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Maynard finally in Tool songwriting mode?

Blair posted a small update on Toolband today, suggesting that Maynard is finally working on vocals for the next Tool album:

In speaking with Danny last night, he told me that the band has temporarily MOVED some of their gear into a larger space (across town) where MAYNARD is working on VOCALS for some of the new Tool material. I’m sure that he has already been doing this to some extent, but now he has more room to breathe and a better vocal booth.

So good news it seems, and while I still think the album is some way off, it’s good to see some of the roadblocks being removed.  Adam recently posted a snippet of some footage from this not-Loft location, showing mixing desks and other recording related gizmos.  While I don’t think this is necessarily related Tool actually recording anything other than demos, it’s all good signs of progress.

~

A post shared by Adam Jones (@adamjones_tv) on

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Z-Werewolf
Z-Werewolf
7 years ago

So it wasn’t the loft….

Z-Werewolf
Z-Werewolf
Reply to  hellboy1975
7 years ago

Vocal booth and control room sounds like a studio to me. Possibly just a rehearsal space though I suppose.

Jethro Tool
Jethro Tool
7 years ago

i reckon this is finishing touches to the album

ahlaphus
ahlaphus
7 years ago

They’re recording. Why in the shit would The Nard need more space? Am sure his studio in AZ has plenty of room, and with today’s technology, sending the other turds his vox and melodies and such is just a click away. Bring on April 21st!

limeygringo
limeygringo
Reply to  ahlaphus
7 years ago

I’d take this situation at face value. They probably want to work more quickly while writing, have more immediate responses and interaction.

ahlaphus
ahlaphus
7 years ago

Blair, if you’re out there, your approval rating is lower than them congress critters’ up on the hill. You will be and always have been the king of fake news. Cheers little buddy.

nxrm
nxrm
Reply to  ahlaphus
7 years ago

Outstandingly rude and disrespectful.

Jethro Tool
Jethro Tool
7 years ago

Im sticking with April 21st

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  Jethro Tool
7 years ago

You are out of your mind. Why in the world would you think that? That’s like, a blink away. April 21 2018 maybe.

itoolizer
7 years ago

I must have missed something…can somebody tell me what significance April 21 has?

Freemena
Freemena
7 years ago

April 21st, 2022!

Fanny Alger
Fanny Alger
7 years ago

Maynard must be inspired by all this rain in LA. Mom’s finally flushing it all away!

DRURY
DRURY
7 years ago

Seems like this would be near the end of songwriting phase but not recording yet. Still a good sign. Perhaps the album will land next spring. Good to see they are “together”.

lumps
lumps
7 years ago

All I know is that nearly every piece of news regarding this album has been mind numbingly confusing.

Maybe we’re witnessing some true steps forward this time around.

Maynerd
Maynerd
7 years ago

When Danny is recording drums with Barresi I will begin to get very excited.
But that seems like a long way away from starting.

ahlaphus
ahlaphus
7 years ago

Going with Aaron Harris being the engineer guru. That Palms album has a nice vibe to it, believe they call it ‘dream metal’ or something. Could see Tool getting kinda spacey this time around, a little more lax. Probably 100% wrong though.

ahlaphus
ahlaphus
Reply to  ahlaphus
7 years ago

To expand a bit on the 100% bullshit… I’m still one to think that 10,000 Days was in fact a ‘decoy album’ comprised mainly of old riffs and arrangements the band never really felt had a place in Aenima or Lateralice. Someone like Harris could bring a little continuity to their Magnum Opus (REAL album), something 10,000 Days lacks.

lumps
lumps
Reply to  ahlaphus
7 years ago

Interesting view.
Some Tool fans seem to not like 10,000 Days very much, but I love the album.

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  lumps
7 years ago

I like it, as in, better than almost everything out there. But I don’t love it. Riffs seem recycled at times, too many tracks that aren’t songs, a little to much of the same. I love the wings duo but really, it’s the same song with different lyrics. And take that duo away, Maynard seems uninspired compared to previous albums. Right in two, one of the best imo on that album, sounds half finished. It’s good but didn’t continue the upward trajectory of improving on everything and to be honest, I would rather listen to the horribly mixed mess of… Read more »

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

One final thought. 10000 days is ALMOST like what a really good tool cover band would record if told to record a tool sounding album. Token rockers, introspective songs, tool riffs and beats, throw some token tabla in there and don’t forget, boring segues. It’s all in there, without pushing boundaries.

