face genius.(4.7)

The reason I'm writing this is to encourage any fan of tool's platinum stuff to go back and get this. This disc didn't have huge promotional backing, but it's the same brilliant group (well the bassist is Paul D'amour - also on Undertow).

The songs sound a little more like they're jamming, or somewhat more simplistic in their songwriting approach - but some of the catchiest riffs of their careers. Thats something you usually find on a creative band's debut - some of their most original and inspired work. And its no different here.

There are only 6 songs, but it holds its own with most bands' 12 song full length albums. I think that it also has its own feel. These songs go well together. If you can imagine what separates Undertow from Aenima (I would say slightly less complexity and more of a jammy feel), that same type of separation exists between Undertow and Opiate. They clearly were able to put more complex ideas together later in their career. But they already had that same feel for how to compose that certain tool sound.

Any fan of any Tool record should pick this up, but especially those who like the Undertow sound.

Every Tool cd is great in its own way, they are the most outrageously awesome band there is. No question about it, this is a great cd despite its length. Maynard is a god among humans when it comes to his voice and ability to hold screams for enormous amounts of time. I give them 10 stars, 5 just doesnt justify.

Modern nu-metal and hard rock bands are always compared to Tool, which is saying alot. Tool, while sometimes unheard of and not as mainstream as one might suspect considering their sucess, never fails when putting out an album. Opiate is no exception, and it's interesting to hear early Tool. The sound of this album is very similar to 'Undertow', but rawer (Opiate also includes two live tracks, which sound top notch). The only drawback to this album, however, is that it is an EP and only has 6 songs not including the bonus track, 'The Gaping Lotus Experience'. Every song is listenable and has high replay value. Opiate is not for the easily offended or strong Christians in general as the title track's plot revolves around a sarcastic mockery of organized religion. The album is not Satanic, but merely brutally blunt in vocalist Maynard James Keenan's opinions on closed minds.

Bottom Line: 'Opiate' showcases some of Tool's hardest rocking material which doesn't dissapoint other than the fact that it is a six-songed EP.

13 years ago, Tool released this album and was thrown into the same category as everyone else coming out of Seattle or the West Coast at that time. This wasn't a band composed of young men in big pants or bleached hair. As a matter of fact, the drummer was already over 30 when he was featured on his band's first release and the remaining members were closer to 30 than 20. This wasn't a band that was jaded in angst and wasting away to addiction, as they were an angry, yet very experimental group.

For some reason, the brilliance that shows the path to the remaining Tool releases never seems to be mentioned whenever Tool is mentioned in the press. Instead, the press seems to focus more on Undertow, Aenima, and Lateralus, which are more accepted amongst fans and casual listeners alike. While it is more primative than what Tool has evolved into today, it's the striking delivery of these songs that make them heavy, expressive, scary, and intense for for the listener. Bottom Line: This was a progressive and psychadelic experience that was grouped into the modern rock movement at the time, much like many of their predecesors before them.

This CD has six songs with a hidden track on it, each having it's own flavor and excitement to it. The opening track "Sweat" is a bit more formulaic in terms of song structure, while the self-titled closing track follows a similar approach, until the band throws an intense jam session at the end. Live tracks are featured on this CD as well, providing a raw element to Tool that makes you appreciate where this band came from and demonstrates how well they play live.

Its a hard, aggressive album, but you can always understand what's going on. None of the instruments are obstructed by the vocals, yet none of the instruments overpower the vocals or themselves. Instead, every single member of this band is literally showcased whenever they play their songs. There isn't so much an individual talent on this album as their is a collective talent that is awe-inspiring in just about every circle of rock musicians out there...

... yet it took 13 years to have the album become Platinum Certified. Yeah, it's sold a million copies, but their remaining albums have either become Double or Triple-Platinum, largely in part to their exposure.

If you are a musician who's just getting into Tool, buy this album first and listen to it. Listen to every detail that you'll find in the first release of a band who has come to be one of the most influential bands ever and still works to craft the face of modern rock. You could learn something that would be essential to your musical journey, as they learned valuable lessons from the bands that were essential to theirs.

An awesome album that began the airwave takeover in the early 90's! With bands like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, etc. the rest of the "Grunge" bands were slaying the hair bands by the dozens and making way for the new age rock and metal groups. With just a short track listing "Opiate" is six songs strong with a little craziness added at the end! Taking teachings from the psychadelic philosophies of Timothy Leary and applying them lyrically, Maynard James Keenan will blow away any vocalist that may come to mind. The early days also gave us Paul D'amour (bassist) with sweet riffs like "Cold and Ugly" and "Jerk-off." Ex Green Jelly drummer Danny Carey will never disappoint. (If you get a chance, listen to 46&2 off Aenima, it'll blow your mind!) Lets not forget Adam Jones the craziest guitarist I think I've ever heard! Using electronic toys over the pick-ups of his guitar he's made quite a library of strange medleys. To riff off.... this album I must say is brilliant in its own way for the competition that was around at that time. Alot of strange stuff mixed in with the lyrics and some ground breaking new ideas, but a must have for any TOOL fan!!!