The drummer from Slipknot was blown away when he heard an early version of this album. He asked how many overdubs Danny had done. His reply? "It's just me"
As ever with tool, it has multiple interpretations, but this is the most obvious for me. A 13 year gap between albums, a vastly different music industry... Struggling to remain relevant and consequential into their later years. I hear this song sung with a smile on Maynard's face. They knew they were as capable as ever before this album dropped, even if they are older and "different" from earlier stuff. I just worry that the lyrics in this album point towards it being a swansong... I hope I'm wrong 🤞
Your doing a great job on your Tool reactions. Im a hardcore Tool fan. After you do the holy trinity you should consider doing one of the greatest Tool songs ever, even thpugh their all great. Pushit from their live album Salival. Its like euphoria!
This song always makes me think of my dad. Vietnam era Green Beret. When he was old & ill he still behaved as a young man against the world but his mortality was dawning on him
As a man, about to hit 50, served over 20yrs in the military, this song has always hit me to my soul. The mind is eager and willing. But do to injuries and several surgeries, the body just cant perform anymore. And , absolutely hate that. Great job.
The Tool Army knows your not trying to please us, it's clear and great to see someone who just gets why Tool is the best band ever. Keep marching to the beat bro! 🪖
"Caligula would grin". He would grin at hearing about the tales of carnage. It's what he craved. I love this song. I see a great general lamenting on past battles and preparing for yet another, in his big castle. The second part of the song is the long ride into battle with his troops and the third is the battle itself, with swords wielding everywhere. Every battle comes with a high price and each time we wonder if we can still conquer. Just as stepping on the stage one more time will be the last? I believe the reference to Ponce De Leon would be thoughts of finding the fountain of youth, so we could battle forever more.
Ponce de Leon's reference does have to be with fountain of youth( I can taste fountains), and the possibility to cure from the Sting, since he sees his end(tears in my eyes). Calígula would grim of perverse things done. The song shows us that not even the most arrogant person is invincible, and the fate is unevitable
This song to me has multiple levels of interpretation 1-It's literally the musical embodiement of an ancient battle seen from the point of view of a veteran fighter's emotions 2- It's a metaphor of the struggles we all face everyday's life, becoming harder as you get older and you face new battles 3- and in particular of the struggles of Maynard and the band, having to keep performing perfectly and deliver after so many years of absence from the stages. Maynard, in the specific, struggles with his voice today and isn't able to perform the same crazy screams as he used to The images my brain creates while listening generate this sequence: 2:15 the veteran warrior is still in its tent, putting his armor, reflecting about his past battles and the fact that he has to face yet a new one 8:13 the warrior is finally armored up, leaves his tent and reaches the rest of the army lines in formation. Same taughts cross his mind. . The army starts marching against the enemy 10:29 enemy army is in sight. Tension arises 11:31 the order is given, ranks start marching in close formation, arrows start to fly over their head, people start dying. Our warrior has the last reflections before the clash 15:14 the clash. Our warrior starts swinging and killing enemies. Not much time to think 16:57 the battle is over. The warrior has survived this one too. He starts crying to raugh out his emotions
Cool imagery. It’s all metaphor but it’s pretty simplistic in meaning. #2. It’s just about aging and becoming irrelevant as the newer generations take the lead.
This is pretty accurate, but I'm pretty sure the warrior dies in this battle. The clue is in the in phrases about 'Ponce de leon's phantom' (the fountain of youth), feeling the sting of the blade, and having time close in (death - the timeless state). "Once invincible, now the armor is wearing thin". To me this song does not have a happy ending for our warrior.
@@robertbrenton6833 we all die. He’s searching for the fountain of youth. It stings, knowing you’ll never regain that youth. You feel the time weighing down on you, counting closer to your inevitable demise while your body gets older and less able.
My two cents... Time stamps from the original song, not the video. Intro: Setting (0:01-1:17) Just introducing us to the landscape/setting the tone. First Act: Internal Conflict (1:17-6:50) Introduction to our protagonist (Warrior) and his internal conflict. At some point or another during this act, one or all of the instruments are engaged in some sort of poly-rhythm, indicating the Warrior’s internal conflict and lack of resolution. We run the gamut here, from calm and melodic, to dark and menacing; from soaring and triumphant, to reminiscent and brooding, not sure where we’re going to come down or how we feel about it. So much rhythmic unrest and tonal variance. Second Act: Conflict Resolution (6:51-10:50) I feel like we really go deep within the psyche of the Warrior during this act. The majority of this act is instrumental, and, tonally, very different from the first and third acts. Things slow down a bit, and the music goes through a few layers of noise before we hit bedrock. Everything suddenly quiets, save the driving, constant guitar riff, and we’re left with the Warrior’s subconscious. From this foundation sounds a loud, clear tone. The beginnings of an idea. It comes around again, this time accompanied by a distorted, harmonizing voice. The drums enter, grounding us, establishing a connection with the external world. The music simplifies again, as the idea coalesces. Everything quiets. Then kicks back in with a decisive, unmistakable forward momentum. The cadence implies both a military march and the march of time, constant, unwavering, inevitable. For the first time, the music is in perfect rhythmic lockstep (Almost feels like 4/4, but this is Tool, so it’s 14/8). Without building tempo, the pace builds, driving us toward the ultimate conclusion of the Warrior’s internal conflict. Had the Warrior decided he was too old and didn’t have it in him any longer, the song could’ve ended here, and no-one would have felt slighted or let-down in the least, this song (and the Warrior’s life) has already been legendary. But that’s not what our Protagonist decides. He’s not done yet. He knows how he wants to go out. And he marches decisively in the direction of one final, glorious battle! Third Act: Glorious Battle! (10:52-12:46) The Warrior’s internal dialogue is clear now, fully integrated with his external actions, and sung with purpose and drive. The climax begins to build at the beginning of this act and doesn’t fully cut itself loose until the 11:38 mark. This is pure ‘proving you’ve still got it’. Absolutely brutal mastery throughout this entire Final Act. The Warrior honors himself, and his craft, in his final outing, standing and swinging amid the pounding chaos of epic battle. His name will be remembered forever. He is truly invincible. I think this song can be interpreted a number of ways, as is often the case with Tool. I think this could be viewed as a sort of archetypal story of a man, individually, or even men as a whole given our current social climate. I also believe it to have heavy autobiographical overtones for the band itself. This is their first album in over 13 years. They’re returning, over a decade removed, to a young man’s game. Their youngest member, the bassist, is 47, the oldest, the drummer, is 58. They are the old warrior lurching back into the fray.
In this song Danny gets up and plays the synth part, right after a bass solo by Justin. In Pneuma it's Adam right before a lead with the guitar. They are all amazing.
Similar to a Floydgasm. Which makes sense since TOOL is kind of the next Pink Floyd. If you don't have that same feeling somewhere in Great Gig in the Sky or Shine On You Crazy Diamond, there's something wrong.
Pushit. First album version, then Salival (live) version. The atmosphere, the energy of the same song is so different. The Salival version is so magical.
I don't know if the clarification has already been made, but surely by now you will already have your interpretation. I understand by "Weapon out and belly in" the moment in which the warrior suddenly goes into battle mode, it is the physical movement he makes, perhaps from simply being patrolling.
Its apparently not the right time for him to hear that trio... he tends to hear just the right TooL for the time in his life. This is why we love Tool, their music appears at pivotal points in our life to guide us if we want to listen.
I’ve been waiting for this reaction Sebs. It’s the best song off their new album in my opinion, because of the story it tells. So many parallels to the words and everything around us. This songs speaks to me in a way I’ve never experienced.
This song becomes more profound each time I hear it. I truly love how it seems to describe my father in all his glory. He is approaching the end of his life now, I still see him as a bad ass even though his strength has long gone. He is a warrior, he was also a seamstress, a leather worker, a carpenter. He taught me how to help myself and appreciate hard work.
i love love love the cinematic feel of this tune with a semi western sounding guitar riff to open up the song. one of my favorites. Makes me think of my love of hockey and how i ended my playing days. I think part of alot of youtubers reaction who discover Tool is that they keep listening WAITING to hear a song they don't like or hate or whatever, but it NEVER happens LOL!!
I’m so excited for you to hear their holy Trinity (disposition, reflection, triad) I know you’re going to love it, It’s my favorite tool listening experience personally
Since you were curious the solo in the middle of the song is played by Justin using his whammy, and the synth parts in this song specifically are played by Danny with a keyboard synth, but most of the other synth parts in their songs off Lateralus and 10,000 days are played by Adam with a foot pedal synth while he’s playing the guitar. Also, you’re completely right about Vince carter
"You get out of the song what you need in that moment." Brilliant and accurate! This is one of the things that always drew me to TOOL. I can listen to the same song at different times, facing different thoughts/feelings/emotions and gather strength from it in unique ways, as if it were a brand new track though I may have heard it 1000 times before.
Weapon out and belly in. Love that line. Danny plays the synth part on this song with the giant midi xylophone you see arching over him in the Pneuma Drum cam video
“Glorious” Warriors striving for that “glorious” victory. Sounds like a perfect reflection of the song and your feelings inside. Happy Holidays to you and yours Sebs!
I love how this song parallels my transition from letting going of my Ego fighting " injustices" to my transition to applying "love" to transmute any darkness to light "False hope perhaps" And my Ego, bless it's bloodthirsty heart, is retiring undefeated. Love what you do here, friend
Dude! I'm on the toilet taking care of business,and this is the best Tool reaction I've ever seen and believe me I'm gonna stay here and Finnish. HELL YEAH !!!!!
Love your reaction bruh! I never listened to Tool after Sober cause I must be stupid 🤣 but you got me on track man. I feel you about the food btw, I do the same, eat and work it off... Mostly haha.
This song haunts me. I fell in love with Tool at a VERY young age, influenced by an older sibling. I saw them live for the first time at 10, after already being a fan for many years. Now at 30, after years of market crashes and pandemics and war, I feel so very, very tired. The armor is indeed thin. Having had Tool's music as the soundtrack for an exhaustingly eventful, battle-ridden life makes this one hit even harder. I feel Ive aged just as much as these men who are 25+ years my senior. I feel like I need one more good battle. Even though its unlikely I'll have anything but downswing from here. But hey! The truth never got in my way before now. ✌
LOVE that msg at the end. F--- social media. Let's all analyze Tool together & become one 😁 This song can be a sad one for me (it reminds me of my late father) but when you blurted out "what's about to happen?" I seriously got chills & had a huge smile across my face - THANK YOU for that! So perfect 👌
And you haven't even touched the Tool surface yet❤️❤️. You need to react to early Tool. Undertow, bottom, crawl away, eulogy, pushit, opiate......the list goes on and on.
that last part the guitar is playing in 7 and the drums/bass are in 3. They actually had been doing that all song but it really stands out in that last part.
Ur reactions between transitions are priceless!!!! Each time I kno a transition is coming I look for ur reaction is da same as watching a sick movie next to some1 who's nvr seen it and u can't wait for certain parts to happen jus to c how ur friend will react lol...keep em coming my friend
OMG! Watching you with THIS reaction in particlar... made me SO HAPPY! Your so fucking adorable!!!Of course we know you LOVE IT! Look at that sweet face of yours just LIGHT UP n yr eyes shined Yr def becoming 1 of my favs to watch! (psst.....its seretonin n dopamine)
That percussive guitar riff you commented on is also featured in the main riff of Jambi, and also sprinkled throughout other Tool songs. Kind of Adam's signature technique
Justin was an absolute beast playing this live. As much as I loved watching all the other members, Justin always drew my gaze back to him with his playing.
"Chasing Ponce de Leon". Rings a bell living here in Hernando Florida ❤️. Some of greatest men over history were the ones seeking immortality. Tool are definitely true pioneers and engineers.
TOOL always taps the lizard brain, gives you goose bumps & makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The music is so much more than just listening with your ears, you FEEL it! Just fuckin awesome!
I am thoroughly enjoying watching your journey. Trust me on this, we all still get chills, literal chills, listening to Tool. That will never end. I've listened to them since before Opiate. Almost every day since has had a Tool song played in it. They have helped me through some very tough times, and for that I am eternally grateful to them. Everyone has suggestions on which to do next, and I have mine as well. You are finally getting them, it's more than just music. Soon you must do Pushit, both the studio and Salival versions, just don't do Third Eye yet, this is hands down their best, it is the reward for your journey. Listen to Jimmy, Ticks and Leeches, Lateralus, any other song. Savor them, then open your third eye. I can't explain it, but I had an experience listening to Third Eye one day, and it changed something in me. You will to. Trust me. At the end of the day, spiral out and enjoy.