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

Even the artwork….trying so hard to look “tool-ish”. Please no more grey or barresi. Stale.

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  hellboy1975
7 years ago

No, they’re one of many bands for me but, I’m worried about the quality of new album based off last outing being almost…….tool by numbers sounding, looking and feeling. Legitimate concern. Again, I think it’s better than most albums around.

elusivEuphoria
elusivEuphoria
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

As we’re now closing in on the 11 year mark (and counting)… I don’t think there is much concern that Tool isn’t going to release an album that virtually an objective step forward. I can’t see how we can’t all be convinced that’s at least part of the reason why it’s been this long.

Maynerd
Maynerd
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

Opiate wasn’t a horribly mixed mess. Remember which year that came out…

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  Maynerd
7 years ago

Plenty if albums from that time sound cleaner. While yes, it’s a product of the sound of its time to a certain degree, it could be a lot better. But I meant more sequencing and flow. Doesn’t feel like it was all recorded in same session. Live songs break it up. No high or low EQ on studio tracks….some great songs though. Would love a remaster. Sweat is an all time favorite of mine.

hexagone
hexagone
7 years ago

Cmon man its constructive criticism. Do you really need another, “glad there’s progress can’t wait for new album” response after every bs progress report for 10 years.

I love tool and I love fourtheye. Can’t wait for new album. Just hope it’s not 10000 days pt 2 or worse. New frontiers!

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  hellboy1975
7 years ago

Not like tool but like imposters doing their best tool album. Hitting all the right notes and beats and adittude. Like the body snatchers. Really.

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

Sorry ignore last post. Started drinking between last 2 hours. Cheers.

lumps
lumps
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

Damn dude *takes a hit from my bong*, just chill bruh.

This foo thinkin’ Tool soundin’ too much like Tool. We all know the guys from Tool are just a bunch a wannabe Tool fans.

Wait… *takes another hit* what were we talkin’ about?

fraz
7 years ago

I agree with hexagone. There is spark missing from 10kdays that was prevalent in their earlier albums. Maynard just doesn’t fire up like he did on previous albums. Especially after reading maynard’s book, they don’t have the same energy that was there when they were first signed to zoo. But that’s just natural with them getting older.

As per what’s been discussed anything from them will still be enjoyable but no doubt listening to this new album will be like going to go see T2 Trainspotting. We want it more for nostalgia.

hexagone
hexagone
7 years ago

Wow just read my posts from last night. Funny. I stand by that shit but it didn’t come out as eloquently as it sounded in my mind. To be fair, I do like 10000 days but somethings missing that will probably never be regained. That hunger or whatever for knowledge and pushing boundaries and opening minds….

Also, you rule hellboy. Can’t be easy or fun keeping on top of this shit. To be perfectly honest this is the ONLY tool website I need. Thank you.

DRURY
DRURY
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

I can see at what you’re getting at with the 10KD album. I think Right in Two reveals it the most. As a songwriter, I can HEAR how it wasn’t fully realized. It’s a great song, but I would bet it didn’t get the full Tool treatment, or like you said, they over-thought it. I think they are aware of where they are at artistically and are making sure they get this album “right”, as its most likely their final shot. I listened and dissected 10KD for YEARS….I love it, but I get the criticisms…. But I also defend it.… Read more »

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  DRURY
7 years ago

The pot is one of the best on the album no doubt. Took me time to warm up to it but when it clicked, it really clicked.

njbrey15
njbrey15
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

The most “tool sounding” song on the album took you “some time to warm up to it”….. You can see why i really cant take your other criticisms of 10k days seriously after that comment.

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  njbrey15
7 years ago

Cmon dude, that’s not the most tool sounding song on the album. Vicarious is. At least the pot had a vocal style and vocal additude not used before. A new direction, that I didn’t want at first. It turned me off for a few years at first. Not anymore. The years or decades have a way of changing musical opinions.

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  njbrey15
7 years ago

You don’t have to take me seriously. It’s an opinion. I’m not trying to change people’s minds with my opinion. Just speaking my mind. Agree or don’t. But I do feel strongly that Adam has gotten lazy with his writing, MJK seems like he could really give two shifts whether they continue or not and I feel this will be their last full album and would hate to see it be something sub par. I think that because of the snippet we heard of descending. It sounds like a mashup of other superior tool songs. Every other album has done… Read more »

ChrisC
ChrisC
7 years ago

…in terms of sound quality/mixing/mastering, I really hope they will take a step back and leave the modern compression they used on 10000 Days.
Ever heard “Lateralus” through a good stereo system? Yep – that’s how it’s got to be.

