Bands & artists like Tool

If you like Tool, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

Artists to try next

A Perfect Circle

A Perfect Circle

With their complex arrangements and atmospheric soundscapes, A Perfect Circle shares Tool's penchant for blending heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics.

alternative rock
Porcupine Tree

Porcupine Tree

Guide

Porcupine Tree combines progressive rock elements with intricate melodies and a dark, immersive atmosphere that parallels Tool's sonic explorations.

progressive metal progressive rock psychedelic rock
Opeth

Opeth

Opeth's fusion of progressive metal and acoustic passages, along with their dynamic shifts in mood, resonate strongly with Tool's musical complexity.

death metal progressive metal progressive rock
Mastodon

Mastodon

Mastodon's heavy riffs and adventurous song structures mirror Tool's innovative approach to metal, creating a similarly epic listening experience.

heavy metal progressive metal sludge metal
Dream Theater

Dream Theater

Guide

Known for their technical proficiency and long compositions, Dream Theater aligns well with Tool's progressive tendencies and intricate musicianship.

progressive metal progressive rock
The Mars Volta

The Mars Volta

The Mars Volta's experimental sound and unpredictable song structures echo Tool’s artistic ambition and willingness to push musical boundaries.

progressive rock
Karnivool

Karnivool

Karnivool incorporates complex rhythms and atmospheric textures that create a similar immersive experience to that of Tool's music.

alternative metal alternative rock progressive metal
Gojira

Gojira

Gojira blends progressive elements with heavy metal, offering deep lyrical themes and intricate compositions akin to Tool’s style.

groove metal progressive metal technical death metal

Common questions

Who sounds like Tool?

Artists similar to Tool include A Perfect Circle, Porcupine Tree, Opeth and Mastodon. Each shares elements of Tool's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is Tool?

Tool is primarily known for progressive metal, progressive rock and psychedelic rock. A labyrinth of shifting rhythms and layered textures creates a compelling tension that guides listeners through an immersive auditory experience.

Where should I start if I like Tool?

If you enjoy Tool, start with A Perfect Circle — their album "A Perfect Circle Live: Featuring Stone and Echo" is a great entry point. With their complex arrangements and atmospheric soundscapes, A Perfect Circle shares Tool's penchant for blending heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics.