Tool Watch 2018: Maynard Almost Done Writing Lyrics and Melodies; Adam Jones Says Recording Starts in April; Sebastian Bach and Buzz Osborne Have Heard New Music

The human population of Earth now spends almost as much time wondering if/when the new Tool album will come out as they have wondering when Jesus is coming back. Difference is, one of those things may actually happen. But which one???

Here’s the latest intel on the one you’re rooting for:

Maynard

After recently joking that he’d have the lyrics done sometime in the next decade, the enigmatic vocalist last night released this update:

“Started getting music files from the boys w the word FINAL in the title a few months ago after 11 years of begging. That in theory means the tracks wont change out from under me while I’m trying to write stories and melodies to them. In theory. Still waiting for the FINAL on 1, but way ahead. Words & Melodies 100% DONE on all but 1. Someday we’ll track them. Long way from the finish line, but at least we’re closer. Meanwhile new @aperfectcircle release on 4/20. #whileyouwerewhiningiwasworking#theresyourupdate #eattheelephant #aperfectcircle2018“

Neat-o. Hopefully “long way from the finish line” means “the finish line is a year away” and not “the finish line is another decade away.”

Sebastian Bach & Buzz Osborne

Well, there’s two names I bet you never thought you’d see together. I can’t imagine these two are actually friends; they have must have been invited to Tool’s rehearsal space on the same day as a matter of convenience. In any case, they’re the latest famous metal musicians to have heard some new music, after Tom Morello and Nergal. Says Baz of the visit:

“How lucky am I? Spent yesterday getting my face melted by 3/4 of TOOL at the TOOL headquarters / rehearsal Studio. My very own private Tool show just missing the vocals! This is not just your average simple rock and roll music. This is progressive metal at its most atmospheric and right when you get into a groovy trance you get beat over the head with riffs so heavy it feels like a TOOL. Some tunes were so pummelling it felt like I was getting a deep tissue massage! in fact they could call the record that. No song was shorter than 7 minutes and some were 20 minutes long! Just my idea of how to spend the perfect day! Thank you so much to my great friend Adam Jones and Justin Chancellor on bass for your hospitality! Danny Carey you are one of the most talented drummers I have ever seen in my life and such a nice fun dude! You are all inspirations to me & thank you so much for the great preview! I can only Imagine what the Majestic vocals of Maynard James Keenan would sound like on top of this music. If it’s as delicious as his wine is, then I am buying this record for sure! ????️????????cheers guys ! It was also great to see Buzz Osbourne the guitar player for The Melvins, who I last saw backstage in Seattle (I think) when we were drinking beers with Chris Cornell decades ago. Always good to see someone still doing great so many years down the line! #Melvins #Tool#MathRock #Rehearsal #rock #survivors“

Adam Jones

Finally, Tool guitarist Adam Jones says recording of the new record will commence in April:

“Huge fun & honor performing all the new tunes for Guinea pigs Sebastian & #KingBuzz b4 the recording starts in April. Still instrumentals with Mjk in town working on killer lyrics. Exciting!”

It is exciting Adam… it is!