Prison Sex
Tool · 1993
26 min · 5 tracks · progressive metal
Dark, brooding soundscapes intertwine with aggressive rhythms and introspective lyrics, creating an unsettling yet compelling atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Prison Sex (album version) — As the centerpiece of the album, this track explores themes of trauma and addiction through a haunting melody and powerful instrumentation, encapsulating Tool's unique approach to songwriting.
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Intolerance (live) — This live version showcases the band's raw energy and intricate musicianship, emphasizing the lyrical critique of societal norms that runs through much of their work.
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Undertow (live) — A fan favorite, this live performance highlights the band's ability to blend heavy riffs with thought-provoking lyrics, reinforcing their thematic depth during energetic shows.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases Tool's complex songwriting and distinct sound but lacks cohesion due to the inclusion of live tracks.
What we noticed
- The title track features a dynamic shift between quiet, brooding verses and explosive choruses, creating a stark contrast in intensity.
- The live tracks included showcase a rawer sound, emphasizing the band's performance energy compared to the polished studio version.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- visceral exploration of dark themes
- steady progression towards intensity
- live tracks enhancing raw energy
- short bursts of heavy emotion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lighthearted or upbeat music
- seek immediate gratification in tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as the lead single from their second studio album 'Undertow', this track marked Tool's emergence into mainstream consciousness. At this time, the band was transitioning from their underground roots, following their debut EP 'Opiate' that had established their heavy sound and complex themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Perfect Circle· Porcupine Tree· Opeth
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Prison Sex (album version)
The shift from visceral imagery to introspective questioning creates a stark contrast between pain and vulnerability.
This juxtaposition deepens the emotional impact of the narrative, illustrating how personal trauma can lead to profound self-examination.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Prison Sex (album version) 4:58
- 2 Intolerance (live) 5:12
- 3 Undertow (live) 5:31
- 4 Opiate (live) 6:09
- 5 Prison Sex (radio edit) 4:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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