It's always a good day after watching a reaction of a Tool song from you my good sir. 😎🤘🏼 Much love to you and your loved ones. Keep the vids coming. Love your effort and quality of work. Take care everyone 😎
Love this song. I am turning 30 and this kind of message is starting to pull at my heart a bit, haha. Cant wait for you to check out the song H, about the birth of his son!
I think the ending with each instrument seeming to go out of time then come back just to end symbolized our last breath. Sort of a audio interpretation of passing through a tunnel and into the light.
References convey a larger picture, adds more to story, providing more detail and allowing to add another dimension to the art, message, and perspective. Those 2 words ''Caligula grin" (like many other) paint a much bigger story and adds to the depth of the meaning.
Caligula was a roman emperor known for being very, VERY, debauched. Like, homeboy did things indecent folks don't even bring up in rooms with closed doors. To have done things that would make Him grin... these warriors have done some interesting things to say the least.
The breakdown is amazing! The guitar & bass stay locked into a 7 count then Danny unleashes a flat 4/4 so they matching every 28th. It gives this rollercoaster effect of the flow. That is until the octopus links up & blows your mind
Now well into my 40s, this song really, really hits home with me. No longer am I that bulletproof kid that I once was. I'm slowing down and many of my glory days are now forever behind me. I'm also an old radio veteran and I see this new generation of kids moving way, way beyond any interest in this crazy industry that I've poured my soul into for the better part of two decades. I'm becoming less and less relevant by the year. Father Time is beginning to win the battle.
This song has very special meaning to me, that actually has relatively little to do with the lyrics (beyond the general depiction of a Warrior and struggle for survival.) When my daughter was pregnant with my grandson, she called me one day, when she was only 23 weeks along, to tell me that her doctor had admitted her to the obstetric ER with pre-term contractions. I leapt into my car and flew down the highway to get to the hospital to be with her. I was shaking with terror and tears were streaming freely down my face. My heart was screaming and I was praying out loud that my daughter could be strong; that my unborn grandson could be strong...that whatever happened they would both be OK. Then, I turned on my stereo- not even remembering that I had this CD in- and this song came on. Maynard and the boys became the thundering voice of my Goddess- speaking that my child and HER child were Warriors- were Invincible- and all would be well. They struggled off and on for several more months; hospitalized throughout about 1/4 of the pregnancy, but they Prevailed. My grandson turned one just a few days ago, and he is named Atrayu (for a young warrior from one of our favorite books/movies). Every time I hear this song, I remember that terrifying drive to the hospital and the way the Divine (I believe) used Tool as a way to calm my fear and affirm the power of my daughter and granchild. I openly cried hearing it live.
Some of maynard's most thought provoking lyrics hes ever written If we're all honest with ourselves we do indeed need to cull certain voices in our head. When we socialise as an example that voice which speaks of fear of the mistrust the jealousy and envy of others. These are some of the voices individually we could all do with culling
Now you have literally done all the songs I was asking for, I have one more request song: the Salival live version of Pushit, a remake version of one of their old school songs. Its beautiful, perhaps their most beautiful song ever played live. Check it out, you won't regret.
So glad that you finally got to this!! It is such an amazing song, and I know that you would love it!👍👍 You mentioned that you have listened to Pneuma over and over. What else is a permanent fixture in your playlist, and what have you been stuck on? This song, Descending, and Jambi are songs that I listen to over and over.
My wife and I were watching this and she asked if you had listened to Disillusioned by A Perfect Circle. She’s right, I’m pretty sure you’d love that song! It’s a song with a message. Would love to see you listen to that for the first time.
The off beats at the end is exactly 💯 what you said. A warrior sometimes gets lost and has to March to the beat of his own drum until he meets up with his team! Interpretations there are many, yet it is also very direct 🔧
Toolephidrine- the chemical released within the body when you hear a Tool song that makes your soul feel alive. From Webster's or Oxford I believe...and if not it damn right should be. 🤔
Probably serotonin and other endorphins is the feeling you are experiencing. Tool's music is in my opinion just an overall release. Frustration, anger, sadness, love, fear, the unknown, and understanding all present and accounted for. I feel that Maynard specifically uses his band's to work through his thoughts and feelings. Tool is more of the deep thought, personal assessment, existential standings and whatnot. Whereas a perfect circle is less disconnected and more experiencing the emotions. Then you have puscifer which I feel is pretty much straight libido. Could be way off, but that's just how it seems to me.
hey man, i actually kinda admire you, you keep walking (i like it is your own way of doing this) and still on first listen do a very nice job on catching so many nuances in tools music, which is, believe me ot not, not that easy.....many people cant catch them. sometimes even me included (not a shame with tool music).... it takes time. so i just wanted to say, you are hands down amazing. keep it going ;)
“Who plays the synthesizer” at 13:40. That’s Danny playing these synth pads. You can see them in the Pneuma video. It’s like a panel of 6 black squares to his left.
Yeah dude, look at the amount of time that passed between this album and the last one, then check out the lyrics again. This song is one of my favorites. Also, "Tool is a band that they don't always need lyrics to keep telling you the point of the song." 100% accurate.
Speaking of The Odyssey, you should check out “The Odyssey” by Symphony X. A little over 20min song that tells the story of Odysseus’ trials while trying to get home after the Trojan War. Badass.
04/28/2022, just stumbled across your reaction. Such an incredible song. Great reaction. Thanks for letting me relive. Can I make a request? Deftones - The Spell of Mathematics (or) Risk. Both are very worth your reaction.
Jimmy, Schism, Hooker With A Penis, Bottom (guest vocals Henry Rollins!!!), Die Ever Von Satan (which is a brownie recipe sung in German), Jerk-Off, Prison Sex, etc... Also, HAVE to recommend their covers of No Quarter (Led Zeppelin) and Demon Cleaner (Kyuss).
