Could Tool finally be gearing up to record the long awaited follow up to Fear Inoculum?
Nothing has been officially confirmed, but a recent tour announcement involving Tool drummer Danny Carey has fans wondering whether the progressive metal icons are about to head back into the studio.
The speculation stems from BEAT, the King Crimson celebration project featuring Carey alongside Adrian Belew, Steve Vai and Tony Levin, the band has announced a North American tour running from October through December, but Carey won’t be joining this leg of the trek.
Instead, legendary drummer Terry Bozzio will step behind the kit (per Lamb Goat), according to Levin, Carey’s absence comes down to one thing, his commitments with Tool.
While that statement doesn’t explicitly mention recording sessions, the timing has certainly raised eyebrows.
Upcoming schedule
Tool currently have only three festival appearances locked in for the remainder of the year, Riot Fest on September 19th, Louder Than Life on September 20th and Aftershock on October 4th. Once those performances wrap up, the band’s schedule appears relatively clear, perfect timing if studio work is indeed on the agenda.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting new material ever since Fear Inoculum arrived in 2019, ending a 13 year gap between studio albums, there have already been signs that another record is slowly taking shape.
Danny Carey previously said he was optimistic Tool could have a new album ready sometime in 2027, while bassist Justin Chancellor confirmed last year that fresh music was being developed. He also reminded fans that Tool’s famously meticulous creative process has never operated to a strict timeline.
That measured approach has become part of the band’s identity, with lengthy writing sessions and extensive experimentation often stretching projects over several years.
There’s no official word from Tool about entering the studio, and Carey’s scheduling conflict could relate to any number of band commitments, still the timing has given fans plenty of reason to believe the wheels are finally turning.
After seven years since Fear Inoculum, even the smallest hint of new Tool music is enough to send the internet into detective mode.
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