For those that were in the livechat, I'm very sorry that the premiere was botched. All I was able to do to fix the situation was to make the video public...which disabled the chat. So, I hope you all enjoy some TOOL!

After many years in the music doldrums, TOOL has woken up my ears - I'm 70 :)

Phenomenal opener. I don't understand the backlash of the record. Just a masterpiece in every way you look at it.

Please check out "Descending" if you haven't already, I consider it to be one of the best songs Tool has ever written. Absolutely magical song, quite a few Tool fans list it as their favorite/near favorite song!

This drummer is totally insane. Discovered him recently and totally blown away each and every time.

I've gotta say your air drumming has really improved over this long journey!

I'm amazed at what a great album this is. Generally when a classic band takes that much time off they never get their mojo back. But they hit it out of the park with Fear Inoculum. It's as good as anything they've ever done.

We are being force fed poison from every direction, this song is perfect for the times we live in.

Doug you would absolutely love Descending from the same album, composition-wise

There is NO band built like TOOL. No other band will EVER sound like these guys. I was fortunate to see them in March '22 on the Fear Inoculum tour. You are right...Experiencing TOOL live truly is a spiritual experience. Their music is visceral and emotional. Love your reactions to TOOL. Keep up the good work Bro. Have a blessed '23!

Seeing TOOL live is a one of a kind experience. I'm glad you got the opportunity to go out and see them.

Fun fact: Maynard says the word "Mitosis" directly in the middle of this song. In cell biology, mitosis is a part of the cell cycle in which replicated chromosomes are separated into two new nuclei. Cell division by mitosis gives rise to genetically identical cells in which the total number of chromosomes is maintained. Therefore, mitosis is also known as equational division. (Mitosis explanation Copied from Wiki) This is why we love Tool. (One of the reasons)

I am so envious of your receiving the vinyl. I can only imagine how good it sounds

It seems appropriate that the episode number for this Tool review is a prime number. Tool is the Pink Floyd of metal and the metal version of Radiohead

These guys are legends, one of a kind. What a way to start Christmas week!

🎧Ever since I was given the gift that is T⚆⁠⚆L by a friend that calmly instructed, "sit down, get comfortable, put these headphones on and experience this album named 'Lateralus'...see you in an hour young Padawan." ...And I drifted through time and space itself... 🎼😶😧😯😲🤯💥😭Duuuuude👨🏼‍🎤🔥🤟🏻 Ever since that day in 1998, I've been addicted to everything MJK and the beautiful enormity of his eloquent catalog that continues to flourish and expand with his other incredible bands. One major thing to notice is Maynard's superior, genius level lyrics. It's truly magical discovering the intricacies that are woven into the thought-expansive music. Completely unique. When those words are combined with top-tier, expert musicianship (another insanely rewarding deepdive topic), I find myself in constant awe still today. Each listen gleens a new perspective, for me, and for so many others that are open to taking the time to truly listen and reflect. It really is that deep of a well that is given to us to explore. Enjoy your ride compadre, see you somewhere down that spiral☞⁠♬♪ ✨＼⁠(⁠°⁠o⁠°⁠)⁠／🌀♾️

I was at that show from Oregon. It was insane. They absolutely nailed Descending.

Crazy how this song came out 6 months before covid broke out, it's like they predicted everything.. Blows my mind! This album is aging like fine wine, just keeps getting better with every listen!✌️

What a phenomenal breakdown of the protagonist and the deceiver

Best way to end 2022! Best way to start 2023? With Tool, of course! It's an absolute joy to listen to a band that can produce such intelligent, engaging music. Long may they continue!

You're the man doug. Love your channel. Tool is not just a band. It's a revelation and an experience.

10:01 is Danny Carey opening a Pepsi while playing his little solo.

I've just discovered your channel and have been binging all the Tool. I'm so glad that we've taken in another soldier for the Tool Army lol. Happy that you're in our ranks. I love your lyrical breakdowns. Maynard is just...well, he's Maynard. That's the best way to describe him. I love that you refer to them as poems because that's exactly what they are. He's a wordsmith like no other. Such unique combinations and uses of words and clever tricks along with deep understandings of human nature and a unwavering need to fully explore whatever concepts are going through his mind at that moment. And through three bands, each with very different vibes that he maneuvers through effortlessly. *dreamy maymay sigh*

I love that you've become a full on Tool fan. When I first saw one of these videos I loved how much you were into them and seeing you now a full on fan is awesome. Great and insightful videos!

