🤯🤯WOW!! I had no idea how big of a "lead-off" song for the Tool experience this was to so many of the tool army members. Such great moments are being shared in the comments about your "first time" you heard this. LONG LIVE THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE!!!
I was in highschool! I heard schism on radio and checked out more. For me it ended up being the Grudge, the patient and lateralus on repeat. Then I discovered Aenima album o.O
@@thatreidguy Similar flow for me in terms of what I knew about Tool before I actually listened to them. Schism was on the radio at the time and when I told my Tool fan friends I liked it, they said, "Yeah, it's probably the 4th or 5th best song on the album." I thought they were bullshitting because Schism was amazing. Schism is still amazing. And they were right. The Grudge is probably my favorite Tool song until the recent album, largely because of the way they move both the tempo and melody around with everyone taking the lead at varying points, Danny included (of course).
Lots of alchemy and kabbalah in this one. And if you think this sounds primal or tribal, you must also do Triad from this album. You can't not beat your chest.
Yeah but like I was saying in a different comment, there are still so many good Tool songs that Geebz has yet to make a vid on, 4 Degrees, Undertow, Prison Sex, Sweat, Opiate, Ticks & Leaches,Hooker with a Penis, shit it'll take years to do all the songs that are worth "reacting to " just by Tool.
@@williamcozart8158 Maybe he could react to, or rather simply review, certain anthologies of songs, and explore narratives and other details which is often missed when you single out songs. I'm thinking Lost Keys -> Rosetta Stoned (-> Intension, imho) or both parts of Wings of Marie. Or why not a complete album, but as a whole. It's fun to do, I wish I could do it all over again.
Respiratory physiologist here: that's what a full inhalation followed by holding a note until you reach your residual volume and run out of air to pass over your vocal cords sounds like. Just astonishing control.
@@mayatrash Sure: in standard spirometry tests we ask participants to take a few practice inhalations and exhalations, and then inhale maximally. Then we ask them to breath out as hard and as fast as they can, until they cannot go any further. The point they reach, where they are literally "out of air" is called the residual volume - the air in your lungs is just there to stop the tubes collapsing. You can't pass that air over your vocal cords, and so it is impossible to make any sounds when you get there. MJK's trick is (as I hear it) to go through that process slowly, holding a note (passing whatever air he has over the cords). Listen carefully, and you can hear him reach the end of his breath. Knowing Tool, there is some meaning in letting go of something as basic as your own breath. Or maybe I'm overthinking...
Yeah, he had no idea what was coming...😂 Way back when this came out, me and my buddy got out the stop watch for THE scream...I don't really remember anymore exactly how long it was, but I'm pretty sure it's something like 21 or 26 seconds long...I can't even exhale that long, let alone busy out a scream like that... Truly amazing man that MJK, truly amazing... Edit: scream is from 16:34 to 16:58... So 24 seconds... JFC that's ridiculousness in all it's glory!
The Tool Army Salutes you Sir! 🪖 Please 🙏🥺 Please react to either Descending or Invincible off the New Album. We will ALL be reporting for Duty as well. Yer a good Man GeebZ 🤙
I saw Tool perform The Grudge in Charlotte, NC on Oct 6th 2001. The scream is legit and it was glorious. They opened with it (rightfully so) and his voice was still on point the rest of the show. The man is a machine.
I saw them on that tour in Australia. As soon as they opened with the Grudge I was waiting for that scream. Low and behold he went for it and hit it perfectly. What a freak!!!!
I was there too.. the cool air blew across the pavilion, we stood outside in the fall air getting our minds blown. Remember the aerial acrobats who swung upside down for minutes during “Lateralus”..? Idk how they didn’t pass out from the blood rushing to their heads. Just pumped, one back and forth, the other side to side, through the whole song. “Swing on the spiral….” Great stuff. Period.
The Grudge might genuinely be Tools best track. It has it all, the power, the softness, the rhythm changes, the feeling, that otherwordly scream AND it's more accessible than many other tracks. Just a near perfect song.
I totally agree it's my favorite Tool song. It's so fucking intense, I get goosebumps every single time even after listening to it more times than I can count. Amazing song
This is quite possibly one of the greatest albums ever recorded. The Grudge, Schism, Parabol/Parabola, Reflection...so many great songs. A true masterpiece
I missed them during the Lateralus tour, was totally bummed. But my first time seeing them was in Orlando @Lollapalooza '93, again in Orlando in '96 & '06 and @Ozzfest in West Palm Beach in '98, I think it was. They are Amazing!!
That change into the “Saturn comes back around” is one of my favorite TOOL riffs. Plugging my vote for Invincible as your next reaction from TOOL, and Pet from A Perfect Circle Maybe the Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” for TBT?
Tool is mesmerizing. Period. No other band is as mesmeric while at the same time being exciting and heavy and philosophically potent. I know, hyperbole. But fuckit. I'm just glad Tool arrived around the same time I was coming up.
You have no idea how happy I am that you just happened to pause at 15:16 instead of a tiny bit later, this whole sequence building up to that INSANE scream needs to be heard in full and I'm glad you got to experience it
I normally don't get *too* personal in TH-cam comments, but since you went there and it's way past my bedtime... I may not be able to scream like Maynard (one time I tried to sustain the same pitch as a clean sung note just as a test and I fell off 5.5 seconds before his ends 🙈) but I always inhale deeply right before *that part* and simply allowing his scream to "come from" me is a full cathartic release. I have, ya know, neighbors, so I have to settle for a calm exhale while he loses his shit 😅 I always say Maynard expresses things so we don't have to fully feel them.
Definitely...I know the newer albums are addicting. Their message is a lot different and more positive. But I think he needs to delve a little harder into Undertow and Aenima. It gives more appreciation for the progression. The anger on Opitate and Undertow brings a different sort if intensity. Then it tames a bit on Aenima, but is definitely still there.
Yes yes yes yesss... One of the unfortunate things I've noticed is once people delve into Lateralus or 10,000 Days, they don't look back at ÆNIMA, Undertow and Opiate (the latter two especially). Less refined/ calculated. Very raw. But there's a place for that in their evolution as a band that makes me appreciate them soooo much more.
