That's the first time I've heard that viewpoint. Personally I think Lateralus is crammed with great rocker after great rocker. Up until the trilogy at the end which isn't particularly enthralling at all (Triad is quite menacing though, it sounds like some mad war dance. I appreciate it for that quality).

ok i noticed this and although i dont liscen to them much id like to say heres a crazy guy in town that say god took away his wings and they'll be returned in 10,000 days

sigh. i don't think maynard wants to be taken quite THAT seriously.

this guys pretty messed up he "argues with god" alot

depending on how bad he is it goes from why am i alive why arent i dead to why did yo tkae my wings to we have to hide the demons are coming

Admitted Maynard is a little messed up (look up the live performance of Sober on youtube) but thats why the music is good.

Regarding your other points, those were metaphors. I'm not sure if you were serious lol.

no he really walks up and down the yelling this stuff

yes, I agree that

^ I'd be super happy with some sort of live dvd to finish things off. Mind you I'm not too sure I want them to end on 10,000 Days either. It's quite a tough one, if they produce an album thats not "up to the mark" it will be around 2010 when they finish up as a band and I'm sure for many it will mean it's been a decade of Tool since they were firing on all cylinders (ie Lateralus). Because I mean I don't know too many people who feel 10000 Days is Tool at their best. Although if they were to produce an awesome album it will be 20 years of going from strength to strength.

And on the idea of members carrying on, Maynard will probably still be doing some strange project/collaboration long into his zimmer frame years.

I think 10,000 days was pretty good, but not quite as good as aenima or lateralus. better than undertow, though. As it was with lateralus, it took me a few listens to fully apreciate it.

98 was a good year for TOOL, the release of lateralus and there great shows were impressive. they've had some great times in 07' especially when i got to see them live!