ChrisC
ChrisC
Reply to  hellboy1975
7 years ago

It’s the dynamic range.
10000 Days is continously pushed to the limit, while Lateralus has a lot of tolerance in volume for this kind of music.
Also I think the overall mix sounds much better, it’s crystal clear.

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  ChrisC
7 years ago

I agree. I always think of queens of the stone age songs for the deaf. Loud album pushed to the limit volume wise, grohl in your face. Literally louder than anything else on your ipod. Even the quiet is loud. Maybe thats part of the albums concept but its still there. Compared to former and following releases rated r, lullabies, Era, etc… peaks and valleys. Louds are loud, quiets are quiet. I love all but songs for deaf is maxed out.

ChrisC
ChrisC
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

With SFTD I’ve never felt it as an impairment, because it fits to the overall dry and dirty sound.
I would even say this album sounds pretty original 🙂

Froudie
Froudie
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

We’ll it is called Songs for the Deaf…

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  Froudie
7 years ago

You must have missed the part where I said it could be part of the concept. Purposeful or not, it’s there and a good example of a ‘loud’ album compared to a bands other albums.

Froudie
Froudie
Reply to  hexagone
7 years ago

Oops, perhaps I should be listening to ‘Songs for the Dumb’.

whjeffs
whjeffs
Reply to  ChrisC
7 years ago

Agree 100%. To my ears, Lateralus is the best sounding, best mixed, best mastered Tool album.

Z-Werewolf
Z-Werewolf
Reply to  whjeffs
7 years ago

I would also argue “best written”.

Maynerd
Maynerd
Reply to  hellboy1975
7 years ago

10k days should never have been mastered that loud.
Still amazes me to this day that they let Bob Ludwig do that to it.
Especially after the previous two albums were impeccably mastered.
Fucking retarded.

ahlaphus
ahlaphus
7 years ago

Brother has an Audi with about fifty speakers in it, that’s where I’m gonna be sitting for a few hours once the new album comes out, likely on a little acid.

***Hopefully this time around the local record store won’t release it at midnight along with Weezer’s new album, can remember going in to buy Lateralice and some goober thought I was there to buy the Weezer record***

mattw
mattw
7 years ago

The full stereo experience for a new TOOL album, or any good album, is really important. Furthermore, a good stereo setup in your car helps anytime you’re driving around listening to a new album. This is often an overlooked part of consuming a new album. I cannot wait to sit down in front of a good system to enjoy it all.

Just need Maynard to finish his ‘vocals’. Maybe we get an update soon in the February newsletter…

bloo-mune
Reply to  mattw
7 years ago

Car stereo speakers and audio systems seem very high quality. The only problem I have is balance and center. It doesn’t seem to matter how much I play with the balance and center on any car stereo I don’t feel like I’m in the true middle of the music. For that I have to use a home stereo system. I still cringe every time I hear Keenan’s vocals at the opening of The Pot. ha ha!

whjeffs
whjeffs
Reply to  bloo-mune
7 years ago

It’s all about time alignment. Many of the better car stereos made in recent years have some sort of time alignment option, sometimes called listening position selector. Because sitting in the driver’s seat you are closer to the left speaker than the right, the sound from the left speaker arrives at your ears a few milliseconds before the right speaker. Adjusting the balance only affects the volume of left vs right and does nothing to “center” the sound. Some car stereos (and home stereos) have an automatic time alignment and eq function that uses a microphone and test tones to… Read more »

Z-Werewolf
Z-Werewolf
Reply to  bloo-mune
7 years ago

I was thinking the same thing about his vocals in the beginning of that song… ugh…

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  Z-Werewolf
7 years ago

I did as well for the first few years after release. Since then it’s changed and us one of my favorites. You guys must not listen to the Mars volta. Imagine another octave higher.

Z-Werewolf
Z-Werewolf
Reply to  Z-Werewolf
7 years ago

I listen to The Mars Volta but what does that have to do with Maynard’s voice. It’s not hard to understand octaves but that’s not the point. I just don’t like his vocals in the beginning plain and simple. Love Cedric’s vocals by the way.