@@ashtonderojas821 No bud, I was describing the others as that. And that Lateralus is literally the opposite. But in order to really appreciate the turnaround in their style, you should really go thru the old ones first.
@@ashtonderojas821 Maybe it's weird, but I've been listening to Tool for a very long time. In mind I still consider Lateralus a "newer" album 😅...but I suppose it isn't, and hasn't been for a long time. But it's so vastly different than everything before it, that's it's always been that way to me.
I love that you said “the cantor”. The cant whether it be tribal, Shakespeare, KJV Bible, Latin Mass, modern music, rhythm puts our minds into a receptive place. That’s a fabulous observation. Thanks for that. 👍👍
Said it before and I say it again. Watching Geebz breakdowns is like visiting your older brother who talked to you about music since you were kids I love that he said something about how they are tribal, thats exactly the way I always described them to new listeners
@@KeyOfGeebz Thank you, man! Keep up the good work!🤙 I wish I could experience this song for the first time again. After 20 years it still gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME. Man.....that scream!🤭😲 And Danny’s finale......just wow.
Maynard used to do the whole scream in earlier concerts, but it seems like he cut it out recently. (example: th-cam.com/video/e66QL8CT1rc/w-d-xo.html )
@@cndluluv Maynard said once in some interview that he has a hard time singing cleanly after the screaming parts, so he prefers set lists for Tool shows to have songs that are all either the more "screamy" songs, or all "clean" singing songs. He said he can do the screamy thing still, but he has a hard time transitioning back to the clean voice after screams, so he prefers one or the other, a Tool set with their more "heavy screamy" songs or the set lists with the more melodic and cleaner sung vocals, but he doesn't like to do both on the same set. As for the records, he has said he is more into the melodic aspects, being more of an instrument with his voice rather than being the main focus in the song, or "taking up more real estate in the mix" as I believe I have heard Geebz say before. MJK also says he is just not an angry young man anymore, and that he had to like, "scream out at the world" or something like that and has now gotten most of it out of his system. I can see that being true.
I love how you made the connection with Tool almost being Tribal... Honestly that makes SO much sense to me. I believe tool made their music to help humanity and yeah, they take it back raw and Tribal sometimes. I love it 🤙
Since Tool has plenty of short "filler" songs on their albums, I recommend that you listen to some of them right before you do a full song. Many of these filler songs are lead-ins to the full song that plays next. For example, listen to "Eon Blue Apocalypse" right before your listen of "The Patient". I'd love to get your reactions to the short songs that are more in context with the full songs.. otherwise, the short songs wouldn't make much sense to react to alone.
I like to think of "Eon" as the palate cleanser after how powerful The Grudge is, into how emotional The Patient is. It works so well, and really holds it together.
eon blue apocalypse clearly exists to smooth tension after the fiery vibrations of Triad before going into the contemplative night sky depiction that is Reflection.
I've had the privilege of seeing Maynard do that scream live and, yes, it is magnificent! He bent over backward until his mohawk hit the floor and then using only his abs screamed all the way up to standing! Crazy! I was so happy to see this song today, I was waiting for you to cover it, thanks so much!
I don’t know if I speak for everyone, but I really love these longer videos, where you really go into detail about your reactions. We all know the song. We watch these videos to hear your thoughts about it. It seems like you sometimes cut yourself short for fear of going on too long, and again maybe it’s just me, but I prefer it when you take the time to really explain what you’re thinking. Anyway, excellent breakdown to an excellent song. Flood is another great Tool song from early on - their first masterpiece, in my opinion. I also agree with others who recommended H. And, of course, I’m patiently waiting to watch your breakdown of The Patient. Awwwright!
Nice word play! I agree, I can't really say much because I always feel like I should say less, but every time he apologizes for stopping I want to grab him and say "PLEASE SPEAK FOR THREE HOURS ON THIS ONE SONG WE WILL HANG ON EVERY WORD."
Oop. I didn't mean to use word play myself. Hmm. How about, "I have no room to talk because I always feel like I talk too much" Wait, no. NOT TO BE HYPOCRITICAL GIVEN THAT I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE I'M SAYING TOO MUCH. There. No word play 😂🙈 I need sleep.
So excited to watch this! One request, when you do The Patient, please do the minute long track that comes before it as well, Eon Blue Apocalypse. Absolutely critical 💜
Aaaaand there it is! The Grudge. Masterpiece. David Bottrill made the best sounding Tool albums. Do not forget the "hidden" gems of Aenima: Jimmy, Pushit and H. Each a journey on their own.
Saw this tour in Cleveland 2001. Less than a week after 09/11 and it was surreal. It was the first normal thing I had done after the Towers. Yes the scream happened. Yes The Patient please. Love the clockwork vibe of that song.
Saw that song for the first time in 02 and yes he did that live. Today is a different story. He uses his equipment to help him and it is not as long I think.
