Tool - Opiate (1992)

1. "Sweat" – 3:46
2. "Hush" – 2:48
3. "Part of Me" – 3:17
4. "Cold and Ugly (Live)" – 4:09
* Recorded on December 31, 1991 at the Jello Loft, Hollywood, California
5. "Jerk-Off (Live)" – 4:23
* Recorded on January 1, 1992 at the Jello Loft, Hollywood, California
6. "Opiate" – 8:28
* Contains the hidden track "The Gaping Lotus Experience", which plays at 6:06 into track 6, refering to the number of Satan (666).


Two years after their formation, Tool released "Opiate". It features Tool in their developmental stage and playing what people consider to be Alternative Metal. Which is partially true, but most of the riffs on this album are groovy and progressive. I think a better genre would be "Progressive Groove Metal".
The lyrics are very anti-establishment and anti-censorship, with no shortage of expletives. It captures the essence of Tool very well, lyric-wise. The music, is very good for a band in its infancy, but is just groove riffs when you get to the bottom of it. Included is two live-songs displays their flawless live performance, which is of surprising quality for the time.
"Jerk-off" is definitely their best song on this song, very catchy. The title track also comes in a close second. If your a newer Tool fan, you'll probably like this. Hard-rock fans will appreciate this one as well.

7/10 (Worth Checking out)