User talk:Johnnyw/Tool lead

Tool is an American rock band, that formed around 1990 in Los Angeles, California. Emerging with a "slam and bang" heavy metal sound on their first release, when heavy metal was dominated by thrash metal, they were later seen at the top of the alternative metal movement with the release of their second full-length studio album Ænima in 1996.

After an ongoing evolution of their sound and continuous efforts to unify musical experimentation, visual arts, and a message of personal evolution on Lateralus (2001), their most recent album 10,000 Days (2006), as well as respective tours, they are generally described as a style-transgressing act and part of progressive and art rock.

This aspiration entails exceptionally long or complex releases, controversial yet abstract lyrics and cover art, and unorthodox music videos, which results in a rather ambivalent relationship between the band and today's music industry, at times marked by censorship, and the band's ongoing struggle for privacy.

Nevertheless, Tool receives critical acclaim, has won Grammy Awards, performs worldwide tours, and produces albums that top the charts in several countries. Between album releases, the band takes extended breaks that allow for collaboration with other artists to design award-winning album packaging, elaborate light shows and form notable side-projects.