The lyrics aren't a problem at all. They can say whatever they want to. I just think they should be careful where they guide vulnerable minds. I totally agree with a lot people who say that at least they are leading somewhere. Most musicians and artists of any kind don't bother.

But Tool singles out a flawed concept (mainstream/commercial christianity, which I agree is ripe for criticism) and says "this sucks, do ANYTHING but this" and *ignorant* minds follow to the extreme. To the occult, whatever.

As an aside, the occult does not necessarily mean Devil worship. I already stated this above. It has a specific meaning, and completely includes astrology as well as the Kabbalah--a form of Jewish mysticism. (Just a little research goes a long way.)

I want to know at what point the Artist assumes responsibility for his choices. I could just as easily ask the question of Marilyn Manson or even a band like Black Label Society. But to me Tool seems sincere to a greater degree.

Here: I'll cut to the point. I think lacing their musical dynamics and cover art and lyrics and website with occult/mystic references along with language that *some* people will mis-translate as anti-God (forget religion, just anti-God) for whatever reasons--simple shock value, increased sales, hype, who cares-- they are damaging *some* people in the very way that they SAY they want to change them--spiritually.

We're all gonna die eventually. If they believe in any type of God, it is my opinion that they may want to be more careful how they transmit their message. For some people it works well, others, not so well. Like I said above, click around this website for a while. You'll see who I'm talking about. I wouldn't want to be responsible for connecting the wrong people with the wrong ideas.

Maybe that sounds too preachy, like I'm judging too many people and too many things. If so, all I can say is that it comes from the best intentions, nothing more.