Ironically, it almost seems like 10,000 days since we saw the last Tool album. Well, 10,000 days is the equivalent to 27 and a bit years, so not quite that far yet, but it has at least been a decade since the previous album from the LA masters of progressive metal. And understandably, there’s a lot of hype growing towards it, as on and off progress continues to be made, and has been for at least three years, not owing part to the now resolved lawsuit that had hung heavy over their heads for a lengthy period of time. There’s also an awful lot of impatience. So far, the only trace of new material we’ve had is a two-minute long instrumental jam, tentatively titled Descending, which by the band’s own admission is only a fragment of a song in progress. Yet the memes, anger and remarks persist. So I thought I’d offer an alternative to those dismayed by the lack of answers or have grown tired of waiting, by rounding up eight excellent, lesser known bands to listen to in the mean time whilst the new Tool album materialises:

Soen

Arguably the most well-known of the bands on this list, if not for their drummer being formerly in Opeth, these Swedes certainly have that unmistakeable Tool-esque atmosphere nailed, along with a voice that you definitely need a double take for, just to remind you it isn’t MJK. But it seems unfair to label them as a Tool clone. Riffs aplenty, lengthy musical and emotional weather fronts and a sense of complex craftsmanship, utterly spellbinding to behold, understandably strike that chord with fans of dark, often haunting but unforgettable and deeply involving sonic masterpieces. Soen merely dissipate the shroud surrounding their art and bare their souls in plain view for all spectators. And sound all the more fantastic for it. A third album of theirs is currently underway, assumed to be out by this year’s end.

Five of their best:

The Words
Savia
Tabula Rasa
Canvas
Kuraman

http://www.facebook.com/SoenMusic
http://www.twitter.com/soenmusic

Atomis

Another band who’ve had a similarly hellish time trying to release an album is this Vancouver four-piece, who are yet to make a greater impact on the musical map, with a debut that’s been five years in the making. Only one song of theirs is in circulation, that being Maelstrom, a nine-minute trek of tense, sprawling post-metal that explodes and expands into atmospheric realms inside and beyond our imaginations. That namesake does not exaggerate. The louder dynamics really do feel as though you are being dragged underneath the ocean, and the quieter ones leaving you to accept your demise, the melancholic shift peaceful, but befitting. The sheer strength of this song has kept those in the know’s hopes alive, laying in wait for an eventual album release. And that release could be any day now.

http://www.facebook.com/atomismusic
http://www.twitter.com/atomismusic

Deadly Circus Fire

I’ve mentioned these gentlemen once before, as their song Nothing came runner-up in my 20 favourite songs of 2014, but why they continue to hover beneath the radar or the cusp of greater success is astounding. Their cult following is rabid, polyrhythmic punches potent and inexhaustible it seems, lyrical content is terrifying real, atmosphere blurring between the ethereal and all-consuming darkness… what’s not to like about them?  They effortlessly write some of the most infectious hooks progressive metal has to offer, all delivered with both impassioned grandeur and tremendous fury, to seduce you into their endlessly evolving landscape, a world not afraid to shy away from the flaws of humanity, but highlight them in a bare-knuckle beating most delectable. In the stages of writing their third album, hopefully the lightning will strike this time, as one hell of a storm awaits.

Five of their best:

Nothing
Her Epitaph IV. The Return
Leviathan
House of Plagues
Where It Lies

http://www.facebook.com/deadlycircusfire
http://www.twitter.com/DeadlyCircus

Counterfist

Probably the band most likely to be inactive on this list, in part down to not releasing any new music since 2011 and their last gig in October of 2012, Counterfist have existed over a decade with two albums and an EP to their name. While they wrote music in an alternative rock vein, the blood that ran through it coursed with the same fire and raw emotion that fuelled Undertow and Aenima-era Tool, their compositions gradually stretching beyond regular radio play, but maintaining the thrill and excitement of a truly talented troupe of musicians. Pouring white hot rivers of riffs, narrated by staggeringly charismatic vocals and percussion to spark a war with, these gentlemen created music with a timeless, volcanic urgency. Let’s hope they don’t lay forever dormant.

(P.S. They also have the pleasure of having the most romantic song title in the world, aptly named, If You Really Loved Me, You’d Let Me Shit In Your Mouth.)