My two cents... Time stamps from the original song, not the video. Intro: Setting (0:01-1:17) Just introducing us to the landscape/setting the tone. First Act: Internal Conflict (1:17-6:50) Introduction to our protagonist (Warrior) and his internal conflict. At some point or another during this act, one or all of the instruments are engaged in some sort of poly-rhythm, indicating the Warrior’s internal conflict and lack of resolution. We run the gamut here, from calm and melodic, to dark and menacing; from soaring and triumphant, to reminiscent and brooding, not sure where we’re going to come down or how we feel about it. So much rhythmic unrest and tonal variance. Second Act: Conflict Resolution (6:51-10:50) I feel like we really go deep within the psyche of the Warrior during this act. The majority of this act is instrumental, and, tonally, very different from the first and third acts. Things slow down a bit, and the music goes through a few layers of noise before we hit bedrock. Everything suddenly quiets, save the driving, constant guitar riff, and we’re left with the Warrior’s subconscious. From this foundation sounds a loud, clear tone. The beginnings of an idea. It comes around again, this time accompanied by a distorted, harmonizing voice. The drums enter, grounding us, establishing a connection with the external world. The music simplifies again, as the idea coalesces. Everything quiets. Then kicks back in with a decisive, unmistakable forward momentum. The cadence implies both a military march and the march of time, constant, unwavering, inevitable. For the first time, the music is in perfect rhythmic lockstep (Almost feels like 4/4, but this is Tool, so it’s 14/8). Without building tempo, the pace builds, driving us toward the ultimate conclusion of the Warrior’s internal conflict. Had the Warrior decided he was too old and didn’t have it in him any longer, the song could’ve ended here, and no-one would have felt slighted or let-down in the least, this song (and the Warrior’s life) has already been legendary. But that’s not what our Protagonist decides. He’s not done yet. He knows how he wants to go out. And he marches decisively in the direction of one final, glorious battle! Third Act: Glorious Battle! (10:52-12:46) The Warrior’s internal dialogue is clear now, fully integrated with his external actions, and sung with purpose and drive. The climax begins to build at the beginning of this act and doesn’t fully cut itself loose until the 11:38 mark. This is pure ‘proving you’ve still got it’. Absolutely brutal mastery throughout this entire Final Act. The Warrior honors himself, and his craft, in his final outing, standing and swinging amid the pounding chaos of epic battle. His name will be remembered forever. He is truly invincible. I think this song can be interpreted a number of ways, as is often the case with Tool. I think this could be viewed as a sort of archetypal story of a man, individually, or even men as a whole given our current social climate. I also believe it to have heavy autobiographical overtones for the band itself. This is their first album in over 13 years. They’re returning, over a decade removed, to a young man’s game. Their youngest member, the bassist, is 47, the oldest, the drummer, is 58. They are the old warrior lurching back into the fray.
Caligula's formal name was Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus."Caligula" translates to "little boots" and no Roman in their correct mind would call him that to his face.Pretty fast track to the next world,as he was indeed nuttier than squirrel poop
It's funny that you reference Vince Carter, I made a tribute video to Kobe Bryant to this song on my UA-cam page. It's like u have the reactions I had to each song u played. 🌀 KEEP GOING!🤘🏿
The song is also a self analysis of the group themselves. 13 years since the last album, would the old dudes still be on top of their game? Would they still be consequential/ relevant? Also…Reading comments about Caligula and I think some are missing the point…he was a known for his debauchery and sexual perversions, thus Maynard is referencing the mischief and antics of their younger selves as a stereotypical band on tour as I’m sure they all indulged in the sex, drugs and rock n roll lifestyle, therefore making Caligula grin.
The drummer from Slipknot was blown away when he heard an early version of this album. He asked how many overdubs Danny had done. His reply? "It's just me"
Is this a real thing???? I love slipknot you telling me the drummers head got blown up
A rough quote from Adam when asked why he doesn’t move much when he’s playing - “I’m doing math in my head the whole time”.
This song also embodies the band itself. These dudes are in their 50’s and 60’s and still putout bangers playing in sold out stadiums.
As ever with tool, it has multiple interpretations, but this is the most obvious for me. A 13 year gap between albums, a vastly different music industry... Struggling to remain relevant and consequential into their later years. I hear this song sung with a smile on Maynard's face. They knew they were as capable as ever before this album dropped, even if they are older and "different" from earlier stuff. I just worry that the lyrics in this album point towards it being a swansong... I hope I'm wrong 🤞
@@Andy-nl8uq im sure maynard says so in Descending. Could be wrong though.
The Moral of the story, the Warrior won EVERY Battle until he faced Father Time 😉 one mans opinion
👍
That's good
Weapon out and belly in... once more into the fray; brother!
Your doing a great job on your Tool reactions. Im a hardcore Tool fan. After you do the holy trinity you should consider doing one of the greatest Tool songs ever, even thpugh their all great. Pushit from their live album Salival. Its like euphoria!
I would agree… Pushit is a journey and a masterpiece… definitely do the studio version first and then do the salival version.
do them both as one video.
This song always makes me think of my dad. Vietnam era Green Beret. When he was old & ill he still behaved as a young man against the world but his mortality was dawning on him
As a man, about to hit 50, served over 20yrs in the military, this song has always hit me to my soul. The mind is eager and willing. But do to injuries and several surgeries, the body just cant perform anymore. And , absolutely hate that. Great job.
The Tool Army knows your not trying to please us, it's clear and great to see someone who just gets why Tool is the best band ever. Keep marching to the beat bro! 🪖
4head
Just when you think the song is done and the warrior is done fighting... he keeps fighting.
"Caligula would grin". He would grin at hearing about the tales of carnage. It's what he craved. I love this song. I see a great general lamenting on past battles and preparing for yet another, in his big castle. The second part of the song is the long ride into battle with his troops and the third is the battle itself, with swords wielding everywhere. Every battle comes with a high price and each time we wonder if we can still conquer. Just as stepping on the stage one more time will be the last? I believe the reference to Ponce De Leon would be thoughts of finding the fountain of youth, so we could battle forever more.
Ponce de Leon's reference does have to be with fountain of youth( I can taste fountains), and the possibility to cure from the Sting, since he sees his end(tears in my eyes). Calígula would grim of perverse things done. The song shows us that not even the most arrogant person is invincible, and the fate is unevitable
Lost Keys + Rosetta Stoned will blow your mind my dude!!
Lipan Conjuring leading up to Lost Keys is a must!!
