Tool is not only a band that changed my life with this album but with the sound and lyrics that followed in all of the albums after. I actually heard the Undertow album before this one but both albums blew me away. My love for the band didnt stop with these 2 albums considering I met one of my best friends and a girl I used to really like through our mutual admiration of the band's third album Aenima. The song stinkfist was mainly what our first conversation was all about. At the time I didnt understand what the song was actually about. As soon as I got it my mind was blown and I had an even greater appreciation of the music and loved them even more.
When I listened to Opiate I was renewed and couldn't get enough of the 6 song masterpiece of an EP or album in my opinion. Every note, lyric, and sound on Opiate is a otherworldy transcending experience I have never forgotten for around 25 years. To say its stood the test of time is a major understatement. I've listened to countless albums since I discovered music like this back in 1992 but this one was more like an adventure through sound and to this day I experience something new lsitening to it. It truly never dissapoints me. I still dont believe Maynard is human the way he howls out the lyrics. The changes in melody are something to be marvelled at and celebrated. As angry and dark as these songs are it always manages to lift my spirits and pump me up like not many albums can. If you have never listened to it and especially if you are a Tool fan be sure to do yourself a huge favor and listen from start to finish.
Tool is forever changing music and is a testament to what taking your time can achieve.