81. Wheel – "Moving Backwards"

In any other year, I would be exclaiming that this record would keep us going until we get a new Tool album to feast upon. However this year, we do have a brand spanking new Tool release and (spoiler) it will turn up later (though how high is the question). So let’s look at this on its own merits. It’s full of angular forthright riffs and soaring vocals. The songwriting is also excellent, there is so much in here. The tracks unfurl in front of your eyes and then heads off in unexpected directions. I have listened to it numerous times and some of the shift in tempo and style still surprise me. It is a supremely confident and self-assured record which leaves you with real excitement about what they will do next.