Letting go is sometimes the hardest thing to do in life. Moving on is hard whether we are facing a death or holding a grudge. Both circumstances take an emotional toll, but they can be amplified by an unwillingness to let the past rest. Perhaps the hardest part about situations like these is that the longer we hold on to the past, the stronger its grip is on our lives. The Grudge, by Tool, is the first song from their album, Lateralus. Simply defined, a grudge is a “feeling of deep-seated resentment or ill will”. A grudge is more than a surface unwillingness; a grudge takes on a personality, it grows in strength, and it eventually controls our life. Destruction is the only outcome for someone who cannot escape the deadly grip of a grudge - he has to let go. In the first line, Maynard James Keenan, Tool’s lead singer, describes the grudge as a “crown of negativity”. Crowns are usually seen as something glorious, brilliant, and beautiful; Keenan takes this symbol of power and authority and twists it into something dark and terrifying, but the idea of power is retained. He is almost saying we are imbued with some sort of negative power when we allow this grudge to define us. He goes on to say, “Calculate what we will or will not tolerate/ Desperate to control all and everything”. With this false sense of power created by a grudge, the person becomes filled with a sense of being able to control everything around them. Typically, with the presence of a grudge comes a plan for revenge. A person wearing this crown of negativity is oftentimes so blinded by it they are unable see the limits of their power. I believe the next line, “Unable to forgive your scarlet lettermen,” is an allusion to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter. The antagonist in this book, Roger Chillingworth, is seeking revenge on his ex-wife. He believes that she has committed an act of adultery against him. His quest for revenge consumes him so much that it affects his external appearance. His ex-wife’s lover, Arthur Dimmesdale, dies before Chillingworth is able to exact his revenge. Chillingworth soon follows him. His life had become so intertwined with his grudge that they were interdependent. When the source of power, the target, of his grudge was gone, the life drained out of him. He died with nothing. Just like Keenan said in his song, “Clutch it like a cornerstone/otherwise it all comes down/justify denials and grip it to the lonesome end”. A cornerstone is the source of stability for any building. It needs to be solid and immovable. Similarly, a grudge provides stability for a person’s life, no matter how false that stability is. Friends around us may point out how silly we are, but the holder is blinded by power. Part of us is, “terrified of being wrong,” as Keenan says. In the eyes of the holder, if he is found to be wrong, he will be put in an ”ultimatum prison cell”. If the song ended here, we would be without hope - locked away in a prison cell, left to our own devices. But Keenan tells us, “Saturn ascends/choose one or ten/hang on or be humbled again”. The reference to Saturn ascending is an astrological idea of changes in life associated with the completion of a revolution by Saturn around the earth. At this time in life, a choice has to be made. When he says “one or ten,” I believe he uses this to express to polar opposites. There is no middle ground; either the grudge is given up or held on to for another period of life. The one glimmer of hope here is the presence of a choice. Despite all of the power the grudge has, we can still choose to cast it away. Even though Keenan provides a way for escape, he does not want us to become complacent; he reminds us of the only outcome if we choose to hang on to the grudge. If we are “wear[ing] the grudge like a crown/desperate to control/unable to forgive,” then we will be “sinking deeper”. This begs the question, deeper into what? I believe when a grudge comes to be, it is born out of reason. We were wronged in some way, but as a grudge lingers in our mind it begins to create a false reality. The truth we see with our eyes becomes distorted when it passes through the filter of the grudge. The grudge becomes “defining, confining, [and] controlling”. Our real self is buried away within our subconscious; seemingly powerless to regain control. So we continue downward. Then “Saturn comes back around to show you everything”. Now is the time to make a choice. This stanza is the first time in the song that Keenan refers to the grudge as a stone. He says, “[the grudge] drags you down like a stone”. The other option is to be treated like “a child, light and innocent”. The process of separating ourselves from the grudge is not easy. We have to completely humble ourselves to the level of a child. He is saying there must be a return to innocence; all of the unnecessary weight in life must be eradicated. All the “[calculations of] what we will or will not tolerate,” and the “[desperations] to control all and everything,” serve only to complicate and fill our life with meaningless pursuits that waste any chance we have of living. We must be like a child because only a renaissance of innocence will bring freedom from this “cold and fated anchor”. Finally, Keenan begs us to “give away the stone/let the oceans take and transmutate this cold and fated anchor/give away the stone/let the waters kiss and transmutate these leaden grudges into gold”. His imagery of the oceans and waters is an allusion to baptism. A thorough cleansing is necessary for change, but with change comes reward. If this trial in life is endured, then “these leaden grudges will be turned into gold”. Perseverance breeds greatness. Keenan breaks down in the end of the song. He lets out a passionate scream - I envision him falling to his knees with his hands on his head. He knows he must let go, has to let go. He begins whispering “[l]et go, let go, let go…,” over and over, almost chanting it. The song crescendos as he chants louder and louder until he is screaming “let go!” He knows where the grudge is taking him; he sees the destruction waiting for him if he cannot let go. Change is never easy, but he has to try. A grudge begins in reason but transforms into a powerful entity capable of destroying lives. The only way to escape the endless spiral of increasing desperation to control everything around us is to choose to change. No matter how attractive the crown is, we need to take it off. Maynard James Keenan begs us to throw away “this cold and fated anchor,” but no one can make us let go, it must come from within. In the end, it is up to us…it always has been.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to exploration/discovery of our favorite artists and songs. We all (as TOOL fans) appreciate your unique perspective!
17:04 yes, he truly did that himself. Long time ago tho. Not anymore. There is a video on YT wuth them performing this song live back in 2002 and MJK does what you have heard on the record.
The tour they did when the album debuted, MJK absolutely roared like that in live performances and it was nothing short of breathtaking. In the last 5 years or so, his voice (very understandably) is aging and he’ll remain quiet in such sections of the songs.
I saw them in 2002. The Grudge was one of the best performances of the night, and that scream sounded like the studio version. It was unbelievable to see. Maynard has some pipes.
This entire album is an amazing experience, I often get into a mode where it gets played on repeat because it's drilling into the very core of my existance and launching me out into a universe I don't entirely comprehend but want to embrace, nothing else will do. I love what you're doing here. Makes me appreciate the music all the more!
One of my favorites. I love seeing you feel it like we do :) A big theme Maynard talks about over and over is tension - as a theme, as a feeling, an expression. That pull you feel is playing with that. He does it in his other bands too.
Oh my goodness, you did it! I squeaked when I got this notification. :D I know the Tool army will dominate the comments but I appreciate you keeping at this, and hope that one of these days you might get to check out Disillusion's Back To Times of Splendour. ;) I can be patient.
I have seen this song live twice, once back in the early 2000's and he hit the scream 100% the whole time, and a second time in like 2015 where he used echo to draw it out. Not a big surprise that he doesn't put his voice through that any more, but for sure at the time this song was made, he did that full scream and it was glorious to hear live.
It was only a matter of time!! Thanks for getting to this Geebz, and thanks for continuing doing these. As always, love what you do, and keep rockin'! Awwright!
Sonically Danny shines on this album. They absolutely nailed the drum sound down on this one. Very well engineered and produced. Been in absolute love with it since the day it came out (20 years already). Love watching your reactions and your observations are just perfect! Alright!
Very keen to hear your take on some more early years stuff from Tool. Despite the decades of maturation and metamorphosis, Undertow sounds as fresh, raw, and real as it did in the early 90s. Flood, Undertow, 4°, Swamp Song, you name it, it all sounds SHARP.
