Tool, the progressive metal band known for its complex music and long intervals between album releases, has been making waves recently with several exciting updates. Fans, who have long been accustomed to waiting, are now anticipating new projects and performances as the band stays active on multiple fronts.
New Music in the Works
Tool has confirmed that new music is on the horizon, with the band members teasing various ideas and concepts. Bassist Justin Chancellor recently revealed that while they haven’t yet begun recording, the band has been busy generating ideas for their next album. He mentioned that there are “many ideas cooking” and that they plan to hit the studio after their spring 2024 tour ends. Chancellor also noted that some material left over from their last album, Fear Inoculum (2019), might be developed further.
This is significant for Tool fans, as the band is notorious for taking their time between releases. The 13-year gap between 10,000 Days (2006) and Fear Inoculum was particularly trying for fans, who have come to expect long but worthwhile waits for new material. The announcement that the band already has a head start on new songs is a promising sign that the wait for the next album might not be as long.
Touring and Performances
In addition to working on new music, Tool has been actively touring. The band recently wrapped up their 2024 winter tour, which included a series of performances across North America. One of the highlights was their show at Madison Square Garden, where they delivered an intense and memorable performance, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in live music.
Tool’s upcoming tour schedule is equally exciting, with the band set to continue touring across the United States in early 2024. The tour, which spans from January to February, includes a range of dates that are expected to draw large crowds, especially given the band’s reputation for delivering visually stunning and sonically complex live shows. The tour will feature support from the band Elder, adding another layer of excitement for fans of progressive and alternative metalPotential New EP or Album.
One of the more intriguing updates comes from drummer Danny Carey, who hinted at the possibility of Tool releasing an EP rather than a full album. This would be a notable departure from the band’s usual approach, as Tool is known for their lengthy and meticulously crafted albums. Carey suggested that the new material could be more akin to their earlier work, particularly referencing Undertow (1993), which featured shorter, more direct songs compared to their later, more expansive compositions.
Carey’s comments have sparked speculation about the direction of the new music. While Tool’s recent work has been characterized by lengthy tracks and complex arrangements, a return to the more concise, aggressive style of Undertow could offer a refreshing contrast. It also raises the possibility of Tool experimenting with their format, potentially releasing music more frequently in the form of EPs, which could appease fans eager for new content without the long waits typical of the band.
Looking Ahead
These developments indicate that while Tool remains deeply engaged in their touring activities, they are also laying the groundwork for new studio work. The combination of new material, an active tour schedule, and the potential for a new release format suggests that Tool is in a particularly creative and productive phase.
For fans, this is an exciting time. The promise of new music, coupled with the band’s ongoing tour, ensures that Tool will remain a prominent force in the music scene in the near future. As the band prepares to enter the studio after their spring 2024 tour, the anticipation for what comes next continues to build.
Whether Tool’s next release will be an EP, a full album, or something entirely unexpected, one thing is certain: the band’s unique blend of artistry, complexity, and intensity will continue to captivate audiences, both old and new.