It's like a 10,000 Days holy trinity: Lipan Conjuring, Lost Keys and Rosetta Stoned
quite literally
This song to me has multiple levels of interpretation
1-It's literally the musical embodiement of an ancient battle seen from the point of view of a veteran fighter's emotions
2- It's a metaphor of the struggles we all face everyday's life, becoming harder as you get older and you face new battles
3- and in particular of the struggles of Maynard and the band, having to keep performing perfectly and deliver after so many years of absence from the stages. Maynard, in the specific, struggles with his voice today and isn't able to perform the same crazy screams as he used to
The images my brain creates while listening generate this sequence:
2:15 the veteran warrior is still in its tent, putting his armor, reflecting about his past battles and the fact that he has to face yet a new one
8:13 the warrior is finally armored up, leaves his tent and reaches the rest of the army lines in formation. Same taughts cross his mind. . The army starts marching against the enemy
10:29 enemy army is in sight. Tension arises
11:31 the order is given, ranks start marching in close formation, arrows start to fly over their head, people start dying. Our warrior has the last reflections before the clash
15:14 the clash. Our warrior starts swinging and killing enemies. Not much time to think
16:57 the battle is over. The warrior has survived this one too. He starts crying to raugh out his emotions
Cool imagery. It’s all metaphor but it’s pretty simplistic in meaning. #2. It’s just about aging and becoming irrelevant as the newer generations take the lead.
This is pretty accurate, but I'm pretty sure the warrior dies in this battle. The clue is in the in phrases about 'Ponce de leon's phantom' (the fountain of youth), feeling the sting of the blade, and having time close in (death - the timeless state). "Once invincible, now the armor is wearing thin". To me this song does not have a happy ending for our warrior.
@@robertbrenton6833 we all die. He’s searching for the fountain of youth. It stings, knowing you’ll never regain that youth. You feel the time weighing down on you, counting closer to your inevitable demise while your body gets older and less able.
@@robertbrenton6833 that's another interesting interpretation
My two cents... Time stamps from the original song, not the video.
Intro: Setting (0:01-1:17)
Just introducing us to the landscape/setting the tone.
First Act: Internal Conflict (1:17-6:50)
Introduction to our protagonist (Warrior) and his internal conflict. At some point or another during this act, one or all of the instruments are engaged in some sort of poly-rhythm, indicating the Warrior’s internal conflict and lack of resolution. We run the gamut here, from calm and melodic, to dark and menacing; from soaring and triumphant, to reminiscent and brooding, not sure where we’re going to come down or how we feel about it. So much rhythmic unrest and tonal variance.
Second Act: Conflict Resolution (6:51-10:50)
I feel like we really go deep within the psyche of the Warrior during this act. The majority of this act is instrumental, and, tonally, very different from the first and third acts. Things slow down a bit, and the music goes through a few layers of noise before we hit bedrock. Everything suddenly quiets, save the driving, constant guitar riff, and we’re left with the Warrior’s subconscious. From this foundation sounds a loud, clear tone. The beginnings of an idea. It comes around again, this time accompanied by a distorted, harmonizing voice. The drums enter, grounding us, establishing a connection with the external world. The music simplifies again, as the idea coalesces. Everything quiets. Then kicks back in with a decisive, unmistakable forward momentum. The cadence implies both a military march and the march of time, constant, unwavering, inevitable. For the first time, the music is in perfect rhythmic lockstep (Almost feels like 4/4, but this is Tool, so it’s 14/8). Without building tempo, the pace builds, driving us toward the ultimate conclusion of the Warrior’s internal conflict. Had the Warrior decided he was too old and didn’t have it in him any longer, the song could’ve ended here, and no-one would have felt slighted or let-down in the least, this song (and the Warrior’s life) has already been legendary. But that’s not what our Protagonist decides. He’s not done yet. He knows how he wants to go out. And he marches decisively in the direction of one final, glorious battle!
Third Act: Glorious Battle! (10:52-12:46)
The Warrior’s internal dialogue is clear now, fully integrated with his external actions, and sung with purpose and drive. The climax begins to build at the beginning of this act and doesn’t fully cut itself loose until the 11:38 mark. This is pure ‘proving you’ve still got it’. Absolutely brutal mastery throughout this entire Final Act. The Warrior honors himself, and his craft, in his final outing, standing and swinging amid the pounding chaos of epic battle. His name will be remembered forever. He is truly invincible.
I think this song can be interpreted a number of ways, as is often the case with Tool. I think this could be viewed as a sort of archetypal story of a man, individually, or even men as a whole given our current social climate.
I also believe it to have heavy autobiographical overtones for the band itself. This is their first album in over 13 years. They’re returning, over a decade removed, to a young man’s game. Their youngest member, the bassist, is 47, the oldest, the drummer, is 58. They are the old warrior lurching back into the fray.
In this song Danny gets up and plays the synth part, right after a bass solo by Justin. In Pneuma it's Adam right before a lead with the guitar. They are all amazing.
And I’ve seen Maynard play keys too.
You're both correct... and I've seen Adam play the "synth" on this song with foot pedals, too! All 3 usually have keyboards nearby onstage as well.
You were having a Toolgasm! That was Danny on the synth at that part. Adam also does parts on the synth and that was him in pneuma.
Similar to a Floydgasm. Which makes sense since TOOL is kind of the next Pink Floyd. If you don't have that same feeling somewhere in Great Gig in the Sky or Shine On You Crazy Diamond, there's something wrong.
Pushit. First album version, then Salival (live) version.
The atmosphere, the energy of the same song is so different. The Salival version is so magical.
THIS!
Pushit is my Favorite song. Invincible is my second. Obvi Tool is my favorite band...
I just discovered Tool with FI and have 30 yrs of catching up to do as well but I'm up for the challenge too!!
I don't know if the clarification has already been made, but surely by now you will already have your interpretation.
I understand by "Weapon out and belly in" the moment in which the warrior suddenly goes into battle mode, it is the physical movement he makes, perhaps from simply being patrolling.
Been a Tool fan since the very beginning and for me, this is their absolute best tune.
Dude, where is ‘The Trinity’ already?! (Disposition, Reflection & Triad - all together). Let’s go!
Its apparently not the right time for him to hear that trio... he tends to hear just the right TooL for the time in his life. This is why we love Tool, their music appears at pivotal points in our life to guide us if we want to listen.
Right!
Absolutely all together
Why rush or demand a song? I don’t get it. Plenty of tool to listen to.
I honestly don't think triad goes with disposition/reflection
I’ve been waiting for this reaction Sebs. It’s the best song off their new album in my opinion, because of the story it tells. So many parallels to the words and everything around us. This songs speaks to me in a way I’ve never experienced.
This song becomes more profound each time I hear it. I truly love how it seems to describe my father in all his glory. He is approaching the end of his life now, I still see him as a bad ass even though his strength has long gone. He is a warrior, he was also a seamstress, a leather worker, a carpenter. He taught me how to help myself and appreciate hard work.
i love love love the cinematic feel of this tune with a semi western sounding guitar riff to open up the song. one of my favorites. Makes me think of my love of hockey and how i ended my playing days.
I think part of alot of youtubers reaction who discover Tool is that they keep listening WAITING to hear a song they don't like or hate or whatever, but it NEVER happens LOL!!
I’m so excited for you to hear their holy Trinity (disposition, reflection, triad) I know you’re going to love it, It’s my favorite tool listening experience personally
Since you were curious the solo in the middle of the song is played by Justin using his whammy, and the synth parts in this song specifically are played by Danny with a keyboard synth, but most of the other synth parts in their songs off Lateralus and 10,000 days are played by Adam with a foot pedal synth while he’s playing the guitar. Also, you’re completely right about Vince carter
The whole fear inoculum album is great…this one caught my attention early on and I go back to often. Lyrics just fit nicely.
I honestly haven’t came across a “Tool reaction” channel that I’ve enjoyed watching as much as yours. I SO look forward to your videos every week!
I'm a treadmill guy too, nothing better than listening to tool with a little runner's high
Jambi kicks off my ‘Running’ playlist. Talk about setting a tone for a workout 🏃♂️💨
The SERMON on the MOUNT!
Maynard FLIPS THE BEATITUDES!
Thought provoking LYRICS. ANGELIC voice.
THE DOOMED by A PERFECT CIRCLE. 💯🔥🤯🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
I love the entire Eat The Elephant album. The Doomed, Disillusioned, So Long And Thanks For All The Fish, Hourglass, DLB….it’s so amazing.
"You get out of the song what you need in that moment." Brilliant and accurate! This is one of the things that always drew me to TOOL. I can listen to the same song at different times, facing different thoughts/feelings/emotions and gather strength from it in unique ways, as if it were a brand new track though I may have heard it 1000 times before.
Weapon out and belly in. Love that line.
Danny plays the synth part on this song with the giant midi xylophone you see arching over him in the Pneuma Drum cam video
All I want for Christmas is...
for my friends to react to Tool like you do. 😁
“Glorious”
Warriors striving for that “glorious” victory. Sounds like a perfect reflection of the song and your feelings inside.
Happy Holidays to you and yours Sebs!
I love how this song parallels my transition from letting going of my Ego fighting " injustices" to my transition to applying "love" to transmute any darkness to light
"False hope perhaps"
And my Ego, bless it's bloodthirsty heart, is retiring undefeated.
Love what you do here, friend
My favorite song from Fear Inoculum. Oh, and this song has more endings than Return of the King.
Dude! I'm on the toilet taking care of business,and this is the best Tool reaction I've ever seen and believe me I'm gonna stay here and Finnish. HELL YEAH !!!!!
They bring up Ponce de Leon because he was looking for the fountain of youth. Tool has been around for over 30 years the song is referring to them.
Love your reaction bruh! I never listened to Tool after Sober cause I must be stupid 🤣 but you got me on track man. I feel you about the food btw, I do the same, eat and work it off... Mostly haha.
Your steps are in sync with the music - you look like a Spartan marching into battle! Good job bro, keep 'em coming!
This song haunts me. I fell in love with Tool at a VERY young age, influenced by an older sibling. I saw them live for the first time at 10, after already being a fan for many years. Now at 30, after years of market crashes and pandemics and war, I feel so very, very tired. The armor is indeed thin.
Having had Tool's music as the soundtrack for an exhaustingly eventful, battle-ridden life makes this one hit even harder. I feel Ive aged just as much as these men who are 25+ years my senior. I feel like I need one more good battle. Even though its unlikely I'll have anything but downswing from here.
But hey! The truth never got in my way before now. ✌
LOVE that msg at the end. F--- social media. Let's all analyze Tool together & become one 😁
This song can be a sad one for me (it reminds me of my late father) but when you blurted out "what's about to happen?" I seriously got chills & had a huge smile across my face - THANK YOU for that! So perfect 👌
And you haven't even touched the Tool surface yet❤️❤️. You need to react to early Tool. Undertow, bottom, crawl away, eulogy, pushit, opiate......the list goes on and on.
that last part the guitar is playing in 7 and the drums/bass are in 3. They actually had been doing that all song but it really stands out in that last part.
Ur reactions between transitions are priceless!!!! Each time I kno a transition is coming I look for ur reaction is da same as watching a sick movie next to some1 who's nvr seen it and u can't wait for certain parts to happen jus to c how ur friend will react lol...keep em coming my friend
My personal favorite track off this album. It just hits hard, especially lyrically.
"What is this feeling"? ...
That is a Toolgasm
OMG! Watching you with THIS reaction in particlar... made me SO HAPPY! Your so fucking adorable!!!Of course we know you LOVE IT! Look at that sweet face of yours just LIGHT UP n yr eyes shined Yr def becoming 1 of my favs to watch! (psst.....its seretonin n dopamine)
That percussive guitar riff you commented on is also featured in the main riff of Jambi, and also sprinkled throughout other Tool songs. Kind of Adam's signature technique
Justin was an absolute beast playing this live. As much as I loved watching all the other members, Justin always drew my gaze back to him with his playing.
I’m from Toronto… love the VC reference! Also loving these Tool reactions! I’m here for whatever is next.
"Chasing Ponce de Leon". Rings a bell living here in Hernando Florida ❤️. Some of greatest men over history were the ones seeking immortality. Tool are definitely true pioneers and engineers.
TOOL always taps the lizard brain, gives you goose bumps & makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The music is so much more than just listening with your ears, you FEEL it! Just fuckin awesome!
Duuuude I love your connection with Vince Carter. Completely different genre of mastery and life but so on point.
