Themes of redemption appear on “Jambi.” A doctor wants to help a patient on the spoken “Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman).” “Wings for Marie (Pt 1)” and “10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2)” pay tribute to the singer’s saintly mother who has passed away. The latter is peppered with Christian imagery. While ominous, “Vicarious” weighs in on America’s addiction to violence. Similarly, the angels puzzle over man’s warring nature, wondering why we are so quick to kill over real estate yet slow to “lift an eye to heaven” (“Right in Two”).
Repeatedly calling uncivilized mankind “monkeys,” “Right in Two” feels like a nod to Darwinism. Tracks hint at violence (“Intension”) and scoff at the awkward platitudes of well-intentioned funeralgoers (“10,000 Days”). Strings of harsh profanities mar “Rosetta Stoned” and “The Pot.” The former spews f-words, s-words and abuses of God’s name. The latter bitterly drops an f-bomb, employs a crass urination metaphor and uses a slang term for marijuana. “Jambi” refers to a hooker and alludes to a wanton, unrestrained lifestyle (“Feast like a sultan, I do, on treasures and flesh, never few”). Album art includes the rear view of a nude woman, as well as some twisted, macabre images.
Tool’s music and lyrics are pounding, punishing and occasionally provocative. But by hammering families with offensive language on two cuts, this release is no home-improvement project.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.