TOOL Returned to Denver for 'Fear Inoculum' & It Was Everything We Hoped It Would Be

By: Trey Karson

If you’re a fan of TOOL, you’ve probably been patiently standing by for new music from the iconic psychedelic/progressive rock group for quite some time. Thirteen years to be exact. The group, consisting of Maynard James Keenan (vocals), Adam Jones (lead guitar), Justin Chancellor (bass guitar), and Danny Carey (drums), released their long awaited studio album Fear Inoculum in late August of this year alongside a U.S. tour supported by Killing Joke to finally bring the fans the new tunes and spectacular live shows they are so known for. Denver was lucky enough to be placed as the first show of the tour and sold out in less than ten minutes, prompting the band to announce a second concert at Denver’s Pepsi Center just one day after the first. With the line to get inside the venue a block long on either side, and merch flying off the table like hotcakes, it’s no surprise that TOOL’s return was everything we’d hoped for and more. 

TOOL.

TOOL.

Opening up the night was the old-school London rockers Killing Joke. Performing hits such as “Eighties” and “Love Like Blood” like they just came out yesterday, the energetic band warmed up the Denver crowd and got everyone on their feet. Rocking out for just under an hour, the ravenous crowd was finally ready for the main event: TOOL.

TOOL.

TOOL.

Cheers of anticipation reached earthquake-causing levels as drummer Danny Carey began the haunting start of “Fear Inoculum” to the sold out crowd of 18,000 Denver fans. As each member of the band entered view, the screams only got louder, until finally all four of the fabled musicians were full-blown in the zone as if they’d never left. Behind a curtain of tassel, the group ripped through song after song, ranging from brand new releases including “Pneuma” and “Chocolate Chip Trip” to classics like “The Pot” and “Vicarious.” Maynard’s incredibly controlled and haunting vocals paired with his mysterious stage presence were undoubtedly a highlight for many fans, while both Adam and Justin flowed almost seamlessly with the drums Danny threw down. 

TOOL is not only known for their ancient and mystical sound, but also for their absolutely mind blowing live visuals unmatched by anyone else, and this go-around is no exception. Intricate lights, lasers, screen graphics, and a massive moving heptagram hovering above the stage were a staple of the night that left fans both audibly and visually astounded. In classic TOOL fashion, a strict no cell phone policy was in place for every concert goer, however after their hour and a half set and a short intermission, Maynard allowed the audience to pull out phones and record the last song of the night “Stinkfist,” much to the crowd’s delight. 

TOOL will always have a special place in music history, and we are incredibly blessed to be able to watch them perform almost 30 years since they began. Best of luck on the rest of the tour gentleman!

See TOOL in a city near you- tickets here. More photos from this show at this link.

All photos per the author. All videos and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.