“Both sound incredible”: Danny Carey’s picked the two best Tool songs of all time
The 1990s presented a significant game-changer in the rock and metal arena. Led by Maynard James Keenan, Tool seemed destined for their cult-like following, not only with their intricate, somewhat experimental sound but also with their cryptic lyrics and themes, underscored by a unique visual aesthetic that stood them apart from the rest.
While the list of heroes whose emergence coalesced with Tool’s own ascendence seemed endless, it was their ability to rise to the challenge that ensured they cut through the noise. While some grew resentful of the frustrations that came with trying to make it in rock, from remaining authentic to shunning commercial pressures, Tool seemed genuinely excited to emerge as challengers, embracing struggle as part of their expression.
On top of this, their sound was the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, proving their dedication to boundary-pushing in music, but in a way that never felt pretentious. Perhaps this was because they themselves never felt restricted by the genre, at least not as far as influences go. For instance, they became endeared to the sounds of musicians from all genres, from Sex Pistols to Joni Mitchell.
While other alternative virtuosos drew inspiration only from those in the same space—whether with genuine passion or from self-imposed restriction—Tool felt wide open; real architects of a sound that can only exist with soul in all places. Underscoring this was an unwavering commitment to rawness, the kind that takes personal experience, anguish, and honesty and places it centre stage.
For those less familiar with the band, choosing a starting point within their discography poses something of a challenge. While there are obvious standouts, like ‘Schism’ and ‘The Pot’, many moments of true beauty within their other gems reveal the band’s more experimental and emotionally intense side. According to Danny Carey, however, the best of the band exists somewhere in the middle, epitomised by two songs on their 1996 album, Ænima.
During an interview with Rick Baeto, the drummer pinned ‘Eulogy’ and ‘Stinkfist’ above the rest, praising their sounds while noting the way they complement each other as album openers. “We just remastered the Ænima album… ‘Stinkfist’ and ‘Eulogy’ both sound incredible on that, man,” he said, adding: “The way things are synced together and all that, those are two of my favourites that have stuck out, that’s for sure.”
While most fans would regard Ænima as one of the best, most quintessential Tool records, both ‘Stinkfist’ and ‘Eulogy’ seem to transcend the confines of the album itself, representing everything great about the band, their sound, and their legacy. For instance, ‘Stinkfist’ is no doubt the go-to when looking for examples to back up Tool’s mastery of gripping riffs and time structures, while ‘Eulogy’ presents a slower, more haunting side, both giving the perfect dynamic that represents both sides of their intricate prowess.
