Tool is the best modern rock/metal band today! Any metal fan already has this CD!

The first time I heard Tool, I was a sophomore in college and it was 1999. The song was "Stinkfist" and the song was like nothing I had ever heard before. The vocals, the sound...it was mesmerizing, edgy, and it blew me away. Tool was one of the bands that introduced me into a genre of music I would never have considered listening to before.

This album is one of the few that I could listen to over and over again and it's worth the money to purchase it. Forget about all this crap American Idol music you hear on the radio, that crap they call music from those mainstream pop acts. What you hear on the radio isn't music, the songs I hear on the local hits station all the time are a dime a dozen. Those performers you see on stage at venues such as the Grammy's, the Britney Spear's and Kelly Clarkson's of the pop mainstream world is not the type of music that will stay in your mind a decade later. You'll forget the songs and the singers because, in the end, they all sound a like.

Do yourself a favor, and try this album out. You won't regret it.

This is the best album you will ever own. It is pure genius. The arrangement of the music, the lyrics, the timing, just everything will blow your mind. Don't listen to the bad reviews, those people must have an awful taste in music.

Tool's first "TOOL" album. Opiate and Undertow were still amazing, but Aenima was the first album where I saw that special blinding power of "TOOL-ness"

I love this band and when i first heard this record a few years ago i diddnt get it. Dumb me, anyway after getting 10,000 days and getting my head split open by it i went back to see what the deal was. The deal was that this record is amazing. The packaging is genius as well. I am such a fan of the way this band takes so much time to make every aspect of all their products so top notch. It will stand the test of time and move people for centuries. Forever a fan please forgive me for not getting it the first time i heard it. Some of the best things in life take effort to see the whole picture and Tool makes pictures that you can look at forever.

This is the best album of there's and the best album of all time so far. Tool is more than just an average band. They stretch your mind to actually think. This is not casual entertainment, this is important art. If you think you don't like it, listen again.

Back in 96' when I first heard this album, and being sixteen, I thought that this album was the be-all and end-all of rock/metal. I had never heard a band quite like this. And now I realize why. I didn't know much music back then.

Almost twelve years later, being much older now, I realize that this album has not retained that same impact for me.

I think the first thing that struck me after all these years is how disorganized of an album it is. There are a few tracks that seem to be thrown in for a joke (intermission, Die Eier Von Satan) , which leads me to not take them seriously. I say this because many reviews that I read regarding this album explain how deep and complex of an album it is. For me, it's really not. I think they had a lot of ideas to express, and instead of focusing on one central theme, they decided to throw many things at you, which ultimately leads to something that not only doesn't flow, but doesn't make sense.

Another thing that struck me was the overall musicianship. While these guys clearly play well, they don't play anything that is, at least musically, amazing. They are more rock than metal, and less progressive than many claim them to be. They don't have to play anything super complex to impress, but then they don't really deserve the, "progressive" label that they are normally given.

In the songwriting department, their structuring is heavily rock-based, and there isn't anything innovative going on here. The one place where I still find enjoyment though is in the minor harmonics that Adam Jones adds in the background to compliment the central themed-riff for a particular song.

Also, the vocals of Keenan are not as great as I remembered. I am still a fan of his lower vocals, but I am now completely turned off by his higher, "emo" (for lack of a better word) type vocals. I know that many are not going to agree with me here, but I find them unbearable now.

Yet having said all that, this album will always have a certain meaning for me, as it was something I basically grew up with, from my teens into early adulthood. But like my Nirvana albums, it's more nostalgia than an appreciation for the art itself that will bring me back for further listenings.

I give this album a three out of five stars because it's more good than bad, but it's far from great.

A complex autimation of ones mind is how I define the works of Tool in
this CD that lies hidden away from the normal Tool fan. Being a Professional musician I am able to relate to this off beat Album produced by Tool.

I bought this album right after it came out back in 1996. Back then, I wasn't sure if I really loved rock or not. I was really into Nirvana, but I hadn't really branched out into heavy hard rock albums yet. I'm so glad I did.....

Th album opens up so hauntingly with Stinkfist and roars to a close with Thrid Eye. There are so many almost perfect songs on this cd. What more can you say? BUY IT!

