Triad

An instrumental track that builds from quiet into something heavier, 'Triad' arrives near the end of Lateralus as a study in restraint and release. It opens with a psychedelic intro before the main riff takes hold, drums and guitar combining into a densely layered piece that rewards close listening. The track sits comfortably in Tool's catalogue of instrumental passages, a moment of texture and rhythm rather than vocal narrative. Live, the band enlists guest drummers to handle the rototom work, transforming the studio version into something altogether more physical in performance.