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Artists like Tool — and the music that made them

Progressive Metal · 1990-present
Progressive metal architects crafting complex, transcendent sonic journeys
Tool revolutionized heavy music by weaving intricate polyrhythms, philosophical lyrics, and extended compositions into a uniquely immersive experience. Their meticulous approach to both sound and visual art has influenced countless bands while maintaining an almost mythical mystique around their rare releases.
Essential tracks
Schism
Stinkfist
Forty Six & 2
Did you know
The band didn't allow their music on streaming platforms until 2019, nearly 30 years after forming
Drummer Danny Carey holds the record for the most complex polyrhythmic patterns in rock music
Their album artwork features actual human anatomy and sacred geometry created by artist Alex Grey
“Mathematical precision meets primal screams in polyrhythmic metal odysseys.”
2
generations
of influence
Influence tree
Trace Tool's roots back through history
Every sound has a source. Click any node to hear the connection.
Tool
1990-present
King Crimson
1969-present
cited
Rush
1968-2018
cited
Metallica
1981-present
cited
Black Sabbath
1968-2017
sonic
Led Zeppelin
1968-1980
cited
Pink Floyd
1965-2014
sonic
↑ Click any influence node to see the connection and where to start listening.
What makes the sound
Sonic elements
Polyrhythmic time signatures
Danny Carey's tribal percussion
Maynard's theatrical vocals
Extended song structures
Start with these tracks
Sober
Forty Six & 2
Schism
Parabola
If you like Tool, try these
A Perfect Circle
Maynard's other band with atmospheric alternative metal and introspective lyrics.
2000s · Alternative Metal
Puscifer
Maynard's experimental electronic project showcasing his vocal versatility and humor.
2000s · Electronic Rock
Mastodon
Complex progressive metal with conceptual albums and intricate instrumental arrangements.
2000s · Progressive Metal
Gojira
2000s · Technical Death Metal
Isis
Atmospheric post-metal with lengthy compositions and dynamic build-ups.
1990s · Post-Metal
Deftones
Alternative metal with dreamy atmospherics contrasting heavy rhythmic sections.
1990s · Alternative Metal
About this page

Music like Tool — Tool revolutionized heavy music by weaving intricate polyrhythms, philosophical lyrics, and extended compositions into a uniquely immersive experience. Their meticulous approach to both sound and visual art has influenced countless bands while maintaining an almost mythical mystique around their rare releases.

Artists like Tool today include A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Mastodon, Gojira. If you enjoy Tool, these artists share similar sonic qualities, influences, and emotional range.

Bands like Tool and songs like Tool are among the most searched music discovery queries — rootz.guru goes deeper by tracing the roots of the sound itself, not just surface-level similarity.