10 Best Progressive Rock Albums Of The 2000s

Taking the complex and challenging ideas and rhythms of the highly acclaimed 'Lateralus' a step further, the group based much of their work here around the Saturn return.

Thematically, Saturn's orbital period represents maturity and a change in lifestyle as one enters their late twenties. Maynard James Keene's fascination with this concept was first heard on the 'Lateralus' track 'The Grudge'. Here, it dominates from the title (in reality, it's a considerably less catchy 10,759 days or so) to the lyrics to the LP's overall structure.

Critically, '10,000 Days' was considered a slight step down from the towering peaks of 'Lateralus' five years prior. Its emphasis on interludes in particular alienated listeners, who felt the group had gone too far into this signature aspect of their work.

In hindsight, this LP is very much one of Tool's most challenging and rewarding efforts. Lead single 'Vicarious' is a confronting meditation on the modern fascination with attempting to live vicariously through the rich and the famous they see on TV. It's the kind of topic and attitude many might not want to hear; the sort of bitter truth only the wisest of artists can dissect effectively.

The album overall follows this confronting style throughout, something that proved to be rather jarring to longtime fans at the time. Overall, it's a philosophical effort with the kind of grand compositions only the most elite of rockers can even dream of reaching.