Filed in archive Hard Rock on July 19, 2010

Top Rock Albums - Aenima by Tool

© Scott Penner

Tool has always been a controversial and almost mysterious type of band. They're one of the previous generations leading performers in the progressive metal genre with a sound like no other. Aenima was their second studio album released on October the first in nineteen ninety-six. Aenima features not a single fear of insult or controversy with an album sleeve depicting a man possibly performing oral sex on himself as well as several songs that deal with topics such as deviant sexual habits, drug abuse, and out right blasphemy.

What's shocking is that Aenima is one of the best rock albums released in the previous century. Tool has an undeniable talent for mixing hardcore bass riffs and drum beats with some almost angelic guitar solos. Tool's front man and singer James Maynard Keenan can go from a terrorizing scream to a pitch perfect harmony in a single verse. Almost every song on Aenima is an emotional roller coaster with seemingly dark lyrics that can be interpreted into something very powerful. There are plenty of segues for a touch of twisted humor and not a single track will disappoint. Aenima is one of the greatest rock albums ever!