Tool

Opiate², released in 2022 by Tool, is a re‑imagined, extended studio version of their 1992 track Opiate. The new rendition nearly doubles the runtime of the original, introducing a fresh bass‑driven intro, a lengthier instrumental midsection with psychedelic and atmospheric overtones, and a more expansive outro giving the song a more evolved, matured character.

The updated production brings renewed clarity and weight: guitars and drums feel beefier, bass lines (handled by the current bassist) add depth, and the overall sound is more polished while still retaining the track’s primal intensity.

Accompanying the audio release, Tool issued their first music video in 15 years a 10‑plus‑minute short film created in collaboration with visual‑effects artist Dominic Hailstone and guitarist/visual artist Adam Jones. The visuals match the song’s darker, more atmospheric vibe, transforming Opiate² into a full sensory experience.

As a reinterpretation rather than a collection of new tracks, Opiate² doesn’t redefine Tool’s direction but it successfully bridges their early raw aggression with the sophistication they’ve acquired over decades. It stands as a respectful tribute to their roots and a testament to how far they’ve come.