Hmm, I disagree with your first comment. I can definitely sit down and listen to a Tool album with ease. In fact, lately I can't get enough of Undertow (OK, minus that last song, which is one of Maynard's few artistic mistakes) and Lateralus. When you refer to the songwriting, do you mean the lyrics or the music part or both? I really find both bands different musically, and equally appealing, but that's just me
. I don't think he's reserved with APC, either. I think his singing is quite intense, but in a less loud way than Tool, for example. It's more under the surface than reserved. I really feel the emotion in his voice and I think it fits the music perfectly.