In the 36 year history since the band formed in 1990, Tool has released only five studio albums. They took a 13-year break between 2006's 10,000 Days and 2019's Fear Inoculum, but fans seemingly won't have to wait that long for another new album. According to drummer Danny Carey, the band is hoping to release one soon.
But maybe not soon enough for Tool fans, though the fan base has been conditioned to waiting on studio works. The shortest amount of time between albums was three years, but that was in the mid-1990s. At this point, Tool does not need to feel rushed.
The band still makes money touring and certainly feels no urgency to oversaturate their niche in music. Prog-metal bands of their worthiness are few, if any outrank vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones, Carey, and bassist Justin Chancellor. Do they belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Sure, but they don't likely care that they haven't been inducted.
Tool hopes to release a new album in 2027 (though we've heard the same kind of story before)
As far as the new, and yet-to-be-named album, Carey told the Spiral Out Network that the goal is to release the work in 2027, and that the group is working on "a lot" of new material. Tool's most recent studio albums do not contain an abundance of tracks, each one containing fewer than the previous ever since 1996's Ænema.
Tool doesn't seem to be a band that is suddenly going to produce a double-album, but who knows? With the band, anything is possible. That includes a potential residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The group seems perfectly made for the venue.
Carey said, "We’re hoping when we release a new record, maybe do a stand at the Sphere ’cause I think we’re perfect for that. We’ve been talking to those guys."
Anyone who has ever seen Tool live understands how the band's music pairs exceedingly well with the light show the band uses. Going to a concert isn't simply listening to prog songs and sitting back while the music overwhelms the listener.
The light show adds a different element altogether, just as Nine Inch Nails uses film to augment their performances. In other words, Tool would be one of the best bands the Sphere could host a residency, and if it happens in 2027 or after, Tool might have new music to go along with the concerts. Get ready to save your money because the gigs will be can't-miss.