i get annoyed when people call tool "metal".ive never in all my time listening to them thought of them as metal.they are something all their own.to me metal is,and has always been more defined by the attitude than the music.this is what metal fans don't get.heavy metal has always been a turn off for me due the fact that most of the bands are very sexist,macho and homophobic.it also seems that the anger and pain that these bands try to put across in the lyrics and music comes off as contrived and fake.so in the end i cant relate to these rock stars who date supermodals and live in mansions,yet sing of the hardships in their lives and i cant relate to the music that they make.tool are none of the above.they are guys who are in it for the music and nothing else.they have something to say(alot,actually).the music lyrics and vocals combine to create a wonderfull balance between anger,rage and compassion.alot of bands (korn,limp bizket),have the anger and rage, but witheout the compassion the anger comes off as hollow and forced.maynard james keenan said that this band is not here to create background music to listen to while doing the dishes.they make music that is supposed to help you think.so don't call them metal.just call them good.