This song perfectly flows with the lyrics: the whole process of exercising a grudge. I believe that scream at the end was Maynard vocalizing the anxiety and rage and release of letting go. Although, I had always wondered if that scream was “doctored” about halfway through until I saw a video of him doing it live.
So glad you did this. I loved the comment about the natural cadence of communication. It really helped me rationalize one of the key things I love about the band. Thank you for sharing and having us tag along!
That scream is 100% real and it is even more incredible live. I appreciate Tool more and more with every single listen. More than any other artist they have influenced my life and changed my way if looking at the world. Incredible group
🤯🤯WOW!! I had no idea how big of a "lead-off" song for the Tool experience this was to so many of the tool army members. Such great moments are being shared in the comments about your "first time" you heard this. LONG LIVE THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE!!!
I was in highschool! I heard schism on radio and checked out more. For me it ended up being the Grudge, the patient and lateralus on repeat.
Then I discovered Aenima album o.O
@@thatreidguy Similar flow for me in terms of what I knew about Tool before I actually listened to them. Schism was on the radio at the time and when I told my Tool fan friends I liked it, they said, "Yeah, it's probably the 4th or 5th best song on the album." I thought they were bullshitting because Schism was amazing.
Schism is still amazing. And they were right. The Grudge is probably my favorite Tool song until the recent album, largely because of the way they move both the tempo and melody around with everyone taking the lead at varying points, Danny included (of course).
To me Lateralus is the greatest album ever made. Just layers upon layers of sounds and meanings.
For those of us who grew up with Tool (the old folks now) Tool was a tool to get through a lot of our angst in the 90’s.
Lots of alchemy and kabbalah in this one. And if you think this sounds primal or tribal, you must also do Triad from this album. You can't not beat your chest.
the moment is upon us Toolians, we have arrived to the grudge
Yeah but like I was saying in a different comment, there are still so many good Tool songs that Geebz has yet to make a vid on, 4 Degrees, Undertow, Prison Sex, Sweat, Opiate, Ticks & Leaches,Hooker with a Penis, shit it'll take years to do all the songs that are worth "reacting to " just by Tool.
@@williamcozart8158 Maybe he could react to, or rather simply review, certain anthologies of songs, and explore narratives and other details which is often missed when you single out songs. I'm thinking Lost Keys -> Rosetta Stoned (-> Intension, imho) or both parts of Wings of Marie. Or why not a complete album, but as a whole. It's fun to do, I wish I could do it all over again.
Never thought this day would happen!
it was all foreplay up to now.
@@williamcozart8158 look at it this way; once he's done, we'll have a new Tool record
Respiratory physiologist here: that's what a full inhalation followed by holding a note until you reach your residual volume and run out of air to pass over your vocal cords sounds like. Just astonishing control.
Thanks for the explanation 🤗
Really cool to have a scientific explanation of what is happening during this singer's action.
Whoa.....
Can you please elaborate? That’s so interesting
@@mayatrash Sure: in standard spirometry tests we ask participants to take a few practice inhalations and exhalations, and then inhale maximally. Then we ask them to breath out as hard and as fast as they can, until they cannot go any further. The point they reach, where they are literally "out of air" is called the residual volume - the air in your lungs is just there to stop the tubes collapsing. You can't pass that air over your vocal cords, and so it is impossible to make any sounds when you get there. MJK's trick is (as I hear it) to go through that process slowly, holding a note (passing whatever air he has over the cords). Listen carefully, and you can hear him reach the end of his breath. Knowing Tool, there is some meaning in letting go of something as basic as your own breath. Or maybe I'm overthinking...
6:47 "what an amazing scream"
oh boy....
Lol I thought the same thing
He wasn’t ready! 😂
... And for my next trick....
Yeah, he had no idea what was coming...😂 Way back when this came out, me and my buddy got out the stop watch for THE scream...I don't really remember anymore exactly how long it was, but I'm pretty sure it's something like 21 or 26 seconds long...I can't even exhale that long, let alone busy out a scream like that... Truly amazing man that MJK, truly amazing...
Edit: scream is from 16:34 to 16:58... So 24 seconds... JFC that's ridiculousness in all it's glory!
Everyone familiar with the song got a little happy when he said that.
Also: payoff at 16:33
Without getting long winded about this...let’s go back to the origins of man. Lol. Love this guy. Thanks for this one.
“Long winded” lol unintentional foreshadowing there, Geebz.
@@gossegotha it’s like when some people say “no offense, but...”. But in a good way.
Hahaha
The Tool Army Salutes you Sir! 🪖 Please 🙏🥺 Please react to either Descending or Invincible off the New Album. We will ALL be reporting for Duty as well. Yer a good Man GeebZ 🤙
Right?!? My jaw hit the ground when he launched into that one. And he's right, he gets it.
6'45- "what an amazing scream...."
MJK: "hold my whatever this is"
“Hold my wine”
6:45 "what a amazing scream"
*I immediately start rubbing my hands thinking about THAT part*
"oooohhhhhhh ho ho ho ho you didn't see nothing, Geebz"
Grab 7 of your friends and have Danny hold your eight beers.
I thought the same 😆
Oh Yeah. Didn’t disappoint. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh👀hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh😳hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh😱😱😱😱😱😱hhghhggggggggggg
@@dougderonde1266 this is so cute!
For everyone saying "do this Tool song or that Tool song", just do every Tool song eventually. There's really none worth skipping
So true!
Ditto
Except Die Eier von Satan
@@samconner3534 I don't know, I bet @KeyofGeebz might like a good hash cookie recipe lol
@@samconner3534 That one is pretty funny I think. On the other hand, disgustapated might be hard swallow for most:)
I saw Tool perform The Grudge in Charlotte, NC on Oct 6th 2001. The scream is legit and it was glorious. They opened with it (rightfully so) and his voice was still on point the rest of the show. The man is a machine.
I was at that concert
@@Dubstyles84 Heck yeah! The thing we were probably most fortunate to have seen at that show was Disposition/Reflection/Triad.
I saw them on that tour in Australia. As soon as they opened with the Grudge I was waiting for that scream. Low and behold he went for it and hit it perfectly. What a freak!!!!
I was there man.... I was there. Saw em Greenville SC too with Tomahawk.
