page: 19
 title: Tool Lets Music Do the Talking
author: David Glessner

In a music world full of by-the-numbers bands, Tool is clearly
operating outside of the box. Without a hint of ska, alterna-pop or
an MTV-cultivated image, Tool has managed gold and platinum-level 
commercial success without catering to the industry's whims. 
Still touring in support of 1996's breakthrough "�nima" album, Tool 
hammers Sunken Garden Theater on Thursday with fellow music industry 
pariahs, the Melvins, opening. 
Tool was forged in Los Angeles in 1991 when sculptor and special 
effects artist Adam Jones took up the guitar full time. Jones' twisted 
musical vision was shared by out-there vocalist Maynard James Keenan, 
drummer Danny Carey and bassist Paul D' Amour who was later replaced 
by Justin Chancellor. 
Together, the band specializes in dark, musical weirdness that melds 
heavy metal guitars, industrial clamor and a dash of Pink Floyd and 
Jethro Tull. 
With each release earning Tool a larger audience, it seemed only a 
matter of time until the band would outgrow its independent streak in 
order to reach the masses. 
While Tool has been featured on MTV, its disturbing videos are more 
Claymation nightmares than narcissistic ego strokes. Tool still rarely 
does interviews (we tried again with no luck)or photo shoots, opting 
instead to let each album stand on its own merits.
"�nima" stood tall when it debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard charts 
upon its much-anticipated release. A sprawling, 70-minute headphones 
album with the requisite odd time changes and textures, "�nima" was an 
aural as well as visual freakout.
As a band that understands the artistic of visual effects. Tool can be 
counted on for an acid-trip concert. 
Of late, Keenan has appeared in whiteface makeup and lingerie, making 
the whole experience worthy of a David Lynch screenplay.

Posted to t.d.n: 07/31/98 16:25:26