“[Frontman Maynard James] Keenan has also loosened up a little since the band’s last tour, hitting the stage shirtless, sporting a mohawk, aviator sunglasses and, later, a cowboy hat, and offering a couple of requisite Vegas jokes.
“Even though the rest of the band barely moved, the performance was powerful and tight, showcasing drummer Danny Carey’s precision and [Adam] Jones’ layered guitar mastery. Songs that sound almost antiseptic on record came across as raw and visceral, even when they went on for 10 minutes. The selection was light on early material but featured enough hits (‘Sober,’ ‘Aenema,’ ‘Schism’) mixed with newer tracks to satisfy die-hard and casual fans alike. It was a triumphant return.” Tool. December 13-14, 8 p.m., $87-$125. The Joint, 693-5066.