This video made me absolutely addicted to this song, I must listen to it 5 times every day. And when I don't it is playing in my head a the time! Seems like a song that will change your life... I'm ready...

Tool really had a premonition of the next couple of years after they released this record.

This is an amazing album!

This made me very very very happy 🥰

Something to remember is that this album came out a couple of months before Covid became a thing here in the US. There are a number of songs on this album that are relevant and feel quite prophetic! Of course, TOOL'S discography is all relevant.

I remember back when this track first released everyone was convinced that the clean guitar with the volume swells in the intro was actually a cello, specifically Maynard's son playing cello

I have to commend you. You give the play-by-play extremely well. Spiral out🌀

The way you explained that makes me believe that not only did they figure out who to listen to but also for the most part they learned to listen to themselves.

Love how Doug tries Dannys' impossible drum fills. 😁

Woohoo! I could watch you listen to Tool all day!

Hello Dr. R. Douglas Helvering, I’m a big fan of your videos. Especially because you also explain what you think the message from the artist is. I might comment some analysis wishes too. Great job. 👍🏻

Another vote for Descending here for the next one of FI.

yay do the whole album. please

“My own mitosis” occurs precisely at the middle of the song.

This album is just amazing and like nothing else.

Back at it again with my same recommendation as the last however many videos: I would like to recommend Alter Bridge’s latest epic Fable Of The Silent Son. It’s a masterpiece. From the way I understand it, the Silent Son is Myles Kennedy and the “Fable” is his battles with depression and his own inner demons that were so prevalent in his work (especially on their darkest album ABIII) and life. The song is a beautiful call to arms to fight for your own happiness and continue living with the aid of those who have walked your path before. It’s the “you’re not alone” speech without the preachyness and a dual guitar solo

This album changed everything also I think you were also at Prudential center for tool live and that was my fist concert ever. I waited 21 years for my first show because I didn’t want to see a washed up band I’m so lucky and grateful to have waited and to be around for this music, growing up and liking rock I remember everyone saying that type of music was dead or old but I felt deep down it never died it just comes in waves and changes and inspires all types of music so rock isn’t something that lives and dies, it just is or isn’t.

Legend says Maynard spent 13 years locked in a room with a Thesaurus.

The vinyl is really done and has a different mastering than the digital releases. On the vinyl, the vocals are more front and center and the bass is a little more prominent and clearer. Although it's done at the expense of some of the edge of the guitar, it makes for a 'different' but no less enjoyable listen versus the CD or streaming version of the album. Happy Holidays Doug!

I play this entire album on my guitar and its alot of fun keepin up with these guys. The reason for the awesome vinyl is Adam Jones is an avid art fan.

Glad you got to this, Doug, hope you can get to Pneuma next year.

Good stuff. My all time favorite band

Let's go Metal Monday! Doug just made my week!

FI was the last song that clicked with me but now I genuinely think it's one of the best on that record, maybe even top5 for all of Tool. I also saw them live twice this last tour, and for the second concert, I was soo excited just for the beginning again with Litanie into FI. It was such a perfect opening and Danny's drums in FI just rolled over the arena like a tank. This experience is also what elevated this song to such heights for me. I already loved it before the tour, but that sealed the deal.

Thanks Doug, woke up this morning and saw this. Made a really great start to a Christmas morning

"Hey, now I^m gonna follow your channel- I^ve seen some of your "Reactions" before and I really like the way you get into some different kinds of music (Specials Porcupine Tree and now Tool). In my opinion you made a great job. Keep on...take care and all the best for 23

I think it's time you listened to some Tragically Hip. If Americans heard any of their songs, it would be New Orleans is Sinking. If you don't know that, then that would be #1 on your to-do list

This song is empowerment. Period. We learn to fear all kinds of things in life, when we really shouldn't. We shouldn't fear other people, they are mostly just as timid as we are. But we fear, and it's only, if we're lucky, after we've aged, we realize, it's all just dangers imagined. A long time... coming.

I like how you got into it at the end with the drumming. the song just takes you over.

Would love it if you did a Dead Can Dance song.

Metal Mondays are the only thing I like about this particular day. And cheers to my GenX rockers and stoners!

