Tool was founded in 1990 by vocalist Maynard James Keenan and guitarist Adam Jones,[1] who then recruited drummer Danny Carey and bassist Paul D'Amour.

Tool signed to Zoo Entertainment just three months into their career,[2] and released their first studio EP, Opiate, in March 1992.

[3] Shortly after entering the studio to record their second album in September 1995, the band experienced its only lineup change to date, with bassist D'Amour leaving amicably to pursue other projects.

[4] October 1996 saw the release of Ænima which eventually beat Tool's debut in sales,[5] and was certified triple platinum by the RIAA in 2003.

The album sold 564,000 copies in its opening week in the US, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200,[9] and was certified double platinum by the RIAA in April 2021.