I had the album before this one (Undertow) for a long time. I liked the album alot. It was isn't in my top 10 but I enjoyed listening to it from time to time. Recently on a whim I purchased this album. I absolutely loved it. Other people have mentioned Pink Floyd in the same breath as this album and the allusion is apt. This album is a lot like a good Pink Floyd album (which happens to be my favorite band). The differences are the unneeded use of profanity (which does not make the music any better and probably reduces sales) and the harder rock edge. I like the harder edge as it is a nice twist but I don't see the need for profanity. I guess I am a little prejudiced in that I happen to believe that only dumb people are unable to express themselves without resorting to expletives.

Overall this is a great sounding album but be forewarned that there is lot of f** that and f* this. It is not a album you want to listen to when your kids are around.

This band has influenced my taste for music for ever.

I just want to say, that this was, is and will be the best album of all time.

I know a lot of people think, that the best album ever is probably one of the STONES or BEATLES or even LED ZEPPELIN or PINK FLOYD, or that LATERALUS or 10000 DAYS is better, but sorry guys and gals. It's not. AENIMA is the best.

No matter if you're talking about the singer, the instruments, the cover art or the experience (for body AND mind). It is simply the best, period.

Years ago, when I first heard Tool, it wasn't an instant attraction.

Fast forward ten years...I had been listening to A Perfect Circle for a while, and, I had already started to delve into Tool's insanity.

Today, as I typically do, albums/CD's that appeal require years of maturation. This is to say, I wear them out in 1 month and dust them off frequently, and then, feel the need to share the love that took years to develop.

Album order of purchase (not heard) was ... Lateralus - 10,000 Days - Undertow - AEnima. Hysterical... their best release (at least my fave) was the last I bought.

Are you kidding me? Forty-Six & 2 May be the greatest hard-rock song I've ever heard. Perfect in every way. Lyrically, insightful and intelligent. Musically....in your face one minute and the next....somber. Ending on a high of course.

The album on whole just shreds. Eulogy is an amzing experience. (2nd fave) H. ...assaults the mind. Third Eye...? Come on.... And AEnima...God, it makes me want to tell my sister to go (bleeep....bleeep).
Hardcore at it's best. Upbeat and driven.

I realize that their later releases are regarded as superior...but from a cat looking at this from a reverse angle, this to me is their best. The album just "fits". Hard, refined, thoughtful, all at the same time. And oh yeah, as many have mentioned, Danny Carey rocks like no other. Amazing beats. Worth the price of admission by himself.

I'm not a cult-fan...just a fan of great music. To be honest, this s**t blew me away. Not many bands/releases have EVER done that.

Best listening.

Except with a slimy lead singer who I'd cheerfully knee in the groin if he asked for some money from me. They're not actually as good as either Black Sabbath or Nirvana but it isn't too bad I suppose if you like gloomy riff rock. Personally though I listened to it twice before selling it on that other website. Ho hum.

Poseur rock in the extreme.

I found this album when I it first came out. I initially "liked" it, I wanted it for the song on the radio, just like young kids who don't have a clue as to the meaning of the music they listen to. Well, a few days meditating and concentrating on this music through headphones at school and on the bus etc. this album took my life over. I began to understand the depth and complexities music can have. I haven't had any CD hit me as hard since. This album changed my life forever, and I still listen to it over a decade later.

This is one of the best albums ever made. Tool has something to it where the first time you listen to it through you dont get it all. This is like all other tool albums in the fact that you listen to it and think that its OK, but like some fine wine after a few listens and you learn to fully appreciate the full beauty.

Perhaps the best hard-rock band today, all of their albums to date play like a pretty respectable "Greatest Hits" , churning out one 4-star rocker after another, interupted by only the occassional 5-star doozie. Hall of Fame sure-shots, making all of their albums almost mandatory purchases. Yeah, that good!

From the opening of Stinkfist to the closing seconds of Third Eye, there is absolutely nothing that could be changed for the better. Everything just flows so well in this album I can't think of a single time I have ever skipped a track. This is the one album I would most likely recommend for any new listeners looking for their first experience of Tool. It has some of the more recognizable radio played tracks, like Stinkfist, Eulogy, and Forty-six & 2 (personal favorite). In my opinion this has to be the best album in all of the 90's and was a ray of hope showing that not all groups were going the way of nu-metal.

