David Bottrill
The producer who captured Tool's transition into complex art rock territories.
David Bottrill served as a pivotal producer and collaborator for Tool during the creation of Lateralus, released on May 15, 2001. Working alongside the band at Cello Studios in Hollywood and various North Hollywood locations between October 2000 and January 2001, he helped craft what would become their third studio album. This project marked a significant evolution for Tool as they moved further into art rock and progressive territories. Bottrill had produced the band's previous album, Ænima, together with the band, and Lateralus is the last Tool album he produced. His work on Lateralus remains notable as it stands as the last Tool album he has produced to date.
Lore & Background
During the recording of Lateralus, Bottrill worked closely with the band across multiple studios including Cello Studios in Hollywood and The Hook, Big Empty Space, and The Lodge in North Hollywood. The sessions took place between October 2000 and January 2001, following a four-year legal dispute with Volcano Entertainment that had previously halted new material creation. Bottrill's production approach helped facilitate the band's shift from alternative metal toward progressive rock and art rock territories. He worked alongside the band as producer, though on their previous album Ænima he had served only as engineer and mixer, not as co-producer. The resulting album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with over 555,200 copies sold in its first week of release.
Reader's Guide
The album featured thirteen tracks with prolonged running times, requiring careful mastering using HDCD technology. Bottrill worked alongside the band to balance elements ranging from sampled Buddhist monk chanting in 'Parabol' to piano string samples on 'Reflection'. This collaborative effort resulted in an album that would win a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for 'Schism' in 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tool albums did David Bottrill produce?
Bottrill produced both Ænima and Lateralus, Tool's second and third studio records. His work on Lateralus, released in May 2001, extended the collaborative relationship he had already established during the Ænima sessions.
Did David Bottrill produce any Tool albums after Lateralus?
No; his confirmed production credits with Tool span Ænima and Lateralus. The band's fourth studio album, 10,000 Days, was produced by a different engineer, marking a change in their studio collaborations.
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