Sacred Geometry

Lore & Background

This theme reaches its zenith in the visual narrative surrounding their album *Lateralus*, where the Fibonacci sequence is visually mapped onto the human form and the cosmos. The imagery implies that by understanding these geometric truths, one can transcend ego-driven limitations and access a unified state of being. It posits that reality is a structured vibration, and recognizing these patterns allows the observer to align with the natural flow of the universe.

In Their Own Story

The stage lights dim until only a single beam cuts through the haze, illuminating a massive, rotating polyhedron constructed from light. As the bass line drops, the shape begins to fracture, shedding layers like an onion to reveal a perfect spiral within. The audience watches in silence as the geometry expands outward, filling the darkness with glowing golden lines that connect every seat, every person, and every star above. For a moment, the barrier between observer and observed dissolves, leaving only the pure, resonant hum of the pattern itself.

Reader's Guide

Tool's exploration of sacred geometry is deeply rooted in the idea that mathematics is the language of God or the Universe. This philosophy suggests that by studying these patterns, humans can understand their own evolution and spiritual potential. The album *Lateralus* explicitly references the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical pattern found throughout nature, to symbolize growth and expansion. The lyrics often mirror this structure, with syllable counts in verses increasing and decreasing according to the golden ratio, creating a sonic representation of the visual themes. Interviews with the band members reveal a fascination with Hermeticism and the concept that 'as above, so below.' They use these geometric concepts not as dogma, but as tools to encourage listeners to look beyond surface appearances and seek deeper, universal connections in their own lives.

Did You Know?

• The cover art for *Lateralus* features a fractal design based on the Fibonacci sequence, mirroring the syllable count structure of the title track's lyrics.
• Alex Grey, a renowned visionary artist and mystic, created the iconic cover art that blends human anatomy with cosmic geometry.
• The band often uses the 'Flower of Life' pattern in their live shows to represent the interconnectedness of all living things.
• Their stage designs frequently incorporate large-scale 3D geometric sculptures that rotate and change during performances.

Early Life and Musical Foundations

By high school in Paola, he had expanded to full drum sets and joined the jazz band, an experience that would fundamentally shape his future rock style. His athletic background included playing basketball, but his intellectual pursuits were equally significant; while attending the University of Missouri–Kansas City, Carey immersed himself in the local jazz scene alongside studies in geometry, science, metaphysics, and the occult. This unique academic blend provided the theoretical backbone for his complex rhythmic approach. He cites Tony Williams, John Bonham, and Neil Peart as primary inspirations he channels during performance. After college, a move to Portland and eventually Los Angeles allowed him to work as a studio musician for Carole King and perform with Pigmy Love Circus. His path also included playing in the country band Wild Blue Yonder alongside Jeff Buckley before his eventual partnership with Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones led to the formation of Tool.

Signature Gear and Custom Instruments

Carey is renowned for his specific equipment choices, utilizing wood-tip Vic Firth signature sticks and Sonor drums paired with Paiste cymbals. A notable collaboration occurred in the late 1990s when Paiste and tech Jeff Ocheltree created a unique drum kit constructed entirely from melted-down Signature bronze cymbals. More recently, Carey collaborated with builder Alan Van Kleef to create the handcrafted 'Monad' kit in England, followed by the limited-edition '7empest' collection, which replicates these designs with specific engravings inspired by Tool's Grammy-winning track.

Rhythmic Philosophy and Technique

Carey's drumming is distinguished by his integration of jazz dynamics, odd time signatures, and complex polyrhythms into a rock context. He treats his feet with the same dexterity as his hands, practicing rudiments and even snare solos on the bass pedals to enhance independence and control. To expand his sonic palette, he studied tabla under Aloke Dutta, eventually recording these parts himself for tracks like 'Right in Two' and replicating them live using Mandala electronic pads. When navigating irregular time signatures, Carey prioritizes feeling the song's internal pulse rather than rigidly counting measures. His technique frequently employs a straight variation of the Swiss Army triplet rudiment, prominently featured in songs such as 'The Grudge' and 'Rosetta Stoned.' This approach to rhythm, combining technical precision with metaphysical study, has earned him widespread acclaim among musicians and critics alike.

Collaborations and Industry Recognition

Beyond his primary role in Tool, Carey maintains an extensive portfolio of musical collaborations across diverse genres. He contributed to albums by artists such as Green Jellö, where he performed under the pseudonym 'Danny Longlegs,' and recorded with industrial acts like Pigface and Skinny Puppy. His discography also includes work with Adrian Belew, The Melvins, and Zaum. Carey continues to perform in side projects including Volto!, a fusion band playing original material and covers in Los Angeles, as well as maintaining involvement with Pigmy Love Circus.