tool

Supposedly, allegedly...we WILL have new Tool in hand on May 22nd (or May 15th), just in time for the Apocalypse. How do I know this? Well, TOOL have been posting some pretty revealing posts on their website over the past couple months, including pictures of them in the studio, a weird, cryptic message from Maynard and this one that basically spells it out...

Well, it looks like I called this one (subtle pat on the back).  I've been saying since early last year that I expected a new Tool album by last this year/early 2013...and Tool drummer Danny Carey has vindicated me!  According to an interview with Vic Firth, Carey says Tool will be booking some studio time in June or July to lay down tracks for an upcoming album.

After a short tour with Tool, Maynard J. Keenan is back on the road with his eclectic music-meets-comedy troupe Puscifer.  The band took a night last night (2/16) to make an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'.

All indications point to a new Tool album...either late this year or early 2013. But before they get back to work on the project we all are chomping at the bit for, there are other things Maynard and the boys have to deal with. Danny Carey played a few shows with Volto!, Maynard released a new Puscifer album and has scheduled a spring tour, and Tool is actually on the road playing a few shows.

It had been well over a year since Tool took the stage to perform but the absence from live playing is over. The band kicked off its brief winter run over the weekend in Reno, Nev., performing a set list filled to the brim with classics and fan favorites.

With the various members involved in God knows how many projects - not to mention writing, demoing, and recording new material for the next Tool album - how Maynard and his gang of merry men found time to do a month log winter tour is beyond me.  But, I'm glad they did, for selfish reasons...