First, the lights dimmed in the Scotiabank Arena for Killing Joke, a band of key influence on ‘doom-and-gloom’ in the 80’s. After reaching mainstream success with their single “Love Like Blood”, they continued to influence industrial rock/metal with their hit album Night Time. Their performance reflected their age, for they were not quite as tight or well-rehearsed as expected – however, they seemed to enjoy their time spent on stage. Their repetitive (yet distinctive) sound - coupled with Jazz Coleman’s loud, Ozzy-esque presence - served as quite the anticipatory act. During their set, people piled into their seats in preparation for the spectacle that was to be Tool.
As the first few eerie chimes of the new album’s title track “Fear Inoculum” rung through the stadium, Tool presented their usual, unprecedented selves. Shadowed behind a magnificent drape with holographic projections, the – ironically – technologically reluctant band gave new meaning to the stage curtain. Ringing in with the old, the set continued with “Ænima”, “Parabola”, “Vicarious”, “Schism”, and even “Intolerance”. While Maynard James Keenan’s nostalgic plaid pants, painted black eyes, and pensively provoking voice certainly drew the crowd in, Danny Carey proved himself to be the true star of the show. With a full gong solo and some fascinating electronic fusion, watching Carey bring “Chololate Chip Trip” to life was other-worldly; much like the track itself. Yet, just as one was ready to sink into one’s seat, Tool ended the night with “Stinkfist” – quite the ode to Tool’s unmatched ability at dynamic musicality.
Photo credit: Anna Sklavos
Photo credit: Anna Sklavos