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By: Ben Doy

Artist/Band: Tool

Venue/City: Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ

Date of Event: Friday 28th February 2020

It had been seven years since Tool’s last appearance in New Zealand, but the prog metal rockers finally returned to Auckland last night - performing their first of two concerts at the Spark Arena.

Touring in support of their latest album Fear Inoculum, it was a welcome return for Tool to our fair shores. The album was the first release from Tool in 13 years, and amazingly took out the number one spot on the Billboard Album Charts; knocking off Taylor Swift to the bafflement of her fans.

The band has a rabid following in NZ, which has been proven by their two sell out shows. There was certainly a buzz in the air and at 8.45 the band took to the stage and the familiar haunting tones of the title track of 2019’s ‘Fear Inoculum’ rang out through the arena. With it’s hypnotic bass and drum styles (thanks to Justin Chancellor and Danny Carey respectively), it was a perfect way to open the show - taking us on a ride and setting us up for what was to come. A laser light show and a massive screen behind the band added to the ambience of night, with frontman Maynard James Keenan opting to hang at the back of the stage, adding to his mysterious persona.

Aenima, the title track from their 1996 album, was up next which got a rapturous ovation from the crowd on hand. The groovy guitar intro was unmistakable and the mosh pit in front of the stage looked to be in full flow. This show had definitely been worth the wait!

‘7empest’, the 15 minute epic from Fear Inoculum featured next. This track really shows off the musicianship of the band members, and displays how in sync they all are with each other.

The riff based ‘Pneuma’ literally just had me nodding my head in a muppet fashion with a big grin on my face. Once that groove locked in it was solid, and it almost had a clockwork type feel to it.

The old favourite ‘Schism’ from their 2001 release Lateralus got a huge roar of crowd approval. As did ‘Jambi’ from their 2006 album 10,000 Days.

We hear a short version of their song ‘Merkaba’ (taken from their 2000 box set release Salival), before the crowd go nuts and have a big singalong when ‘Vicarious’ echoes around the arena. ‘Descending’ follows, and the 15 minute song appears to end the set for Tool.

Always ones to do things differently, Tool don’t address the crowd or say any goodbyes, thank yous or any type of pleasantries that most artists do before teasing an inevitable encore. Instead a timer appeared on the back wall. You could see the looks on punters faces as they worked out whether they had enough time to go to the loo or even get one more crafty beverage before Tool returned to the stage. I wasn’t risking it…

‘Chocolate Trip Dip’ led the encore. The song is pretty much a drum solo from the legend Danny Carey, the man is a machine! ‘Invincible’ is the second of the encore set, but the big treat were the final two tracks. The experimental ‘(-) Ions’ with its electrical vibes was the perfect setter as Tool finished everything up with ‘Stinkfist’. Looking around I’d say it was probably the song of the night for most in attendance, and a great way to finish the night.

Exiting the arena all I heard was good comments about the night. In fact the only negativity I heard were people who had seated tickets getting annoyed when patrons in front of them would stand and dance (why didn’t they get floor tickets if they want to dance?). There were notable omissions to the set; older favourites such as ‘Sober’, ‘Prison Sex’ and ‘Opiate’ didn’t feature. But Tool would have played these songs so many times over their career they’re probably sick to death of them.

Tool play one more concert tonight at the Spark Arena, and if you are lucky enough to come across tickets for the show you are in for one hell of a treat!

Setlist

Fear Inoculum

Ænema

7empest

Pneuma

Schism

Jambi

Merkaba (Shortened)

Vicarious

Descending

Encore:

Chocolate Chip Trip

Invincible

(-) Ions

Stinkfist

Outro: Dancing Queen (ABBA song)