I was there too.. the cool air blew across the pavilion, we stood outside in the fall air getting our minds blown. Remember the aerial acrobats who swung upside down for minutes during “Lateralus”..? Idk how they didn’t pass out from the blood rushing to their heads. Just pumped, one back and forth, the other side to side, through the whole song. “Swing on the spiral….”
Great stuff. Period.
The Grudge might genuinely be Tools best track. It has it all, the power, the softness, the rhythm changes, the feeling, that otherwordly scream AND it's more accessible than many other tracks. Just a near perfect song.
I totally agree it's my favorite Tool song. It's so fucking intense, I get goosebumps every single time even after listening to it more times than I can count. Amazing song
I would actually argue Lateralus is superior, but I can completely understand where you're coming from. Can't hate on another Tool fan's opinion
@@nar2130 If I had to pick only one other song, it would be Lateralus.
@@nar2130 top notch profile picture, type o is my favorite band of all time👌
Indeed
"Then Maynard comes in and delivers The Peoples' Elbow..." Hahahahaha
From the top ropes haha
More appropriate than he probably thinks!
@@mrmalone9157 Coast to coast People's Elbow
And that wasn't even the real elbow yet
I've seen them lead off four concerts with The Grudge, three of them since 2017... The scream is real, and it's spectacular.
Ditto... best lead off and best tour ever
Extra points for the Seinfeld joke...and it is spectacular.
He did it at the in 2019 in Philly. Saw them in AC 4 days later in jersey. He does what he wants
@@schat2724 they're real.
I hope he does this when I go to see him in February. This has been my favorite song since I was 6 years old. (21 now)
6:47 "what an amazing scream at the end"
wait for it :)
No one's ready for that the first time.
No doubt! Thought the same thing
@@ElectricEndeavor Still get goosebumps every time
I thought the exact same thing when he said that. I was like "oh just you wait!!!"
I 🤣 laughed at that part. He has no idea what he's about to experience..
And that... is how you begin an album!
danny's outro is absolutely insane. I love to picture him just calmly placing his sticks on the snare and calmly breathing out after he's done
What do you mean "picture" that's exactly what he does. 😁
@@willie1062 exactly 😂
@@willie1062 yes, and i like to picture it in my head
Best Maynard scream...."Ticks and Leaches"
There's a lot of great Maynard screams.😁 My personal favorite is in Bottom, gives me chicken skin every time! 🔥
Jerk Off is up there
Not necessarily a scream, but his vocals in 'Thomas' from APC are INCREDIBLE
I second the ticks
@@randoliof that goes without saying; I cant think of a time that his vocals were not incredible.
This is quite possibly one of the greatest albums ever recorded. The Grudge, Schism, Parabol/Parabola, Reflection...so many great songs. A true masterpiece
First concert : Tool live October 2001 Orlando, FL. Will never forget that scream
Holy hell that's a cool first concert to see. Nice one.
I missed them during the Lateralus tour, was totally bummed. But my first time seeing them was in Orlando @Lollapalooza '93, again in Orlando in '96 & '06 and @Ozzfest in West Palm Beach in '98, I think it was. They are Amazing!!
I saw that tour. He bent all the way backwards
First show for me was tool in 2001 as well in Minneapolis. Changed my life
Tool July 2001 Melbourne, Life was never the same from that day on 😀
That change into the “Saturn comes back around” is one of my favorite TOOL riffs.
Plugging my vote for Invincible as your next reaction from TOOL, and Pet from A Perfect Circle
Maybe the Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” for TBT?
I love that part too. It's amazing.
I love that riff. My 2nd favorite is ending of The Pot. 3rd is that bassline in Rosetta Stoned.
@@OleksandrMilkovskyi Rosetta Stoned is the funniest song ever. People really need to pull up the lyrics on that one. Great bassline for sure.
Dude, one of my favorite riffs of all time
It just hits so hard
Same here! It's sooo fulfilling.
the best opening song for one of the best albums of all time...and that ending (starting from maynard's scream) is pure katharsis
This and “them bones” off dirt and definitely the 2 best album opening songs of all time
Cherub Rock Siamese dream should be on the list also
Ticks and leaches off this album is amazing. Danny goes full on octopus in it :-).
Tool is mesmerizing. Period. No other band is as mesmeric while at the same time being exciting and heavy and philosophically potent. I know, hyperbole. But fuckit. I'm just glad Tool arrived around the same time I was coming up.
Insta click, Awwwright! Can’t wait for you to do The Patient!
Be patient
For some reason I had it in my mind Geebz already did the Patient but you are right he still needs to do that one. Holy crap.
@@hcburner 😆
That song got me thru so much for real
The Patient. One of Tools underrated gems 😌
'in "ticks and leeches" from this album danny uses his drumset as a freight train
Lol true
Would love of a reaction to that song!
Lateralus (actually all Tool albums) is worth an Album review..nothing less!!
Letting go of his grudges that wear on his soul - that primordial scream!
Agree, painful release.
"what an amazing scream..." **hasn't made it to the end yet**
:D
You have no idea how happy I am that you just happened to pause at 15:16 instead of a tiny bit later, this whole sequence building up to that INSANE scream needs to be heard in full and I'm glad you got to experience it
This song is basically an exorcism "tool" for your soul. Let go of those grudges. Turn them from lead into gold.
That’s what I always say about the song Fear Inoculum 👌🏼
"Tool"
They want to be used to achieve something...... 🤔 😉
I normally don't get *too* personal in TH-cam comments, but since you went there and it's way past my bedtime...
I may not be able to scream like Maynard (one time I tried to sustain the same pitch as a clean sung note just as a test and I fell off 5.5 seconds before his ends 🙈) but I always inhale deeply right before *that part* and simply allowing his scream to "come from" me is a full cathartic release. I have, ya know, neighbors, so I have to settle for a calm exhale while he loses his shit 😅
I always say Maynard expresses things so we don't have to fully feel them.
YES. Way to go Geebz. Descending or Invincible next please.
I would love you to do ‘Eulogy’, one of my favourite Tool tracks.
Definitely...I know the newer albums are addicting. Their message is a lot different and more positive. But I think he needs to delve a little harder into Undertow and Aenima. It gives more appreciation for the progression. The anger on Opitate and Undertow brings a different sort if intensity. Then it tames a bit on Aenima, but is definitely still there.
