Tool

They're back … After a prolonged absence because of lawsuits and side projects, Tool returns from the shadows with a DVD/CD box set of videos and outtakes (The set is also available on VHS/CD). While a far cry from new material, the set should keep fans happy until the new album appears.\nOnly one of the five videos, "Hush", is new to Tool fans. But the set gives viewers the ability to play them at will in their unedited glory, a definite plus since they rarely, if ever, appear on MTV. The videos seem more complete when played on a DVD player. Not only are they higher quality, but they lack the destruction of MTV censors. "Stinkfist" is actually called "Stinkfist," not "Song No. 1" as MTV called it. Often grotesque, often disturbing, always strangely artistic, Tool's videos are displayed in the way the band meant them to be. "Hush", is an outtake from Tool's first EP, Opiate, and is only available on the DVD edition.\nBut while the DVD provides little new material to Tool fans, the CD is an eclectic collection of various live tracks and outtakes. While Tool is far from being a jam band, tracks such as "Third Eye" and "Pushit" are played out to let the sonic metal rush extend far beyond their original reach. Amplified guitar solos and digital effects showcase Tool's talent as a live band and prove they are one of the most groundbreaking bands in metal today.\nOuttakes from the Aenima sessions, while not adding much to the CD as a whole, are interesting in their own respect. "Merkaba" is known to Tool fans as the live intro to their hit, "Sober." On Salival, the bands steps into the studio to record the acclaimed track. But without "Sober" following it, the track is essentially useless. "Message to Harry Manback II" is more or less a repeat of the original "Message" on Aenima. \nThe CD also features two covers. The first is, "You Lied," a track by bassist Justin Chancellor's side project, Peach. Also included is Tool's rendition of Led Zeppelin\'s "No Quarter." A far cry from the original Zeppelin track, Tool pays homage to one of the original heavy metal acts with the angst-ridden cover.\nTool's next project is due out in April, and if the strength of Salival is any indication, it should rock the heavy metal world.