8:35 beautiful. Couldn’t have said it better myself 9:56 I love your appreciation😊 Please check out Jane’s Addiction- Three Days

They display so much patience in allowing every second to breathe as much as possible. A lot of initial reviews labelled this as a boring album, but it's all careful spacing to me.

🤟🏻I loved watching your sublime dissertation of this spectacular progressive composition that I adore so, so much, through your musically educated eyes and deeply heartfelt comments. Well done, sir. I learned some things here too! We're not worthy, lol🌀

Im loving the fact that you placed Affinity by Haken in your shelf. Such a great record. It's really refreshing, listening to that songs.

TOOL is Pink Floyd for the new millennium. 🤘🧙‍♂️🤘 Rich the Ancient Metal Beast

For the longest time I heard the word “media” in the lyrics instead of “mania”

Thank you!!! More!!! (nice air drumming skills) 🤘

Wonderful episode, Doug!!! I've been keen fan of your channel for a while. Have a great Christmas. Happy listening.

That was the most Stank!Doug I think I've ever seen. And it was magnificent.

Doug... I fckn love your channel

I think the polymeter at 13:03 in the video has the vocals in 7. I feel it as a 2-2-3 rhythm, similar to what they use in the song Invincible on the same album.

Lateralus is easily my favorite Tool album but Fear Inoculum isn't too far behind.

Its funny you posted this a month ago when I really got into this album. Still obssessed with it

In the 11:18 mark (bridge or interlude), the band plays in 22/8 while Maynard sings in 7/4.... 22 divided by 7 ---> the closest division to number PI

As a hard-core tool fan, I suggest you listen to pneuma off this record. It is the best track.

Cheers Doug ... there is something like magic in understanding ...

more tool yes! i love when you do prog

@Doug Helvering I really appreciate your ability to call out the keys and notes that each band plays. You have a greatly trained ear. Unfortunately I dont after many years of sound abuse from work and no ear protection. Ive noticed you have used a few different earphones and I would like to know which is your favorite and why. Thank you in advance. please dont stop analyzing rock and roll

Great reaction/analysis, as always! I recommend you Angra's 'Hunters and Prey'. Great metal piece with a lot of Brazilian flavor 🤘🏼

All of the songs on this album are amazing

These are the best reactions! Doug reacting to anything off of Fear Inoculum.

I was waiting for that, nice one :)

The band takes you on a journey. Brilliant band one of all times .

I really really want to hear your opinion of the song Descending. To me, I can hear that song being played by a full orchestra. It would be AMAZING! Love to know if you agree!

Please do a daily Doug on the band King’s X

DESCENDING !!! DESCENDING !!! DESCENDING !!!

The best reaction video of 2022!

Anyone else think an Electric Wizard reaction would be pretty cool? Maybe Funerelopolis, Return Trip, or We Hate You

It's quite apt that they use a lot of Latin words in this, because the vocals remind me of Gregorian Chants. Incredible song. Descending is even more stunning.

This album was released just before the pandemic,Tool are tuned into the zeitgeist

Merry Christmas and Happy 2023 all!

for we are flesh and blood but we wrestle not with flesh and blood .. good stuff ..

Tool is Tool making Tool stuff. @Doug Helvering, I suggest you to check Lucid Planet - Anamnesis. With Tool, Devin and Lucid Planet, these are my go to Prog Metal Playlists. And too bad, they are strangely out of the radar. Enjoy!

Ahhhhh, that was nice.

That was excellent! More Ozzy with Randy, please! .. Believer or Over The Mountain would be outstanding!

Doug, you HAVE to check out Descending as well as Invincible. Utter masterpieces

first part sounds like Dead Can Dance

I was gonna see them in Toledo Ohio n 2 weeks out they cancelled so to COVID-19 probably the saddest day of my life I'm still upset 😭

What's amazing is that this album dropped just months before the whole covid pandemic

TOOL is a full experience. Sound, and Visuals. Parabola and Lateralus Music videos are the best

Porcupine tree - arriving somewhere but not here pls!

The first spoken part in the lyrics always makes me think of Peter Gabriel

This man was high as hell at the tool concert😂😂

Boss choice.

REACT TO INVENCIBLE BY TOOL, PLEASE, SALVE FROM BRAZIL MENÓ