Aenima

Ænima is the second studio album by American rock band Tool. It was released on September 17, 1996, through Zoo Entertainment. Produced by David Bottrill and the band itself, the album is a continuation of the band's exploration of progressive rock, and alternative rock, with heavy use of experimentation, psychedelic rock influences, and complex song structures.

Background

Following the success of their debut album, Undertow (1993), Tool began work on a follow-up album with an intention to explore more complex and experimental sounds. This period saw the band members dealing with personal challenges and legal battles that influenced the dark, introspective lyrics of Ænima.

Recording and Production

The recording sessions for Ænima took place in several studios in Hollywood and North Hollywood. The album's production was marked by tension between band members and their original bassist, Paul D'Amour, who left the band during the initial stages of the album and was replaced by Justin Chancellor. Chancellor's more experimental style of playing contributed significantly to the album's sound.

Music and Lyrics

Ænima combines elements of progressive metal, art rock, and psychedelic rock, creating a dense, multi-layered sound. The album is known for its complex rhythms, deep lyrical themes of personal growth, spirituality, and criticism of organized religion and society. Songs like "Stinkfist," "Forty Six & 2," and the title track "Ænema" showcase the band's use of dynamic shifts, unconventional song structures, and Maynard James Keenan's distinctive vocal style.

Reception

Upon its release, Ænima was met with critical acclaim, with many praising its ambitious approach and the band's evolution in sound. It won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1998 for the song "Ænema". The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Legacy

Ænima is often regarded as one of Tool's best works and a landmark album in the progressive metal genre. Its success helped to break Tool into mainstream recognition and has influenced a wide range of bands and artists in the rock and metal genres. The album's themes and the band's visual presentation, including music videos and album artwork designed by guitarist Adam Jones, have contributed to Tool's reputation as a band that blends music with visual arts.

Track Listing

The album features the following tracks:

1. "Stinkfist"
2. "Eulogy"
3. "H."
4. "Useful Idiot"
5. "Forty Six & 2"
6. "Message to Harry Manback"
7. "Hooker with a Penis"
8. "Intermission"
9. "jimmy"
10. "Die Eier von Satan"
11. "Pushit"
12. "Cesaro Summability"
13. "Ænema"
14. "(-) Ions"
15. "Third Eye"

Personnel

• Maynard James Keenan – vocals
• Adam Jones – guitar
• Justin Chancellor – bass
• Danny Carey – drums

See Also

• Tool (band)
• Progressive metal
• Alternative rock
• Psychedelic rock