Yes yes yes yesss... One of the unfortunate things I've noticed is once people delve into Lateralus or 10,000 Days, they don't look back at ÆNIMA, Undertow and Opiate (the latter two especially). Less refined/ calculated. Very raw. But there's a place for that in their evolution as a band that makes me appreciate them soooo much more.
@Mighty Dingus its funny that you describe the Lateralus album in that sense since the first song is literally about letting go of that anger.
@@ashtonderojas821 No bud, I was describing the others as that. And that Lateralus is literally the opposite. But in order to really appreciate the turnaround in their style, you should really go thru the old ones first.
@@ashtonderojas821 Maybe it's weird, but I've been listening to Tool for a very long time. In mind I still consider Lateralus a "newer" album 😅...but I suppose it isn't, and hasn't been for a long time. But it's so vastly different than everything before it, that's it's always been that way to me.
I love that you said “the cantor”. The cant whether it be tribal, Shakespeare, KJV Bible, Latin Mass, modern music, rhythm puts our minds into a receptive place. That’s a fabulous observation. Thanks for that. 👍👍
Remember the Cant.
-Early Expanse is so good.
Said it before and I say it again. Watching Geebz breakdowns is like visiting your older brother who talked to you about music since you were kids
I love that he said something about how they are tribal, thats exactly the way I always described them to new listeners
What six lunatics disliked this amazing man's amazing reaction to this amazing band's amazing track?
IMO the outro drum lick/part/pattern whatever you wanna call it, is one of the greatest drum recordings of all-time.
He can 100 percent pull off that scream live and it’s amazing!
Geebz reacts to The Grudge on my birthday....yes yes YES!!!👍👍🤘🤘 Today is indeed a good day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
@@KeyOfGeebz Thank you, man! Keep up the good work!🤙 I wish I could experience this song for the first time again. After 20 years it still gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME. Man.....that scream!🤭😲 And Danny’s finale......just wow.
Happy Birthday Goat Child, I hope it’s been great! 🤘
@@tp4344 it was pretty good, thanks.👍😉
Maynard used to do the whole scream in earlier concerts, but it seems like he cut it out recently. (example: th-cam.com/video/e66QL8CT1rc/w-d-xo.html )
It’s up to the fans now to belt it out back at Maynard.
you’re correct- it’s enhanced, or whatever you call it. I’m sure that’s why they quit doing it live for a few years
@@cndluluv What do you mean "enhanced"? That clip in the link?
@@cndluluv Maynard said once in some interview that he has a hard time singing cleanly after the screaming parts, so he prefers set lists for Tool shows to have songs that are all either the more "screamy" songs, or all "clean" singing songs. He said he can do the screamy thing still, but he has a hard time transitioning back to the clean voice after screams, so he prefers one or the other, a Tool set with their more "heavy screamy" songs or the set lists with the more melodic and cleaner sung vocals, but he doesn't like to do both on the same set. As for the records, he has said he is more into the melodic aspects, being more of an instrument with his voice rather than being the main focus in the song, or "taking up more real estate in the mix" as I believe I have heard Geebz say before. MJK also says he is just not an angry young man anymore, and that he had to like, "scream out at the world" or something like that and has now gotten most of it out of his system. I can see that being true.
He's getting older can't expect him to do it forever.
I love how you made the connection with Tool almost being Tribal... Honestly that makes SO much sense to me. I believe tool made their music to help humanity and yeah, they take it back raw and Tribal sometimes. I love it 🤙
check out terence mckenna's "archaic revival" for more
@@soth1sol "Wellllllll... looks like we got ourselves a READER..."
My favorite Tool track. It's been 20 years and that ending gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Since Tool has plenty of short "filler" songs on their albums, I recommend that you listen to some of them right before you do a full song. Many of these filler songs are lead-ins to the full song that plays next. For example, listen to "Eon Blue Apocalypse" right before your listen of "The Patient". I'd love to get your reactions to the short songs that are more in context with the full songs.. otherwise, the short songs wouldn't make much sense to react to alone.
My fav part of the album
I like to think of "Eon" as the palate cleanser after how powerful The Grudge is, into how emotional The Patient is. It works so well, and really holds it together.
eon blue apocalypse clearly exists to smooth tension after the fiery vibrations of Triad before going into the contemplative night sky depiction that is Reflection.
Intermission is so catchy too
@@pricc-om
Beautifully said 😌
I've had the privilege of seeing Maynard do that scream live and, yes, it is magnificent! He bent over backward until his mohawk hit the floor and then using only his abs screamed all the way up to standing! Crazy! I was so happy to see this song today, I was waiting for you to cover it, thanks so much!
I love watching his eyes and his little expressions when he gets blown away by what Tool’s doing.
I don’t know if I speak for everyone, but I really love these longer videos, where you really go into detail about your reactions. We all know the song. We watch these videos to hear your thoughts about it. It seems like you sometimes cut yourself short for fear of going on too long, and again maybe it’s just me, but I prefer it when you take the time to really explain what you’re thinking.
Anyway, excellent breakdown to an excellent song. Flood is another great Tool song from early on - their first masterpiece, in my opinion. I also agree with others who recommended H. And, of course, I’m patiently waiting to watch your breakdown of The Patient. Awwwright!
Nice word play!
I agree, I can't really say much because I always feel like I should say less, but every time he apologizes for stopping I want to grab him and say "PLEASE SPEAK FOR THREE HOURS ON THIS ONE SONG WE WILL HANG ON EVERY WORD."
Oop. I didn't mean to use word play myself. Hmm. How about, "I have no room to talk because I always feel like I talk too much"
Wait, no.
NOT TO BE HYPOCRITICAL GIVEN THAT I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE I'M SAYING TOO MUCH.
There. No word play 😂🙈
I need sleep.
@@dieselexhausted, no need to apologize for the word play. I dig it.
So excited to watch this! One request, when you do The Patient, please do the minute long track that comes before it as well, Eon Blue Apocalypse. Absolutely critical 💜
Thanks for the heads-up on the opening track!
@@KeyOfGeebz do it!! And thank you for what you gift us!!
