Tool

Ænima

First released1996

Ænima was recorded between 1994 and 1996 at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles, with producer David Bottrill and engineer Brian "Big Bass" Harris overseeing the sessions. The band utilized analog recording techniques combined with emerging digital technology, with Bottrill bringing his experience from working with King Crimson and other progressive acts. The recording process was notably lengthy and meticulous, reflecting the band's perfectionist approach to composition and performance. The album marked Tool's major label debut on Volcano Records and represented a significant advancement in their sonic complexity compared to their 1992 EP Opiate, establishing the band's reputation for intricate time signatures and elaborate studio arrangements.