Comedian Kid Mero’s Scathing Review of Tool’s ‘Lateralus’
Tool’s chart-topping, multi-platinum third album Lateralus is widely regarded as one of the most significant and best metal albums of the 21st century. However, the album recently faced a harsh critique from comedian and internet personality Kid Mero, who shared his thoughts in a retrospective review for Pitchfork’s Guest Editor series.
Kid Mero’s Unfiltered Take
Kid Mero, known for co-hosting the popular podcast Desus vs. Mero and later the talk show Desus & Mero, did not hold back in his assessment of the 2001 album. Right from the start, he declared:
“I Hate Motherfucking Tool”
“I am going to go right ahead and give that a 1.5 because I hate motherfucking Tool,” Mero bluntly stated. “God damn, them motherfuckers suck, boy. Hey, have you ever listened to that shit? Like, for real, for real? If I gave you a porcupine and I was like, ‘Eat this shit alive, try to enjoy it,’ you’d be like, ‘No, there’s no way I can enjoy this, man.’”
Continuing his tirade, Mero remarked, “This is Tool, man. Band name says it all. I hope y’all also gave Tool a 1.” His humorously brutal assessment was emphasized by his belief that the original Pitchfork review, which awarded Lateralus a 1.9 out of 10, was still too generous.
The Pitchfork Review and Mero’s Response
“And whoever did that was being nice. They might know Scott Stapp,” Mero quipped, mixing up the names of musicians, “Oh, no, that’s the guy from Creed. My bad. See? They’re so ass that they are interchangeable in my mind.” This light-hearted jab added to his overall critique of the band.
After learning that Tool’s frontman is Maynard James Keenan, Mero commented on the singer’s “weird-ass Civil War era name” before delivering his final verdict: “I’m sorry, man. If you put your heart and soul into this shit, I apologize, but this shit is ass.”
Other Celebrities Share Similar Sentiments
Mero is not alone in his disdain for Tool. In 2023, comedian Marc Maron, despite being friends with some band members, confessed that he couldn’t get into their music. “That shit’s gotta be planted young, dude,” Maron explained. “If it wasn’t planted in my weird, angry, adolescent head… I missed all that. So, there I was, like in my 40s, kind of listening to Tool.”
Comedian Reggie Watts also expressed disappointment in Tool during a Spin interview. He highlighted their unapproachable attitude at a festival, stating, “As much hype as they get, I just don’t get it. And they’re also not very nice,” recounting a personal experience that left him unimpressed.
Conclusion
While Kid Mero’s review and the sentiments of other comedians may resonate with some, many still hold Lateralus in high regard. The album remains a landmark in metal music, showcasing Tool’s complexity and artistry. As debates over its merit continue, it’s evident that Lateralus will inspire both fervent admiration and sharp criticism for years to come.
FAQs
What is Kid Mero’s rating of Tool’s ‘Lateralus’?
Kid Mero rated Lateralus a 1.5 out of 10, expressing his strong dislike for the band.
What did Marc Maron say about Tool?
Marc Maron discussed his inability to appreciate Tool’s music, stating that their sound needs to be ingrained from a young age.
Who is the frontman of Tool?
The frontman of Tool is Maynard James Keenan.
What is the general consensus about ‘Lateralus’ among critics?
While Lateralus has received both praise and criticism, it is generally considered one of the best metal albums of the 21st century.