Yes, that primal scream was real and it’s glorious!!!🔥🔥
God I loved the expressions on your face on that extended scream!
Haha. "Is that what I thought it was?" Yes. Yes it was.
It’s about time! One of the best songs ever recorded.
There was no way to prepare for just how badass this track and album was the first time you heard it. The musical event of 2001.
He gets a little technological assistance now days (age is a bitch), but yeah, at the time that was a legit scream.
Age + COVID long-hauler + Other projects. Maynard is hands down most energetic/enthusiastic with Puscifer nowadays.
@@Trisduhhhhh mjk got the vid?
My question is: When he will arrive in Invincible?
Yes times a thousand!
yes!!!!
Just did
Aaaaand there it is! The Grudge. Masterpiece. David Bottrill made the best sounding Tool albums. Do not forget the "hidden" gems of Aenima: Jimmy, Pushit and H. Each a journey on their own.
Check out some of his older videos, he reacts to Pushit & Ænima
@@zachansen9053 Ah, right. Pot stole my memory, lol.
Jimmy is my favourite
100% agree!!!
Yessss jimmy and H. Someone understands
First time I listened to this song I immediately thought..."Holy s***, this is only the 1st track!!!! 🤣🤘😱
Yup. Some bands would do the hole album in the mean time, if counting riffs or patterns... xD
You know I’ve been waiting for this one for so long, Geebz!! “Clutch it like cornerstone, otherwise it all comes down.”
That is Maynard. When I saw them live for this record, he did it.
He sure did. Seen it twice. Totally epic.
saw them live in 2001 and I can honestly say that Maynard hit that whole scream live and multiple times live from 2001-2002
I love seeing people react when Danny Carey starts doing Danny Carey things!
Saw this tour in Cleveland 2001. Less than a week after 09/11 and it was surreal. It was the first normal thing I had done after the Towers. Yes the scream happened.
Yes The Patient please. Love the clockwork vibe of that song.
Awwright Geebz..The Grudge!! Tool are one of my all time favourite bands, ever! That scream is the best!! Great reaction..thank you, sir!
My son was 3 weeks old. 9/11 had just happened. Laying in the dark with my newborn on my chest. It was cathartic.
Wear the grudge like a crown… this song live is an experience- epic
I heard when he first recorded that scream he almost passed out.
Saw that song for the first time in 02 and yes he did that live.
Today is a different story. He uses his equipment to help him and it is not as long I think.
Letting go is sometimes the hardest thing to do in life. Moving on is hard whether we are facing a death or holding a grudge. Both circumstances take an emotional toll, but they can be amplified by an unwillingness to let the past rest. Perhaps the hardest part about situations like these is that the longer we hold on to the past, the stronger its grip is on our lives. The Grudge, by Tool, is the first song from their album, Lateralus. Simply defined, a grudge is a “feeling of deep-seated resentment or ill will”. A grudge is more than a surface unwillingness; a grudge takes on a personality, it grows in strength, and it eventually controls our life. Destruction is the only outcome for someone who cannot escape the deadly grip of a grudge - he has to let go.
In the first line, Maynard James Keenan, Tool’s lead singer, describes the grudge as a “crown of negativity”. Crowns are usually seen as something glorious, brilliant, and beautiful; Keenan takes this symbol of power and authority and twists it into something dark and terrifying, but the idea of power is retained. He is almost saying we are imbued with some sort of negative power when we allow this grudge to define us. He goes on to say, “Calculate what we will or will not tolerate/ Desperate to control all and everything”. With this false sense of power created by a grudge, the person becomes filled with a sense of being able to control everything around them. Typically, with the presence of a grudge comes a plan for revenge. A person wearing this crown of negativity is oftentimes so blinded by it they are unable see the limits of their power.
I believe the next line, “Unable to forgive your scarlet lettermen,” is an allusion to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter. The antagonist in this book, Roger Chillingworth, is seeking revenge on his ex-wife. He believes that she has committed an act of adultery against him. His quest for revenge consumes him so much that it affects his external appearance. His ex-wife’s lover, Arthur Dimmesdale, dies before Chillingworth is able to exact his revenge. Chillingworth soon follows him. His life had become so intertwined with his grudge that they were interdependent. When the source of power, the target, of his grudge was gone, the life drained out of him. He died with nothing. Just like Keenan said in his song, “Clutch it like a cornerstone/otherwise it all comes down/justify denials and grip it to the lonesome end”. A cornerstone is the source of stability for any building. It needs to be solid and immovable. Similarly, a grudge provides stability for a person’s life, no matter how false that stability is. Friends around us may point out how silly we are, but the holder is blinded by power. Part of us is, “terrified of being wrong,” as Keenan says. In the eyes of the holder, if he is found to be wrong, he will be put in an ”ultimatum prison cell”.
If the song ended here, we would be without hope - locked away in a prison cell, left to our own devices. But Keenan tells us, “Saturn ascends/choose one or ten/hang on or be humbled again”. The reference to Saturn ascending is an astrological idea of changes in life associated with the completion of a revolution by Saturn around the earth. At this time in life, a choice has to be made. When he says “one or ten,” I believe he uses this to express to polar opposites. There is no middle ground; either the grudge is given up or held on to for another period of life. The one glimmer of hope here is the presence of a choice. Despite all of the power the grudge has, we can still choose to cast it away.
Even though Keenan provides a way for escape, he does not want us to become complacent; he reminds us of the only outcome if we choose to hang on to the grudge. If we are “wear[ing] the grudge like a crown/desperate to control/unable to forgive,” then we will be “sinking deeper”. This begs the question, deeper into what? I believe when a grudge comes to be, it is born out of reason. We were wronged in some way, but as a grudge lingers in our mind it begins to create a false reality. The truth we see with our eyes becomes distorted when it passes through the filter of the grudge. The grudge becomes “defining, confining, [and] controlling”. Our real self is buried away within our subconscious; seemingly powerless to regain control. So we continue downward.
