EntertainmentmusicTours and Concerts
Tool Revives Rare Songs in New Zealand After Decades
In a move that sent shockwaves through the dedicated fanbase, the progressive metal titans Tool have resurrected a trio of deep-cut anthems during their current New Zealand tour, treating audiences to a veritable time capsule from their seminal album *Undertow*. For the first time in over two decades, the haunting, complex strains of 'Prison Sex,' the visceral sludge of 'Crawl Away,' and the brooding intensity of 'H.' echoed through the arenas, performances that felt less like a simple concert setlist and more like an archaeological dig into the band's own formidable legacy. This isn't merely a band playing old songs; this is a deliberate act of musical curation, a conscious decision to revisit a chapter of their history defined by a raw, unpolished aggression that predated their later, more labyrinthine epics.The significance of this revival cannot be overstated for the Tool faithful, a community that dissects every setlist with the fervor of scholars. These tracks, particularly 'H.' with its deeply personal and cryptic lyrics, represent a foundational era, a time when the band's sonic identity was coalescing around Maynard James Keenan's searing vocal delivery, Adam Jones' dissonant yet melodic riffs, Justin Chancellor's then-new but instantly impactful bass textures, and Danny Carey's polyrhythmic genius. To hear them now is to experience a bridge between two distinct phases of Tool's evolution.The decision to unearth these rarities in New Zealand, far from their American home turf, adds another layer of intrigue, perhaps a nod to the particularly passionate Antipodean following or a testing ground for future tour developments. It raises the compelling question: is this a one-off homage, or the beginning of a broader reintroduction of *Undertow* material into their live repertoire? The band has long been known for their meticulous control over their art and its presentation, making this setlist shake-up a calculated event.It speaks to a confidence in their current live dynamic, a belief that they can seamlessly weave these raw, early narratives into the complex tapestry of their modern masterpieces like 'Pneuma' and 'Invincible. ' For those in attendance, it was more than a concert; it was a historic moment, a rare glimpse into the primal core of one of modern rock's most enigmatic and influential acts, proving that even after decades, their most challenging and intense early work retains its devastating power and emotional resonance.
#Tool
#concert
#setlist
#deep cuts
#Prison Sex
#Crawl Away
#H
#New Zealand tour
#featured