Maynard confirms status of new Tool album

Maynard has given us a refreshing clear answer as to the status of the new Tool album on Twitter this morning, and while it sound like progress is positive, I think we can safely rule out a release in the near future, and probably not until next year:

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,

— Maynard J Keenan (@mjkeenan) February 17, 2018

…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

— Maynard J Keenan (@mjkeenan) February 17, 2018

So it sounds like the album is getting close to done from a songwriting perspective, but still not recorded at all.  Given that A Perfect Circle are about to embark on some more touring in support of Eat The Elephant, I think it’s a safe assumption that we won’t see Tool recording until late 2018, which means promises of a release this year probably aren’t going to come to bear.