What makes Tool prog?

[Hamsterhitman]

I have Lateralus, Aenima, and 10,000 Days, all of which are great albums. However, although I'm willing to definetely say that Tool has a very distinct sound, I honestly can't see what makes it progressive rock...

[Hungryfreak]

It mostly gets placed in that genre for the weird time signatures they often use (see schism). That's my conception, anyways, so correct me if Im wrong.

[a21schizoidman]

Due to Tool's incorporation of visual arts and relatively long and complex releases, the band is generally described as a style-transgressing act and part of progressive metal and art rock.

wikipedia ftw

[Onslaught_fei]

Progressive musicians are known for their musicianship in either carefully crafting songs and/or being technical wizards at their instrument (Danny Carey, for example).

They dont follow normal verse-chorus style song architecture, stray from normal drum rhythms quite often, have anything from short songs to super long songs, evolving/complex/unique sound incorporating other musical-genre influence, a degree of sonic experimentation, reduced focus on lyrics while still maintaing esoteric or conceptual nature, the list goes on....

[Hamsterhitman]

Thanks guys, that pretty much cleared it up.

[Onslaught_fei]

Tool's major influences include King Crimson and Meshuggah - 2 bands that are also extremely progressive bands.