What makes Salival by Tool notable?

Salival is significant for its unique blend of live tracks and previously unreleased material, including covers like No Quarter. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, contributing to Tool's reputation for pushing creative boundaries within the progressive metal genre. Released on December 12, 2000, Salival was Tool's first release after their critically acclaimed album Lateralus in 2001. While not a studio album, it showcased the band's artistic breadth during a peak period in their career, reflecting both their established sound and willingness to explore new dynamics through live recordings and experimental tracks.

Salival works well if you're into dynamic live performance energy, wave-like pacing with intensity and immersive headphone exploration.

How many songs are on Salival?

Salival has 13 tracks, running approximately 98 minutes.

Salival

Tool · 2000

98 min · 13 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling collection of live performances and studio experiments that meld heavy riffs with intricate, atmospheric soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sober — This live rendition captures the raw intensity of the original while demonstrating the band's evolution as performers, emphasizing Maynard James Keenan's haunting vocal delivery.
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Third Eye (live) — The extended live version showcases the band’s improvisational prowess and features intricate instrumental work that elevates the song beyond its studio counterpart.
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No Quarter — Tool's cover of this Led Zeppelin classic reinterprets the song with a darker, heavier tone, highlighting their ability to transform influences into something wholly original.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album blends live and studio material effectively, though its cohesion is impacted by the varied nature of the tracks.

What we noticed

The sequencing alternates between high-energy performances and more atmospheric pieces, creating dynamic shifts in intensity throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

dynamic live performance energy
wave-like pacing with intensity
immersive headphone exploration
cathartic moments of release
introspective atmosphere throughout

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A unique collection that showcases live and experimental tracks, appealing to dedicated fans.
Career context: Released on December 12, 2000, Salival was Tool's first release after their critically acclaimed album Lateralus in 2001. While not a studio album, it showcased the band's artistic breadth during a peak period in their career, reflecting both their established sound and willingness to explore new dynamics through live recordings and experimental tracks.
Stylistic neighbors: A Perfect Circle· Porcupine Tree· Opeth