Tool’s Fear Inoculum breaks Billboard chart record

Tool (Image credit: Travis Shinn)

Earlier this month, Tool released their first new material since 2006’s 10,000 Days with Fear Inoculum – the title track from their highly anticipated new studio album.

And it’s made quite an impact in the few days since it launched – and has even broken a record in the process.

The 10 minute 21 second track entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at no.93, making it the first song in the chart’s history to exceed the 10-minute mark. The longest song that previously led the way was David Bowie’s Blackstar in 2016 which weighed in at 9 minutes 57 seconds.

And there was further success for Tool as their four studio albums smashed into the Top Rock Albums chart thanks to their recent release on digital services.

Ænima went straight in a no.1 and was followed by Lateralus at no.2, 10,000 Days at no.4, while Undertow hit at no.5. It’s the first time a band has claimed four out of the top five spots in the chart, beating Linkin Park’s three titles in 2017.

In the all-format Billboard 200, Ænima landed at no.10, Lateralus went in at no.16, 10,000 Days at no.18, Undertow at no.19 and the Opiate EP debuted at no.59.

Fear Inoculum will be released on August 30 through Music For Nations/Sony Music with a full tracklist to be revealed in due course.

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.