You spoke of age, most of us tool folk are around their 50s
I am thoroughly enjoying watching your journey. Trust me on this, we all still get chills, literal chills, listening to Tool. That will never end. I've listened to them since before Opiate. Almost every day since has had a Tool song played in it. They have helped me through some very tough times, and for that I am eternally grateful to them. Everyone has suggestions on which to do next, and I have mine as well. You are finally getting them, it's more than just music. Soon you must do Pushit, both the studio and Salival versions, just don't do Third Eye yet, this is hands down their best, it is the reward for your journey. Listen to Jimmy, Ticks and Leeches, Lateralus, any other song. Savor them, then open your third eye. I can't explain it, but I had an experience listening to Third Eye one day, and it changed something in me. You will to. Trust me. At the end of the day, spiral out and enjoy.
It's always a good day after watching a reaction of a Tool song from you my good sir. 😎🤘🏼
Much love to you and your loved ones. Keep the vids coming. Love your effort and quality of work. Take care everyone 😎
Everybody loves Tool. You just gotta. It's so well made you can't ignore it. It's a composition. 4 musicians playing in full harmony.
Love this song. I am turning 30 and this kind of message is starting to pull at my heart a bit, haha. Cant wait for you to check out the song H, about the birth of his son!
I think the ending with each instrument seeming to go out of time then come back just to end symbolized our last breath. Sort of a audio interpretation of passing through a tunnel and into the light.
I've been listening to TOOL since 1993 and they continue to give me the reaction you get as a new listener.
You are the perfect Tool fan. People like them.. but not many understand them. I think you do!!! Welcome to the army!!!!
That synthesizer was actually the big xylophone looking thing behind Danny in that Pneuma video (and it's Danny playing it)
References convey a larger picture, adds more to story, providing more detail and allowing to add another dimension to the art, message, and perspective. Those 2 words ''Caligula grin" (like many other) paint a much bigger story and adds to the depth of the meaning.
This song always makes me think of Druss the Legend from the David Gemmell, Drenai books.
Long live the Deathwalker.
Live watching your reactions to tool bro, reminds me of my first time listening to these tracks and getting my mind blown! Enjoy the journey！
Caligula was a roman emperor known for being very, VERY, debauched. Like, homeboy did things indecent folks don't even bring up in rooms with closed doors.
To have done things that would make Him grin... these warriors have done some interesting things to say the least.
I’ve been seriously loving your Tool reactions for a few months now, bro 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I love your moments when you get it and you have nothing to say because it's that fucking good. Your in the Tool Army NOW!!!
The breakdown is amazing! The guitar & bass stay locked into a 7 count then Danny unleashes a flat 4/4 so they matching every 28th. It gives this rollercoaster effect of the flow. That is until the octopus links up & blows your mind
Unfortunately, I always think of the warrior dropping a deuce when he's "bearing down."
Dive into Puscifer bro. It’s like a instructional to the cosmos. Tiny Monsters
Now well into my 40s, this song really, really hits home with me. No longer am I that bulletproof kid that I once was. I'm slowing down and many of my glory days are now forever behind me. I'm also an old radio veteran and I see this new generation of kids moving way, way beyond any interest in this crazy industry that I've poured my soul into for the better part of two decades. I'm becoming less and less relevant by the year. Father Time is beginning to win the battle.
This song has very special meaning to me, that actually has relatively little to do with the lyrics (beyond the general depiction of a Warrior and struggle for survival.) When my daughter was pregnant with my grandson, she called me one day, when she was only 23 weeks along, to tell me that her doctor had admitted her to the obstetric ER with pre-term contractions. I leapt into my car and flew down the highway to get to the hospital to be with her. I was shaking with terror and tears were streaming freely down my face. My heart was screaming and I was praying out loud that my daughter could be strong; that my unborn grandson could be strong...that whatever happened they would both be OK. Then, I turned on my stereo- not even remembering that I had this CD in- and this song came on. Maynard and the boys became the thundering voice of my Goddess- speaking that my child and HER child were Warriors- were Invincible- and all would be well. They struggled off and on for several more months; hospitalized throughout about 1/4 of the pregnancy, but they Prevailed. My grandson turned one just a few days ago, and he is named Atrayu (for a young warrior from one of our favorite books/movies). Every time I hear this song, I remember that terrifying drive to the hospital and the way the Divine (I believe) used Tool as a way to calm my fear and affirm the power of my daughter and granchild. I openly cried hearing it live.
Another awesome reaction to Tool. I am so looking forward to more - especially your thoughts on Culling Voices.
@flasher2001 yes Culling Voices! It’s so underrated 🤟🏻
Some of maynard's most thought provoking lyrics hes ever written If we're all honest with ourselves we do indeed need to cull certain voices in our head.
When we socialise as an example that voice which speaks of fear of the mistrust the jealousy and envy of others. These are some of the voices individually we could all do with culling
Now you have literally done all the songs I was asking for, I have one more request song: the Salival live version of Pushit, a remake version of one of their old school songs. Its beautiful, perhaps their most beautiful song ever played live. Check it out, you won't regret.
So glad that you finally got to this!! It is such an amazing song, and I know that you would love it!👍👍
You mentioned that you have listened to Pneuma over and over. What else is a permanent fixture in your playlist, and what have you been stuck on? This song, Descending, and Jambi are songs that I listen to over and over.
I may have watched this and commented but rewatching today. This isn't a song, it's a masterpiece much like all their music.
My wife and I were watching this and she asked if you had listened to Disillusioned by A Perfect Circle. She’s right, I’m pretty sure you’d love that song! It’s a song with a message. Would love to see you listen to that for the first time.
The off beats at the end is exactly 💯 what you said. A warrior sometimes gets lost and has to March to the beat of his own drum until he meets up with his team! Interpretations there are many, yet it is also very direct 🔧
Toolephidrine- the chemical released within the body when you hear a Tool song that makes your soul feel alive. From Webster's or Oxford I believe...and if not it damn right should be. 🤔
Danny walks with a big stick in this piece. 🦾 So metaphorical in their execution.
Probably serotonin and other endorphins is the feeling you are experiencing. Tool's music is in my opinion just an overall release. Frustration, anger, sadness, love, fear, the unknown, and understanding all present and accounted for. I feel that Maynard specifically uses his band's to work through his thoughts and feelings. Tool is more of the deep thought, personal assessment, existential standings and whatnot. Whereas a perfect circle is less disconnected and more experiencing the emotions. Then you have puscifer which I feel is pretty much straight libido. Could be way off, but that's just how it seems to me.
caligula would grin means ,what is happening now is worse than what he did,and he is famous for his bad deeds
hey man, i actually kinda admire you, you keep walking (i like it is your own way of doing this) and still on first listen do a very nice job on catching so many nuances in tools music, which is, believe me ot not, not that easy.....many people cant catch them. sometimes even me included (not a shame with tool music).... it takes time. so i just wanted to say, you are hands down amazing. keep it going ;)
I really hope you do "Culling Voices" it's a must.
“Who plays the synthesizer” at 13:40. That’s Danny playing these synth pads. You can see them in the Pneuma video. It’s like a panel of 6 black squares to his left.
I like the line "Heavy Shields....Down". Its such a gamer way to say it.
Yeah dude, look at the amount of time that passed between this album and the last one, then check out the lyrics again. This song is one of my favorites.
Also, "Tool is a band that they don't always need lyrics to keep telling you the point of the song." 100% accurate.
Speaking of The Odyssey, you should check out “The Odyssey” by Symphony X. A little over 20min song that tells the story of Odysseus’ trials while trying to get home after the Trojan War. Badass.
It's hard not to draw parallels to the band itself after a 13 year absence and them being all in their 50's
dude Danny is now 62
Danny's older than the rest of them and that comment was a year ago, so not so wrong@@timgarmon999
04/28/2022, just stumbled across your reaction. Such an incredible song. Great reaction. Thanks for letting me relive. Can I make a request? Deftones - The Spell of Mathematics (or) Risk.
Both are very worth your reaction.
Jimmy, Schism, Hooker With A Penis, Bottom (guest vocals Henry Rollins!!!), Die Ever Von Satan (which is a brownie recipe sung in German), Jerk-Off, Prison Sex, etc... Also, HAVE to recommend their covers of No Quarter (Led Zeppelin) and Demon Cleaner (Kyuss).
Tool is the gift that keeps giving. That's why their fan base is so solid. 🤘
Gojira - Oroborus. Another heavily symbolic band for you to check.
Eulogy is my fav Tool song, but it is definitely difficult saying that being I truly love every one of them
My two cents... Time stamps from the original song, not the video.
Intro: Setting (0:01-1:17)
Just introducing us to the landscape/setting the tone.
First Act: Internal Conflict (1:17-6:50)
Introduction to our protagonist (Warrior) and his internal conflict. At some point or another during this act, one or all of the instruments are engaged in some sort of poly-rhythm, indicating the Warrior’s internal conflict and lack of resolution. We run the gamut here, from calm and melodic, to dark and menacing; from soaring and triumphant, to reminiscent and brooding, not sure where we’re going to come down or how we feel about it. So much rhythmic unrest and tonal variance.
Second Act: Conflict Resolution (6:51-10:50)
I feel like we really go deep within the psyche of the Warrior during this act. The majority of this act is instrumental, and, tonally, very different from the first and third acts. Things slow down a bit, and the music goes through a few layers of noise before we hit bedrock. Everything suddenly quiets, save the driving, constant guitar riff, and we’re left with the Warrior’s subconscious. From this foundation sounds a loud, clear tone. The beginnings of an idea. It comes around again, this time accompanied by a distorted, harmonizing voice. The drums enter, grounding us, establishing a connection with the external world. The music simplifies again, as the idea coalesces. Everything quiets. Then kicks back in with a decisive, unmistakable forward momentum. The cadence implies both a military march and the march of time, constant, unwavering, inevitable. For the first time, the music is in perfect rhythmic lockstep (Almost feels like 4/4, but this is Tool, so it’s 14/8). Without building tempo, the pace builds, driving us toward the ultimate conclusion of the Warrior’s internal conflict. Had the Warrior decided he was too old and didn’t have it in him any longer, the song could’ve ended here, and no-one would have felt slighted or let-down in the least, this song (and the Warrior’s life) has already been legendary. But that’s not what our Protagonist decides. He’s not done yet. He knows how he wants to go out. And he marches decisively in the direction of one final, glorious battle!
Third Act: Glorious Battle! (10:52-12:46)
The Warrior’s internal dialogue is clear now, fully integrated with his external actions, and sung with purpose and drive. The climax begins to build at the beginning of this act and doesn’t fully cut itself loose until the 11:38 mark. This is pure ‘proving you’ve still got it’. Absolutely brutal mastery throughout this entire Final Act. The Warrior honors himself, and his craft, in his final outing, standing and swinging amid the pounding chaos of epic battle. His name will be remembered forever. He is truly invincible.
I think this song can be interpreted a number of ways, as is often the case with Tool. I think this could be viewed as a sort of archetypal story of a man, individually, or even men as a whole given our current social climate.
I also believe it to have heavy autobiographical overtones for the band itself. This is their first album in over 13 years. They’re returning, over a decade removed, to a young man’s game. Their youngest member, the bassist, is 47, the oldest, the drummer, is 58. They are the old warrior lurching back into the fray.
Caligula's formal name was Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus."Caligula" translates to "little boots" and no Roman in their correct mind would call him that to his face.Pretty fast track to the next world,as he was indeed nuttier than squirrel poop
It's funny that you reference Vince Carter, I made a tribute video to Kobe Bryant to this song on my UA-cam page. It's like u have the reactions I had to each song u played. 🌀 KEEP GOING!🤘🏿
The song is also a self analysis of the group themselves. 13 years since the last album, would the old dudes still be on top of their game? Would they still be consequential/ relevant?
Also…Reading comments about Caligula and I think some are missing the point…he was a known for his debauchery and sexual perversions, thus Maynard is referencing the mischief and antics of their younger selves as a stereotypical band on tour as I’m sure they all indulged in the sex, drugs and rock n roll lifestyle, therefore making Caligula grin.
I did not know this until I saw tool live that solo on invincible was Justin Chancellor bass player
Vinsanity!!!....Greatest in GAME dunker of all time!! Also the most UNDERRATED player IMO!!!!!
Endorphin rush for Sebs😉. I’m a bit older than you, and this song certainly is relevant… and consequential.