Tool is one of the most talented bands I have ever heard, both musically & lyrically. They have a sensual, melodic, rhythmic, dramatic, powerful, gnawing, raw, yet symphonic sound. The lyrics are educated, poetic, unnerving, yet truthful all at the same time. Their music is hauntingly beautiful in that there is nothing else like it out there. Their blend of opus-like orchestration, powerful spine-tingling rock sounds & intelligent lyrics is sheer genius! Maynard James Keenan's voice is as hypnotic as it is chameleon-like. His range from melodic to raw is seamless, intense, & wonderfully refreshing in a world of today's "been there, heard that" sound of most rock bands. Danny Carey's skill with the drums is unparalleled. Oh my God, the DRUMS! They eat at you, they move you, they draw you in & they change the surface of your skin! Danny ROCKS! He is the essence of what I crave in "the beat", "the hit", "the soul" of rock! He is splendid! Bassist Justin Chancellor & guitarist Adam Jones are brilliant! They seduce your ears with their incredible skill. This band is easily one of the BEST there is & I know that they will stand the test of time. Rarely is there such an incredible union of deliciously talented musicians & I am truly grateful that they found each other. How unfortunate the music world would be without Tool!

I can't see how anybody can be new to this band, but if you are, this is their best album. Not that any of thier albums suck, because Tool is the band that nobody with ears has ever hated. I like the industrial metal riffs, combined with the hallucinatory acid rock, and of course Maynard's mysterious lyrics and passionate vocals. Face it people, THIS BAND ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was introduced to this band back in 1996 and I was instantly hooked, and then after going to the website and doing research and reading what the band was into I was taken way aback. These people have huge knowlegde base on higher powers-- satan worship. I have done a lot of research and have found that the lead singer has a very offbeat sense of humor and ANYBODY that makes fun of this band will be sorry, I have reported the drummers website for very obscure remarks made and I would seriously reconsider this band since the drummer is a direct affiliate of aleister crowley, who in the most simple sense sacrificed his own son. These band members are not teenagers, they are ADULTS.

I am a big Tool fan, got to see them a few weeks ago in Corpus and they rocked. This in my opinion is their finest album. Hands down one of the hardest and most creative albums I have ever heard. This is Tool at their very hardest, and at their very best.

One of the best works of this incrivel band, a compact disc very worked well, I recommend to all...

Tool is the greatest rock/metal/experimental/intellectual based band of this vulgar era. Aenima is just a piece to their quartet explosions of next reality laden experiences.

Some of the reviews for this album make me laugh. Tool has the worst, most pretentious fanbase in the world. You guys hate the word "pretentious" because it's used to describe you so much. Ever stop to wonder why?

I felt like giving this album one star to spite you airheads, but I can't do that. This really is an amazing album. Get Lateralus, too.

If Tool isn't your bag, don't worry about it. It doesn't make you "dumb."

The Best musical album I have heard in my life. ONe of the few albums that you can listen to from beginning to end and enjoy every song. If it's not your cup of tea, don't come here just to knock it.

Drawing heavily from the humor of Bill Hicks, to whom the album is a sort of tribute, AEnima is Tool's most complete album, and is enjoyable from start to finish. If there is one Tool album to have, this is it.

A masterpiece, not an opinion but a fact. Like most TOOL albums this one takes a few listens before its beauty is absorbed. Progressive rock at its finest. Emotional rollercoaster, shiver down your spine stuff. One musical climax after another. Vocalist James Maynard Keenan at the peak of his powers, angry,sad,every word a bold statement. The balance between instrument and vocal is perfect. Anyway millions of reviews regard this record so its all been said. Buy it, if not watch a Rambo movie.

It's all been said before, this is a classic and masterpiece as far as this genre of music is concerned. One of my top 10 albums of all time. Great production, excellent musicians who actually know how to play their instruments and get the most out of studio equipment. If you haven't heard this get it now.

And to the 1 star guy complaining about "I get to hear the F word a zillion times" oh NO!! Check out The Wiggles they're probably more your speed.

Awesome album. The outstanding musicianship of this band bring you to a new world. Its like getting high legally.

