Schism is a song by Tool, released in January 15, 2001. It was the first single and music video from their third full-length album Lateralus. In 2002, Tool won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the song. Schism was released as a DVD single on December 20, 2005. The DVD contains the music video, audio commentary by David Yow, and a remix by Lustmord.
Most of the songs on Lateralus use math and science as metaphors for human issues. Singer Maynard James Keenan says:
“They’re all about relationships. Learning how to integrate communication back into a relationship. How are we as lovers, as artists, as brothers – how are we going to reconstruct this beautiful temple that we’ve built and that’s tumbled down? It’s universal relationship stuff.”
As for the trademark hook, bassist Justin Chancellor said:
“The twiddly ‘Schism’ riff came from fooling around. I just play as much as possible, and I don’t write stuff down – so when I get a good idea, I play it until I can’t forget it.”
Schism is known as a prime example of Tool‘s use of complex rhythms and changing meters. It is also well known for its distinctive bass line throughout. An extended version of the song is performed live. Schism was Tool‘s only entry on the Billboard Hot 100 until “Fear Inoculum“ in 2019, peaking at number 67 and staying on the charts for 20 weeks. It also hit number two on both the Alternative Songs and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. It almost reached number one on both charts, but was blocked behind Staind‘s “It’s Been Awhile”. The song is featured in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour.
Tracklist:
- Schism
Tool
Danny Carey: drums
Justin Chancellor: bass
Adam Jones: guitar
Maynard James Keenan: vocals
Production
Produced by David Bottrill
Art direction by Adam Jones
