11 years is a long time. Especially when hundreds of thousands of fans are waiting on any kind of concrete news about Tool’s new album. The alternative metal staple released their last album, 10,000 Days to chart-topping reception in 2006, and have been tight lipped about a new project since. In fact notoriously so, it’s just about become a part of Tool’s identity to be short with the press, sometimes even outright refusing to answer questions about progress on a new album. It must be annoying to get asked the same thing no matter where you go, but this lack of information even had some wondering if they were ever going to get new album.
Recently, there has been a new trickle of information coming about the project. Back in February, it was reported that lead singer Maynard James Keenan was headed to the studio to record vocals. Though, it was later clarified that the album was not coming in 2017. Well, Monday morning Bassist Justin Chancellor spoke on the MetalSucks Podcast, and revealed some new information. The juiciest quote is the the album is roughly, “90% complete, it’s been like crazy science project, kind of like a petri dish.” He added that it’s taking so long due to a massive back-catalog of music to choose from, and a desire to make a truly outstanding record. “We’ve just been really picky over what we want to put on this new album and really want to come up with something completely unique. Plus, we have endless amounts of material to sift through, so it’s just been a process — a little different from last time.”
It comes at no surprise that Chancellor was unspecific about timeframes. If it took Tool 11 years to create 90% of an album, that means it will be another 1.2 years until it’s completed, assuming their work rate is consistent. Of course it’s impossible to know, especially considering the problems Tool has had with labels in the past. Despite vagueness, Chancellor says that they are making great strides. “Being out the last couple of weeks on the road and playing together, this year, we’ve really kind of hit a new level I’d say. [We’re] really excited to be around each other and we’re gonna just bang it out when we get back home, we’re ready to go.”
With Tool’s tour wrapped up, hopefully we will see new music from them sooner rather than later. For the time being, you can hold yourself over by checking out our write-up of Tool’s last concert this tour, or with this video of lead singer Maynard James Keenan getting slapped by UFC fighter Nate Diaz.
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