APC is not a valid comparison with Tool, anyway. Just because Maynard is the singer doesn't make the bands in any measure alike, and not being alike in any way at all means that any comparison is futile. Also, Maynard's songwriting input is not at all dominant in either band, making it even less of a valid comparison.

Most of the good in Tool arises out of the three actual musicians, and in APC it is the production of Howerdel.

Tool would have to win my vote. The density of their music demands my full attention. It's definitely not background music. The more you listen the deeper the sound gets. Their approach to the hard rock scene is unlike anyone I have ever heard. The intelligence of the band members really comes through in their sound and the way they build their songs. They utilize time signatures unseen in modern rock. APC is badass but Tool takes the cake. Danny Carry is inhuman. Just listen to Ticks and Leeches (Lateralus). The live version of Pu**** (Salival) really shows off Maynard's voice. Gives me goosebumps.

This is why everyone hates Tool fans.

How is that any different from any other person talking about their favourite artist?

I don't understand Tool fan hate.

It is different. When most people hype their favourite band, they don't make out like that band is doing things that are virtually unknown/unseen/inconceivable anywhere else. They don't speak with such ignorance. What your average Tool fanboy doesn't realize is that, in the grand scheme of things, Tool aren't even that experimental! Hell, they're not even inaccessible compared to a lot of the stuff that's out there. Tool fanboys see the band as being the most revolutionary, cutting-edge, experimental, other-worldly thing ever. Anybody who's really listened to a proper range of alternative music would never be able to say such things. So whenever you see people making those sorts of comments, it's always just cringe-inducing and repulsive.

I suppose, but it's a wide generalisation to make because Tool are my favourite band but I definitely don't think they are the most revolutionary or cutting edge musicians I've ever seen. And I've come across plenty of other fanboys out there who have pretty much the same thing to say about other musicians.

But I see where you're coming from. I'm a Tool fan, don't hate me!

Tool were my favourite band for years. I don't feel right saying they're my favourite anymore seeing as I don't listen to them that often, but I still say they're great.

I get that a lot of Tool fans are pretentious losers but let's not hold it against all of 'em.

their both great, lateralus is amazing.

Seeing a live TOOL show is pretty awesome. I've always loved their music, but my main attraction to them had nothing to do with Maynard, who is a great singer and fits perfectly in the toolbox.
Adam Jones is the mastermind behind tool. His melodies on guitar and his visual artwork is an ageless inspiration to me.
TOOL never gets old to me.
Although I could never say that TOOL is the best I've ever heard, musically... I CAN say that I identify with them on a level I could never reach with any other band.
That personal identification is what makes TOOL a great band for me.
And I don't think it should be any other way.

I agree. They're definitely something I have to be in the mood for, but regardless I must admit I take more from their music than I do anyone else. It is more valuable on a philosophical and spiritual level than most.

Is there any credibility to the stories of people who were driven mad by Maynard's live persona?