Tool has the ability to create spastic and energetic feelings within the listener without using traditional methods. These kinds of talents are a rarity, but Moncton’s own Tool tribute band have managed to capture that same hypnotic metal.
Dissectional’s vocalist Peter-James Howe matched the same vocal effects as Tool’s Maynard Keenan. Howe creates a sort of subdued sound which makes the listener crave more, like rabbit chasing a carrot. To say Tool is one of the better mainstream progressive metal bands would not be an overstatement.
Tool enthusiasts are flocking from all over the Maritimes to get a taste of the next best thing. Dissectional has been cruising all over the place performing the fan favourite album AEnima.
“It’s one of our favourite recordings and anyone who knows Tool really knows about this album,” said guitar player Marc Landry.
These guys have the skills, but what’s the motivation to be a tribute band? A tribute often calls on images of Elvis impersonators, jiving ABBA sing alongs or die hard fans fulfilling a dream. But, Landry assures that the process was a lot more casual for Dissectional.
Landry had been playing drums with another group, but was looking to get back to his prefered instrument, the guitar. When he found out his high school buddies Nick Michaud and Jamie Melanson were moving back home, he jumped on the opportunity to jam with them. They found Howe and it just kind of happened from there.
“When the project started I wasn’t a hardcore Tool fan, but you could tell there was a lot of craft and skill to what they were doing. It was a band that always stuck out when I heard it,” said Landry
For these guys, being a tribute band has only had its benefits. Replicating a band can be easier than coming up with original material which pleases all the bandmates. Also, a band like Tool already has an established fanbase.With that in mind the Moncton gain are cautious to keep the Tool sound as genuine as possible.
“Tool is one of those bands that people either love them or it’s not their thing at all. So, we knew going into this that if we were going to attempt it, it needed to be right,” said Landry
The group has even picked up special pedals along with watching hours of live videos.
“People expect it to be right and we still hear comments that when people see us for the first time they’re surprised at how close it is.”
This time around, the band has taken it up a notch by adding live video projections to their shows in order to achieve more of a Tool-like atmosphere. The projections manipulate and change the performing visuals in real time. There’s more of technique than just hitting a “play” button.
The dancing images compliment the usual rampage of mosh pits, crowd surfing and the occasional cracked head which accompany many Dissectional shows.
“People get pretty into it, it gets crazy sometimes.When Tool fans do come out are usually the people who really, really like the band. We’re fortunate that we usually have a pretty receptive audience.”
Dissectional will be playing at the Capital on Jan. 17. Advanced tickets are $13. Doors open at 10 p.m.
