It’s been six long years since fans of Los Angeles band Tool got their hands on new material when the popular group released their fourth studio LP 10,000 Days.

Since then the band has been on somewhat of a hiatus as the members pursue various side projects, coming together every so often to play a series of shows such as at the Big Day Out in 2011.

Fans have been speculating since when the highly anticipated fifth record might arrive, which despite rumours over the last few years has thus far failed to materialise.

But now according to Tool’s drummer Danny Carey, new music is very much on the minds of his bandmates in Tool and he expects the legendary metal band to start recording the album this June or July.

Speaking to Vic Firth during Tool’s January 28th concert in Boston, Carey stated that the new Tool album is “coming together soon” and that he’s “hoping we’ll get into the studio by June or July and start tracking. That’s the plan anyway.”

He also touched on the writing process Tool use, revealing it is a solid group effort. “We just all get in there and grind it out,” he said.

“Sometimes, if I come up with a beat, the guys will write a riff to that. Like, Justin [Chancellor, bass player] has really been prolific on this record. He’s been coming in with tons of riffs.”

“I usually try to find something to compliment it rather than play what he’s playing, that’s for sure, because we’re allowed to do that in our band, since there are only three pieces, really. So, it gives you a lot more space.”

“I try to find angular things to go against it or push things and of course do what the drummer needs to do, lead things into the next part and be the dynamic leader.

“It’s kind of confusing sometimes, especially with some of the riffs those guys come up with.”

You can watch Carey’s interview below

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine