- Lyrical content: Tool's songs often deal with themes of addiction, mental illness, violence, and alienation, which can be disturbing or uncomfortable to some listeners. For example, the song "Prison Sex" is about a man who is sexually abused in prison, while the song "Pushit" is about a man who is being controlled and manipulated by a powerful force.
- Musical style: Tool's music is often dark, heavy, and dissonant, which can contribute to its disturbing effect. The band uses a variety of unusual sounds and musical techniques, such as distorted guitars, pounding drums, and electronic effects, which can create a sense of anxiety or unease.
- Visuals: Tool's music videos and live performances often feature disturbing or surreal imagery, which can add to the overall unsettling effect of their music. For example, the music video for the song "Sober" features a man who is vomiting and hallucinating, while the live performance of the song "Lateralus" features the band members wearing strange costumes and masks.
Overall, Tool's music is not for everyone. Some people may find it disturbing or uncomfortable, while others may find it cathartic or even inspiring. It is important to note that Tool's music is not intended to be offensive or harmful, but rather to explore dark and complex themes in a creative and artistic way.