Tool bassist Justin Chancellor recently discussed the band’s upcoming album and the creative process behind it. He addressed the issue in a statement shared on The Australian.
Chancellor explained that while the band is actively working on new music, there is no set timeline for its release. The creative process cannot be rushed, and the band members’ individual projects actually contribute to their collective work.
“I mean, the fact is, you know, I’ll tell you, we’re working on new music. I don’t know when we’re going to finish it. We’ve been working on stuff on and off for a couple of years, you know, and we’re always working on new music,” Chancellor said. “I was in the studio with Danny last week, banging out some ideas. But we don’t— you know, I always say this: art doesn’t really have a schedule, you know what I mean? Like, you can’t force it. And if you do, it tends not to work out so great.”
Chancellor highlighted how the band members’ diverse pursuits benefit their collaborative efforts. He noted that Maynard James Keenan, Danny Carey, Adam Jones, and he each maintain separate projects. These projects ultimately enrich Tool’s music when they reunite.
“I think especially in our band, it’s just the way it works. It’s a different kind of alchemy. And I think we’ve all learned… Maynard’s got his side projects, Danny does a bunch of different stuff, Adam does different things, and I’ve got my stuff,” he explained. “We’ve learned to sort of pare out the time when people need that space by busying ourselves with other things, which actually influence what we do when we come back together as well.”
Chancellor also addressed the long gaps between Tool’s album releases. He pushed back against criticism about the band’s extended timelines and expressed pride in the band’s work. Quality matters more than speed, he suggested.
“It is a bit of a weird question because everyone’s always taking a piss like it takes so long for us to to to make music, but I’m proud of everything we’ve done, you know, and I don’t like 13 years. They always talk about 13 years. It seems like a week to me, you know, when we were working on that stuff every day, we were grinding away at it. And it doesn’t really matter in the end if you you know if you do anything that’s decent even if it’s one thing it’s worth it, you know,” he said.
Chancellor’s comments come as the band continues its deliberate approach to creating new material. Consequence reported that Tool’s Latin America tour runs through March 2025. After the tour concludes, the band planned to spend approximately three months organizing new music ideas in the studio starting around April 2025. This structured approach reflects the band’s commitment to maintaining their meticulous creative standards.
The band has been working on new material intermittently over the past few years. Chancellor emphasized the careful and deliberate pace of their creative process. Recent interviews revealed that Tool has been considering different release approaches. These include possibly shorter tracks, EPs, or standalone singles, though a full album remains the primary focus. This flexibility in their release strategy demonstrates the band’s willingness to adapt while maintaining their artistic integrity.
Despite discussions since 2023 about recording beginning in the second half of 2024, progress has continued intermittently throughout 2025. The band is reportedly working on long tracks—some exceeding 12 minutes in length. This aligns with Tool’s signature sound and complexity. Metal Injection noted that a rumor circulated about a double album titled Decem. However, Maynard James Keenan dismissed this claim, clarifying that the band is simply grinding away on their craft without any confirmed double album project.
As of November 2025, no specific release month or official date for the new album has been made public. Fourth Eye documented that the next Tool album remains in progress with active work ongoing. The band has not confirmed a fixed release date or timeline beyond the current studio work phase. This continued uncertainty reflects Tool’s longstanding philosophy that art cannot be forced and that quality will ultimately take precedence over commercial timelines.
The comments come as fans continue to await new Tool material following the band’s 2019 album release. The band maintains its reputation for delivering meticulously crafted work regardless of the time required.
