Tool's Paul D'Amour Gets Psychedelic on Feersum Ennjin - Album Review

Tool’s Paul D’Amour Gets Psychedelic on Feersum Ennjin – Album Review

2011-12-06

Review by Anne Erickson

Tool bass player releases new album with Feersum Ennjin

Feersum Ennjin, the group spearheaded by former Tool bass man Paul D’Amour, released their self-titled debut late last month, and the assortment brings the kind of dark, experimental character that should resonate with many Tool fans. D’Amour moved the release date back to enable the band too add a new track, “The Fourth,” featuring none other than Tool kit-sitter Danny Carey. This is the first time the two have collaborated since Tool’s 1995 album, Ænema, and the mere thought of it has the hard rock community buzzing.

Listening to songs such as “The Wilderness” and “Lines” off the album, it’s easy to draw comparisons to Tool. In some ways, Feersum Ennjin’s style is similar to Tool’s, except with a rawer, more pop-flavored delivery. “The Wilderness,” for example, one could peg alternative-minded, with its fresh, sing-along introduction and psychedelic pop. Other tracks carrying the weight and space of progressive hard rock. Throughout, D’Amour’s vocals are fresh and warm, and they complement the instrumentals to a tee.

“The Fourth,” of course, is going to draw the most attention, because of Carey’s involvement with the song. If the listener were to divide the album into the “sunny” and “dark” halves, “The Fourth” would fall into the latter, as it brings an underground ‘90s alternative metal sound, employing a deep groove and vintage guitar vibe. If these reasons aren’t good enough to give Feersum Ennjin a whirl, then just go by the simple fact that D’Amour has years of experience making innovative hard rock, and he always puts out interesting material every time he chooses to release something.

Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.