It might be... Just buy the damn thing if you don't own it. It is incredible from start to finish. You might not get it right away, you might never get it... if that is the case, you are missing out and I feel sorry for you. You will be hard pressed to find a rock album as good as this one. It experiments but at the same time you can just groove to it... It walks a line between unlistenable noise and brutal metal and does it well. Better than just about 99.9% of rock albums out there.

This is a masterpiece of art. If you really don't feel this than your taste buds are roasted. There is nothing close to this. Nothing so save your agruements. Listen to it over and over you might grow your buds back. This is all fact by the way. For fully developed brains only.

It was a time of confusion and chaos, a time in which direction had no meaning.
Music was a means to connect with something, feel as if he or she singing was speaking directly to you. I discovered TOOL while living in Naples Italy, in discovering Tool, I discovered music, and in music I discovered peace. Have you ever heard people say (for example) the 1985 Chicago Bears are the greatest football team ever? The Bears aren't the greatest team in the world, but the 1985 Bears compared to any other team, in any other time frame were the absolute greatest. Now I'm not saying the 1985 Bears are the greatest football team ever, quite frankly I don't care, but I am trying to make a point. If you look at TOOL during the period in which they made Anemia, it was perfect timing for such music to come out, the lyrics are perfect, the sound, the look, everything. That TOOL can't be compared to the Stones, the Beatles, Sabbath, Hendricks, Zeppelin, ANYONE. That Album made them the greatest, at that time no one was even close to the magic created by TOOL. Now don't get me wrong, I'm the biggest TOOL fan out there, but even I have to be realistic and say there not the greatest, to me they are, but I have no authority to determine the greatest of all time. Over all the Bears are an OK team but the 1985 Bears could probably never be beaten. Over all I think TOOL is great yet overall I think the Beetles are perfect. It's ok though because I'm comforted in knowing that when TOOL made Anemia, it was flawless, perfect. It can not be compared to anything else. I know that the magic is always with them, I'm always comforted when buying a CD, I know it'll be great; they've never let me down. TOOL brought me through a period where I was lost. I will always be thankful for the spiritual connection I had with the music.

Before I get into the review, I must say one thing: I'm sick of people dismissing the album because they find it "pretentious." It seems people today only use the term to sound like they have a better vocabulary than they actually do, which would actually fit that word! Not just that, some of the interludes are kind of intermissions to show Tool's experimental side that had greatly grown on here. Sure, it's not for everybody, but can't you at least admit that sometimes you just don't enjoy something because you may not get it? That doesn't make it pretentious.

Also, while a couple of interludes do seem ponderous at best, some of the songs are just so good that they make this album five stars. Sure, you know about the five singles maybe, but one track that's EVEN better than those is "Pus--t." 11 minutes long, it shows some of Maynard's most impressive vocals; the melody just catches you in. The song doesn't come off as the least bit overlong. I also like how the intro sounds like it'll be something kind of weird or orchestral, but then you start hearing standard Adam Jones riffs. Of course, the structure of "Ænema" is just breath-taking, and I find it very interesting. It has some really awesome Danny Carey drums too; there's no one quite like him. "Third Eye" is fourteen minutes long but can be suspenseful, especially when it reaches to its climaxes, descends, then builds back up. Hearing "prying open your third eye" is something that's going to get stuck in your head. Oh, and there's some really amazing melodies on that track as well. Sometimes the lyrics are kind of ambiguous, yet I have my own interpretations (I somehow think "Stinkfist" is about sex). There's some more straightforward stuff here, like the structure of said song and the slow-burning "H." as well as the sell out lyrics on "Hooker." It may seem a bit juvenile for some, but I find the track amazing. Also, some of the interludes are kind of interesting and mildly funny, like the cool futuristic organs on "Intermission" and the German-spoken recipe on "Die Eier Vor Satan."

"Ænima" is an astounding album. I actually think they've outdone themselves with "Lateralus" and perhaps I'll even view "10,000 Days" as such, but this record is totally worth owning. If you like alternative metal, or just rock in itself, you owe it to yourself to give this record a chance. "Undertow" is also excellent.

Worth the money.

This is without doubt the best CD I have ever owned. Great music, and a pinch of humour.

If you like Tool and don't already own this disc, you're missing out. It is the greatest compilation and a standard for any CD collection.