Tool leaves Austin, Texas in a trance-like state

In a transcendent evening, Tool — the progressive rock/metal giants — took centerstage at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The band’s most recent concert in the live music capital of the world proved to be a spellbinding journey through their expansive discography, leaving the audience in awe of their sonic prowess and mesmerizing visuals.

Inside the Moody Center was nothing short of electric.

Eager Tool fans know that when this band tours, it is usually with long, multi-year waits in between tour cycles, meaning a Tool show is not something to miss. As the lights dimmed, the glow of cell phones waiting to capture footage lit the venue from front to back. Anticipation completely gripped the air. 

The wind-up chime of the opening song “Fear Inoculum” echoed through the arena, signaling the beginning of a great odyssey that would unfold over the course of the evening. The interplay between Justin Chancellor’s intricate bass guitar part, Danny Carey’s thunderous drumming, and Adam Jones’s landscape of guitar riffs created a sonic tapestry that enveloped the audience. Maynard James Keenan moved in and out of the shadows, almost stalking the crowd with his presence. 

The setlist blended tracks from Tool’s extensive catalog that spans nearly four decades, songs like “Undertow” and  “Ænema” to the band’s most recent work. Each song felt like a carefully crafted explorative journey, intermixed with the most insane psychedelic visuals I have ever seen. I continuously felt less like I was at a concert and more inside some type of Salvador Dali dreamscape.

The interlocking rhythms and intricate arrangements were brought to life onstage with a precision that left me — and everyone else — in a trance state.

One of the standout moments of the night came during the performance of “The Grudge”, when the band brought out Austin-based artist Emily Wolfe on guitar. Wolfe absolutely ripped through the guitar solo in the mid-section of the song and did so as if she had been in the band for years. 

As the night continued on, it became clear why Tool has lasted this long as a successful touring act. Their elaborate light show, accompanied by mesmerizing animations, transformed the stage into a living, breathing entity. I really cannot say enough about how much time and consideration the band puts into making sure they aren’t like every other band, overcompensating with explosions and elements that don’t seem to fit with their music.

In the concert’s closing moments, as the final notes of “Schism” reverberated through the venue, the audience was left in a state of euphoria. Tool’s performance in Austin was a testament to their enduring impact on the world of progressive rock/metal. The band delivered an unforgettable night that will linger in the memories of those fortunate enough to be in attendance. As the lights faded and the echoes of applause lingered, Austin had witnessed not just a concert, but a collective out-of-body experience that I am sure most fans will never forget. 

Photography by Derek Jones

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