Five of their best:

Ride
Anthem
Sound Wreck
Worn Out
Give Up The Ghost

http://www.facebook.com/Counterfist-9548518840
http://www.twitter.com/Counterfist

Sumer

Despite existing for around half a decade already, this incredibly talented bunch from London have somehow remained firmly below the radar, irrelevant of high profile support slots and frequent festival appearances. Yet word has got round about their debut release, and that wildfire is starting to spark into life. Rather than building foundations to tear them down, they focus on continually weaving sounds, textures and tones together into incredibly expressive whirlwinds of melodically driven rock. Not that they lack an inability to activate the killswitch, as guitar can thunder down at any given moment they see fit. It simply factors into the sum of all parts: a series of deep, hypnotic, breathtaking musical movements that can also crush with the might of high planetational gravity. They’ve recently just released their video for The Animal You Are and are rapidly filling up their live calendar.

Five of their best:

http://www.facebook.com/SUMERBAND
http://www.twitter.com/MrSumerBand

Black Peaks

The wildcard out of these bands, there’s just something about Black Peaks’ fusion of progressive rock and post-hardcore that invokes the works of Tool. Words can’t exactly explain how so, but the hype exponentially building around these gentlemen from Brighton certainly can be. While not so intent on conjuring atmosphere as some bands brandished with the ‘post’ label, the chaos, calamity and sheer excitement from their faster, unquestionably more ferocious persona, marries beautifully with overlaid guitar harmonies that can soothe and chill in equal stead. The results are exhilarating, but with all the complexity that you would come to expect from musicians crafting a progressive marvel. Merely at twice the speed. However you want to look at it, Black Peaks are causing a titanic shift with their earth-shattering sound and with their debut album drop imminent, they’ve become a band certainly to keep an eye on.

Five of their best:

Saviour
Crooks
Glass Built Castles
Set In Stone
White Eyes

http://www.facebook.com/blackpeaks
http://www.twitter.com/BlackPeaks

Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster

Time and time again these gentlemen have been mentioned in the same breath as Tool, but they haven’t gained the same recognition. Musically, they sound somewhere between floating through the vast reaches of space, and an avalanche above heads, exhibited with the mark of a world-class architect. Time signatures oft fluctuate, handled by an incredibly accomplished drum performance, riffs balance between tearing at nerves and orchestrating a supernova, and their ambience they are capable of permeating is utterly awe-inspiring. Though Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster’s progress seems to have been marred by numerous line-up changes over the years, the music that emerges from the passion and technical skill of the musicians in session never cease to be anything short of phenomenal. Expected to be performing live later this year, this is simply a band that has to be experienced to justify these words.

Five of their best:

Monolith
Fractal World
Black Iron Prison
Oko
Orogenic

http://www.facebook.com/tnbduk
http://www.twitter.com/TNBDUK

Rishloo

By no means least, are one of the most criminally underrated bands on planet Earth today. Having reconciled two years ago after a thought to be conclusive split, their output continues to be some of the most inspiring, creative and unfathomably layered music imaginable. Very much in the spirit of making music in the name of art, Rishloo’s music has been defined by their kaleidoscopic approach to progressive rock, painting vast worlds and universes that constantly shift and morph, leaving every listen a unique one. There is no conceivable way to even begin to illustrate the talent and chemistry between these four gentlemen. They truly are one of a kind and every album they piece together is an atmospheric, emotional and sonic landmark worth discovering and losing yourself within. Though live dates seem few and far between, and have yet to venture beyond the States, how long before it takes attention to take hold is a perplexing prospect.

Five of their best:

The Water Is Fine
Freaks & Animals
Scissorlips
Keyhole In The Sky
Dead Rope Machine

http://www.facebook.com/Rishloo
http://www.twitter.com/Rishlooband

So there are eight bands worth giving a listen to, all incredible on their own merits, to tide you over until the new Tool album springs into existence. I’d also like to give a special mention to 3TEETH, having made quite the name for themselves supporting Tool on their tour of the States, because hey, Adam Jones’ opinion can’t be wrong, right? Or ultimately, if none of these bands float your boat whatsoever, perhaps check out these other ten bands that may whet your whistle. Better still, Tool have a pretty good back catalogue worth listening to I’ve heard. Maybe give that a spin while you wait?

Sarcasm and snarkiness aside, I do hope you’ve enjoyed any of the music featured here, and if you are interested in reading more from me, then consider giving me a like, a follow or subscribe to the site, so you never miss a post:

http://www.facebook.com/IAmTheSoundshark
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Also the lovely folks from Sümer put together a selection of tracks from every artist featured here into a neat little Spotify playlist, right here: