Descending

"Descending" is about a fallen state of humanity. Heedless in our slumber Floating nescient we free fall through this boundlessness This madness of our own making The song is reminiscent of Tool's song "AEnema," critiquing modern society for being shallow, vain, and meaningless. Musically, though, "Descending" isn't as angry as "AEnema" - it's cleaner, and more restrained. Even in the parts when the song gets more aggressive, it remains restrained and feels imploring more than it does angry. Stir us from our Wanton slumber Mitigate our ruin Call us all to arms and order Who is being called upon to do this stirring and calling to arms is uncertain. It could be to some spiritual force, or to the listeners.

At 13:37, "Descending" is the second-longest song on Fear Inoculum, Tool's first album since 10,000 Days in 2006. The Fear Inoculum track "7empest" goes 15:43.

Tool debuted this song and "Invincible" during a short pre-release tour they did for Fear Inoculum.