Tool Announces a Second “10,000 Days” and “Lateralus” Inspired Collectable Statue by Alex Grey Coming Next Week


Tool has announced another collectible 10,000 Days album artwork-themed collectible statue. The first one was high-priced, but Tool fans snatched them up and sold out quickly. Their second collectible statue ever from the band again is made with their frequent album art collaborator Alex Grey (https://www.cosm.org) and is “The Fetus in Skull Life-Size Sculpture” – Inspired by the 10,000 Days and Lateralus album artwork(s) by Alex Grey. The Fetus in Skull Life-Size Sculpture is a beautiful and unique artwork capturing realistic details in full 1:1 presentation. Serving as a larger, more finished, version of the previously released Maquette study. Limited quantities will be available March 24th @ Noon (EDT). Other than releasing pricey vinyl collections, Tool has recently announced some major festivals with the Danny Wimmer fests.

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Tool Releases New Merch Line For “10,000 Days” Anniversary


Tool marked the 15th anniversary of the release of their 10,000 Days (Volcano, Tool Dissectional) album on May 2nd, 2021 with a new line of special themed merch. Among the typical shirts, hoodies, and hats, there are pillows, pint glasses, a sherpa blanket, and the Vicarious single/video DVD for sale at their store. 2021 is a special year for Tool album milestones as Lateralus (read our review here) just turned 20 years old, and Ænima will see a 25th anniversary this fall. The band was supposed to be on the road touring being Fear Inoculum, but has been largely inactive since the lockdown as vocalist Maynard James Kennan contracted COVID-19 twice and released a new album with Puscifer, while Adam Jones put out an instrumental single and video with the help of fellow bandmates Danny Carey and Justin Chancellor.

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CLASSIC ALBUMS REVISITED: Tool – “Lateralus”


In the year of our lord, two-thousand and one, a musical miracle happened. After years embroiled in the first (and certainly not the last) major album jeopardizing lawsuit of their career, Tool, released Laterals (Volcano). The David Botrill produced album kicked off a new musical era for the band that was only hinted at on 1996’s Aenima (Volcano).

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Tool’s Back Catalog Hits Streaming, New Album Release Looms


Tool, one of the last holdouts of mainstream bands against streaming platforms, has released its studio albums to all major streaming services (DSPs) today. All four previous studio LPs — Undertow, Ænima, Lateralus and 10,000 Days — and the band’s 1992 debut EP, Opiate, are available. The Opiate EP has incredible artwork and the band filmed a new video for it two years ago, that hopefully sees the light of day eventually. The band even has its own playlist on Spotify one day one, a rare feat! Not released to streaming was the audio part of the beloved and rare Salival DVD/CD set with live tracks outtakes and their infamous cover of Led Zeppelin’s 1970s classic ‘No Quarter’. Tool’s famous demo that got them signed in 1991, 72826, posted up on YouTube, Apple Music, Google Play and Pandora. Their upcoming fifth album, Fear Inoculum (RCA) releases, August 30th. The band has performed two new songs, ‘Invincible’ and ‘Descending’ since April.Continue reading


Inside The Chapel Of Sacred Mirrors


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Many people may know visionary artist Alex Grey from his contributions to Tool’s use of his artwork from such albums as Lateralus and 10,000 Days (both Volcano Entertainment). Alex and his wife Allyson have much of their life’s work on display at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, now located in Wappingers Falls, NY. However, there is so much more to the environment and artwork at CoSM that must be experienced and felt that makes a trip to Dutchess County, New York definitely worthwhile.

On August 1st, 2015, Alex and Allyson held their “164th Full Moon Ceremony” at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. With their intricate artwork lining the walls of the house, the beautiful ceremony commenced at 7:30p.m. as the Greys appeared from behind a doorway adorned with a tapestry of Psychic Energy System. They began the ceremony by playing a rhythm on gongs set on opposite sides of the stage.

Alex Grey at CoSM, by Melina D. Photography

Alex Grey at CoSM, by Melina D Photography

Allyson Grey at CoSM, by Melina D. Photography

Allyson Grey at CoSM, by Melina D Photography

 

Allyson spoke briefly at the beginning of the ceremony, bringing to stage two poets in order, Brett Bevell and Fun Yung Moon. Following their appearance was Joness Jones, who gave her Astrological weather forecast in disguise, discussing Leo and Aquarius as well as Venus being in retrograde. To conclude the ceremony, that had been primarily a reminder of love, Alex read a passage from his book, Art Psalms. The Ceremony left a clear impression on those who attended and set the stage for the evening’s festivities to follow.

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D. Photography

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D Photography

As the night continued, inside, there was live painting by artists Caren Charles and Alexia Velez; a Sand Mandala was created by guests in another room, as well as Tarot Readings by Marcy. All the while Alex and Allyson sat in the main room speaking with guests and signing books and posters. Outside there was a gorgeous laser light show, and music ensued. In addition, there was everything from Reiki therapy on the patio, a fire spinner, acrobatics, and a bonfire to entertain the onlookers.

Alex Grey at CoSM, by Melina D. Photography

Alex and Allyson Grey at CoSM, by Melina D Photography

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D. Photography

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D Photography

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D. Photography

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D Photography

Alex Grey Done-12

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D Photography

 

Later in the evening, Alex painted a Supportrait of one of the attendees. The proceeds of the Supportrait go to helping build Entheon. Entheon is their latest project on the property, a building to house the Greys CoSM Art Collection.

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D. Photography

Full Moon Ceremony, at CoSM, by Melina D Photography

More information about the Greys, The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, and the Entheon project can be found at their website here:

 

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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MELINA DELLAMARRGIO


My Favorite Concert Memory: Andy Thomas of Black Crown Initiate


Black Crown Initiate, photo by Danielle Fedorshik

Black Crown Initiate, photo by Danielle Fedorshik

 

“Tool and Meshuggah on the Lateralus tour. For me, this was a perfect lineup. No filler; just two bands that I love.”

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“Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad. Strapping Young Lad was opening for Meshuggah and touring for the SYL album. A great crowd crush with lots of booze.”

“Steven Wilson on the Raven that Refused to Sing tour. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more dynamic band. Marco Minnemann expanded and contracted the entire band at will. Guthrie Govan is probably the best modern electric guitarist. It ruled.”

 

Steven Wilson, by Melina D Photography

Steven Wilson, by Melina D Photography

 

Black Crown Initiate just wrapped up touring with Deicide and is still supporting their release from earlier in 2015, Wreckage of the Stars (eOne).