Tool albums has always been a trademark of the band, but it seems vocalist Maynard James Keenan is determined not to keep fans waiting as long as before. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer , Keenan expressed his concern about the delay in producing the next album, stating categorically: "We can't drag this out for another 14 years."
The band, known for its meticulous and perfectionist approach to music, has been criticized by some fans in the past due to the long intervals between releases. Keenan attributed this delay to a number of factors, including internal conflicts and the complexity of creativity in a group with diverse talents and egos.
However, Keenan is not alone in his call for a more streamlined production. Guitarist Adam Jones has also expressed his views, highlighting the importance of following one's own artistic rules instead of trying to please everyone. “We have a very selfish approach to art. These are our rules.”
These comments come amid an atmosphere of growing anticipation among fans, especially following the release of Fear Inoculum in 2019, which marked Tool's triumphant return after a 13-year hiatus since their last studio album, the acclaimed 10,000 Days .
Fortunately, it seems there's light at the end of the tunnel. Bassist Justin Chancellor recently revealed to the website Heavy Consequence that the band plans to enter the studio later this year. “We have a lot of ideas, a lot of things that haven't been used, we're not going to take too long if we want to make an album. We're going to figure out how to do it a little faster.”
With a UK/Europe tour scheduled for May and June, Tool certainly has a busy schedule ahead. However, fans can expect the band to be committed to delivering a new album as soon as possible, even while Keenan embarks on his Sessanta of the US with his other bands, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer .
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