"Fear Inoculum" is the fifth studio album from the American rock band Tool. Released on August 30, 2019, the album comes after a 13-year hiatus since their previous album, "10,000 Days." This critically acclaimed album was produced by Tool and Joe Barresi, marking a continuation of their association.
The album contains seven tracks on the standard edition, while the digital version includes three additional segue tracks. Fear Inoculum was applauded for its musical complexity, lengthier-than-average run times, and immersive listening experience.
Lyrically, "Fear Inoculum" explores themes like aging, the passage of time, and the self-destructive aspects of fear and ego, often with layered meanings and mystical overtones. The title track 'Fear Inoculum' was released as the album's first single, with its lyrics addressing the idea of aging and the passage of time.
"Fear Inoculum" was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, pushing Taylor Swift's "Lover" to the second spot. This made Tool the first band to have a number one album while not signed to a major record label in over a decade. The album was also a critical success, earning a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the song "7empest."
The intricate album artwork, done by Alex Grey, who has worked with the band on previous albums, also received praise. It features an amalgamation of psychedelic imagery, 3D effects, and complex designs, representing the band's emphasis on creating multi-sensory experiences.
Overall, "Fear Inoculum" reaffirmed Tool's legacy as a band unafraid to buck convention, pushing the boundaries with their complex musical compositions and thought-provoking lyrics.
