Tool: Every Album Ranked From Worst To Best

Opiate was the first major label release from Tool as we know them, though a demo tape, 72826, does pre-date it. In fact, the album draws most of its material from the demo (and anything not used on Opiate went on the band's feature length debut, Undertow), which is why is has a bit of a disjointed, cut and paste feel in comparison to most of Tool's later albums.

Very much a work in progress, Opiate is a sneak peak into what the band would become. It's more straight up metal than progressive, something the band would later attribute to the label, who asked that they include their "heaviest" songs. While a couple of tracks were re-recorded (Cold & Ugly and Jerk-Off, which were captured live), this is pretty much the band at its formation. In fact, that live gig was reportedly their second performance ever.

The songs aren't as complex, the production not as polished. You'd be hard pressed to pick a hit. However Opiate serves as a glimpse into what was to come. If you're new to Tool, skip this, if you're a long time fan who came aboard with Undertow or something later, go back and give it a listen.