Opiate is very similar to their first release, but it now has more polish and a couple more songs. I find it interesting on songs like “Sweat” where they start delving a little bit more into the prog side of music. There is a little more focus on instrumental sections and an unconventional note choice. There’s also arguably their first longish self titled song, “Opiate” at around 8 minutes. Even when this release is so similar to their first tape release I can already see some evolution into what later Tool would become. It’s fun to realize that Maynard is also a really soulful and bluesy singer! I’ve always loved the edgy anti organized religion lyrics and Opiate gives us a lot of that. My inner teenager is very happy relistening to this.