The Tool story begins in March 1992 their first EP, Opiate. It was a teaser, a few selections of gut-wrenching anger and emotional despair which was valued for being truthful and progressive. The fan wanted more, and anxiously awaited the next offering. In April 1993, Tool spit out their first full-length album, Undertow. Undertow was guaranteed splendor with a fierce underbelly, and after numerous awards for both musical and video excellence, the group entered the studio. Three years later the fan sees the result, the next display of superiority...Anemia.

Anemia, is worth every moment of pain & waiting. Its great to see such a strong group produce such consistent material, yet still grow both musically and intellictually. With bands like 311, Rage Against the Machine, and (finally) Tool, releasing "new" guitar-driven material, fans have something to support.

Anemia hits hard, but never goes over the edge. The songs are smooth and simple, but there's enough power to fuel fire of the past two Rage albums. Without getting into a heated debate, the clear difference between the two bands is Tool's lack of political opinions and tangents. With obvious influences ranging from Black Sabbath to early-industrial experiments, Tool focuses on the emotional side of songwriting. The attitude and marketing aspect of the group as a whole is accomplished by not sacrificing the artistic value.

"...we treat everything we do (album art, posters, videos, etc.), with as much thought as we put into writing and recording the record..." Justin Chancellor, bass

"...when we started the band we all had our own jobs. We did this as a side project, we never intended to get signed. It was all about the music, music that inspires and music that creates thought..." Adam Jones, guitar

With titles like "stinkfist", "Hooker with a Penis", and "Die eir von Satan", someone can get the wrong impression....(in Kansas maybe), but what we see is a simple display of frustration upon genius.

For Tool, as with every artist, the process of creativity is a personal exploration of mind, body, and soul. With Anmeia, the soul is their new voice. The album clearly defines Tool as a mature group of artists that create and perfect a vehicle of personality. Waiting for this type of product is a tideious process. Once the wait is over you realize that it was worth every minute.

"...with us it can be a long tedious process because every idea gets tortured and drawn and quatered..." Danny Carey, drummer

"...it's all about change and evolution individually as well as universally. It's also about unity..." Maynard James Keenan, vocals