ChrisC
ChrisC
7 years ago

Ah, come on guys. You enter your care to listen to music in there? 😀
I prefer my living room.

junior
junior
7 years ago

For what it’s worth, “what it sounds like on a car stereo” has been an important step in the mixing process of albums for a long time. Many studios have a set of “car speakers” to audition mixes, and/or artists will go out to the car to listen to new mixes all the time. It’s usually not the deciding listen, but it definitely factors in.

Jethro Tool
Jethro Tool
7 years ago

Im sure I recall an interview with Beck where he said he has to drive around with his music on before it gets released. Does Junior know if they are recording yet?

junior
junior
Reply to  Jethro Tool
7 years ago

I don’t know. I think they are still in the writing phase, and traditionally they don’t book studio time to record until they are done writing. A lot of bands write in the studio, and either waste a lot of money doing so, or get frustrated trying to rush since the meter is running. Times have changed a bit, so Tool could be doing things differently this time, I’m just speaking of how they’ve done things in the past. I’m keeping my distance from their album process, and figure that when it’s done someone will let me know. No point… Read more »

Jethro Tool
Jethro Tool
Reply to  junior
7 years ago

Thanks for the honest answer. Anyway ive been waiting 17 years for another At the Drive In and thats on its way in May!!

hexagone
hexagone
Reply to  Jethro Tool
7 years ago

Reznor too, a noted audiophile. To be honest, the only place better than my car is over the ear headphones. My car stereo fucking jams. It’s almost 10 years old so nothing fancy. Bose. I really can’t wait to get an album in my hands and put it in there on my way to work. One of my favorite ways to make me feel im fully surrounded in sound besides headphones.

ChrisC
ChrisC
7 years ago

Of course, there are very many different options, situations, systems, devices that modern music is kind of combined-mixed for. (You see I’m getting to my English limits now…) Heavy compression is needed to let you hear your favourite song on your phone or mp3 player or in the car while driving around through the 100db traffic noise. For me that’s no excuse to relinquish sound quality, for me the ideal situation to listen to music is in a relaxed way with a good sounding stereo system. Besides this, all modern devices could make use of an internal digital compressor, like… Read more »

bloo-mune
7 years ago

Did Keenan really ever leave “songwriting mode”?
His new baby and wine probably keep him busy but other than that …

Jethro Tool
Jethro Tool
7 years ago

Thats what you think. Ill bet thats the name of the new record…

maxell0405
maxell0405
7 years ago

Can’t say I agree that 10KD is not awesome, in every respect. It may suffer a bit in comparison to Lateralus, but that record is truly epic and shouldn’t be the reason not to hear how good 10KD is. It has many superb songs and while it has more compression than it should, it has excellent dynamic power and impact when played loud on a good system. The mix is pure Tool. Vocals way way back and away on Vicarious, the “wholly fucking shit” background on Rosetta, and the astonishing rotating 360 perspective on Wings Part 2. It sounds huge… Read more »

Z-Werewolf
Z-Werewolf
Reply to  maxell0405
7 years ago

It’s a good album. I like it more every time I listen to it. Nowhere near as good as the two before it though. Not even close.

dslet
dslet
7 years ago

10k Days…victim of the loudness wars era. Mastered way too hot. Some painfully loud passages where every single sound is pushed up to the front. The songs? Structurally and tonally, they were progression of a pretty established sound. Some new ideas were tried within the framework of what came before. Danny infused some new rhythmic ideas that had to come from Tomas Haake for sections of Jambi and The Pot. Maynard did try out some new vocal directions and lyrically he moved away from trying to affect change towards the more personal, and a more dire view of mankind–so in… Read more »

ChrisC
ChrisC
Reply to  dslet
7 years ago

What do you mean by “put the drums in their proper place”?

It sounds phenomal! My only complaint was that some snaredrum rolls disappear in the loudness of the band sound, but thats just natural, except you wanted to use the compressor at high level again.

Sometimes I think you could hear a fly taking a shit on Danny’s cymbals. The resolution is just sick…. 🙂

dslet
dslet
Reply to  ChrisC
7 years ago

I concede that you’re right about the drums on a lot of Lateralus. The bleeding together of the guitar/drum sound at times is probably a conscious mixing decision or artistic choice through the album, because it’s not a constant. I just prefer from my own taste a more consistent mix like Rush a la Moving Pictures or Permanent Waves where all 3 primary instruments stay balanced through the whole LP’s mix. The affect at the end of Parabola though where the guitar is pushed up is quite marvelous though, even though it drowns out the dynamics of the toms.

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