Then “Saturn comes back around to show you everything”. Now is the time to make a choice. This stanza is the first time in the song that Keenan refers to the grudge as a stone. He says, “[the grudge] drags you down like a stone”. The other option is to be treated like “a child, light and innocent”. The process of separating ourselves from the grudge is not easy. We have to completely humble ourselves to the level of a child. He is saying there must be a return to innocence; all of the unnecessary weight in life must be eradicated. All the “[calculations of] what we will or will not tolerate,” and the “[desperations] to control all and everything,” serve only to complicate and fill our life with meaningless pursuits that waste any chance we have of living. We must be like a child because only a renaissance of innocence will bring freedom from this “cold and fated anchor”.
Finally, Keenan begs us to “give away the stone/let the oceans take and transmutate this cold and fated anchor/give away the stone/let the waters kiss and transmutate these leaden grudges into gold”. His imagery of the oceans and waters is an allusion to baptism. A thorough cleansing is necessary for change, but with change comes reward. If this trial in life is endured, then “these leaden grudges will be turned into gold”. Perseverance breeds greatness.
Keenan breaks down in the end of the song. He lets out a passionate scream - I envision him falling to his knees with his hands on his head. He knows he must let go, has to let go. He begins whispering “[l]et go, let go, let go…,” over and over, almost chanting it. The song crescendos as he chants louder and louder until he is screaming “let go!” He knows where the grudge is taking him; he sees the destruction waiting for him if he cannot let go. Change is never easy, but he has to try.
A grudge begins in reason but transforms into a powerful entity capable of destroying lives. The only way to escape the endless spiral of increasing desperation to control everything around us is to choose to change. No matter how attractive the crown is, we need to take it off. Maynard James Keenan begs us to throw away “this cold and fated anchor,” but no one can make us let go, it must come from within. In the end, it is up to us…it always has been.
As a fellow bass goober I've been waiting on this one! Thanks for all your vids!
Same here!!
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to exploration/discovery of our favorite artists and songs. We all (as TOOL fans) appreciate your unique perspective!
17:04 yes, he truly did that himself. Long time ago tho. Not anymore. There is a video on YT wuth them performing this song live back in 2002 and MJK does what you have heard on the record.
This song still gives me goosebumps every single time.
The tour they did when the album debuted, MJK absolutely roared like that in live performances and it was nothing short of breathtaking. In the last 5 years or so, his voice (very understandably) is aging and he’ll remain quiet in such sections of the songs.
I saw them in 2002. The Grudge was one of the best performances of the night, and that scream sounded like the studio version. It was unbelievable to see. Maynard has some pipes.
Love the talk on the rhythm and how it is so deeply entrenched in us, one of my favorite reactions so far, keep up the good work!
This entire album is an amazing experience, I often get into a mode where it gets played on repeat because it's drilling into the very core of my existance and launching me out into a universe I don't entirely comprehend but want to embrace, nothing else will do. I love what you're doing here. Makes me appreciate the music all the more!
Omg YES. One of me favorites. Got to see this one live too!
Thanks, Geebz!!
Had to watch this review twice it was so good. Very authentic review my friend.
One of my favorites. I love seeing you feel it like we do :) A big theme Maynard talks about over and over is tension - as a theme, as a feeling, an expression. That pull you feel is playing with that. He does it in his other bands too.
HAH! Maynard lighting one off is really something. He absolutely crushes it live. Dude is amazing.
Just hearing that scream gives me an instant boost of testosterone
“What an amazing scream at the end…” lmao 🤣 can’t know how many people laughed at this part of the beginning of video
Oh I’m gonna enjoy this… a pleasure seeing you experience this song for the first time
6:47 "what an amazing scream at the end" me: oooooh buddy you dont even know how right you are yet
The big scream on this song changes a man
Hey Geebz. Another well de-constructed video my friend. Well done again. 👍🤘
Oh my goodness, you did it! I squeaked when I got this notification. :D I know the Tool army will dominate the comments but I appreciate you keeping at this, and hope that one of these days you might get to check out Disillusion's Back To Times of Splendour. ;) I can be patient.
The opening track of this album is one of the best metal/prog metal/music piece ever!
It's fun listening with someone who appreciates every moving piece. Love it!
I was waiting for your reaction to the scream, lol. Yeah, that's all him, man.
I have seen this song live twice, once back in the early 2000's and he hit the scream 100% the whole time, and a second time in like 2015 where he used echo to draw it out. Not a big surprise that he doesn't put his voice through that any more, but for sure at the time this song was made, he did that full scream and it was glorious to hear live.
It was only a matter of time!! Thanks for getting to this Geebz, and thanks for continuing doing these.
As always, love what you do, and keep rockin'! Awwright!
Sonically Danny shines on this album. They absolutely nailed the drum sound down on this one. Very well engineered and produced. Been in absolute love with it since the day it came out (20 years already). Love watching your reactions and your observations are just perfect! Alright!
Go pack go!
Very keen to hear your take on some more early years stuff from Tool. Despite the decades of maturation and metamorphosis, Undertow sounds as fresh, raw, and real as it did in the early 90s. Flood, Undertow, 4°, Swamp Song, you name it, it all sounds SHARP.
Dont forget Crawl Away
This song perfectly flows with the lyrics: the whole process of exercising a grudge. I believe that scream at the end was Maynard vocalizing the anxiety and rage and release of letting go. Although, I had always wondered if that scream was “doctored” about halfway through until I saw a video of him doing it live.
He can't do it anymore, but back in the early and mid 2000's he could absolutely hold that scream at the end live.
Wear THE GRUDGE like a crown!
Anyone else have very un-graceful reactions of excitement upon seeing this was up finally?
I've never seen Geebz so blown away.. I love it!
"Just.....fuuuuuc-...whoops!"
Yes, it was all Maynard. Ticks and leaches is another one he can't perform as time and tours have taken a toll on his throat.
So glad you did this. I loved the comment about the natural cadence of communication. It really helped me rationalize one of the key things I love about the band. Thank you for sharing and having us tag along!
Have you ever done a reaction to Alice in Chains? "Rotten Apple" from their Jar of Flies EP is one of my favorites.
That scream is 100% real and it is even more incredible live. I appreciate Tool more and more with every single listen. More than any other artist they have influenced my life and changed my way if looking at the world. Incredible group
Geeeeeebz! Good to be back. Haven't watched in a while because I've been stupid busy! Excited for this!