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This 1993 Metal Track Left Bullet Holes in a Studio Wall and Features ‘Sledgehammer’ As a Production Credit

Tool’s debut album satisfied fans who were bored with the same old grunge stuff and wanted something more progressive.

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In April 1993, Tool released their debut LP, Undertow, which set them on a path to becoming highly acclaimed in heavy metal. This album was a huge boost for the genre in a new decade, and Tool paved the way for progressive metal in the mainstream.

That’s part of why Undertow is so highly regarded by both critics and fans. Released at the height of grunge and the early development of pop-punk, Undertow fit into the void between the two. Rock at the time was concerned primarily with themes of alienation, depression, and unfulfilled expectations. There was a general air of misery proliferated by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The fear and frustration of isolation and stagnation.

Tool was making music about the same stuff, but Nirvana seemed tame in comparison. The misery and aggression rolled off........

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