Danny Carey on New Tool Album: “The Tracks Are Long… Too Long!”

We’re still a ways from hearing new Tool music — various reports indicate that while the music is done (or mostly done), Maynard hasn’t tracked his vocals yet — but in a recent interview with Kerrang! [via Alternative Nation], drummer Danny Carey doubled down on his assertion on The MetalSucks Podcast late last year that a new album will come out in 2018. He was sparse with details about what the music sounds like — at least Tom Morello was a bit more forthcoming — but he did offer a few tidbits.

Asked about the odd time signatures for which Tool have become known:

“Well, whatever those guys play is how they express themselves. Adam [Jones] and Justin [Chancellor] aren’t musically educated, so they just come up with the weirdest shit. I just try to anchor it down and make it simple. The cool thing is every time I think I’ve simplified it as much as I can, we’ll give it to Maynard [James Keenan] and he’ll do something even more simplified – to the point where practically anyone can sing it! It’s simple shit and it’s coming out, man. The tracks are long…too long! Definitely too long for the radio (laughs)!”

When asked if he could reveal any track working titles or discuss the concept of the record, he replied:

“It’s all still a work in progress. We don’t even go there until the record is done. It needs to have a voice of its own – just like this new Legend Of The Seagullmen record. You don’t think about that until the project’s finished and it all comes together and connects. Everything has its own voice. It’s funny how people understand it all when it comes to concepts. I know from Pink Floyd, Yes, all these bands – there was no fucking concept. Those guys would just go in there and do it until it was done…and that’s when it takes shape. At that point, it will tell you what to do, just like any piece of art ever made.”

Still not a whole lot to go on, but hey… long songs! As if that’s a surprise!

More, obviously, as we get it.