Ænima

Marking the debut of bassist Justin Chancellor, 'Ænima' finds Tool expanding its sonic palette through complex polyrhythms, dynamic shifts, and atmospheric interludes connecting the longer metal tracks. Producer David Bottrill's dense production underpins the album's esoteric lyrical explorations of Jungian psychology, personal catharsis, and societal decay, with themes heavily inspired by the late comedian Bill Hicks. The Grammy-winning album was a critical and commercial success that solidified the band's reputation for pushing the musical and conceptual boundaries of 1990s alternative metal.