There was an Instagram post from Adam Jones recently which showed a picture of Danny Carey holding a melted drum head, presumably outside the studio while recording the new Tool record. Danny’s website now has an explanation for the fire:
Danny’s drum altar burst into flames the other night after he finished tracking one of the tunes for the new TOOL ALBUM. This occurred while he was listening to the playback and contemplating if this should be the KEEPER TRACK or if he should try one more take. After smelling acrid fumes coming from the adjoining room, he rushed to check it out and realized that his drum altar was ablaze; as Robinson Restoration reports, the small fire fire was quickly extinguished, but not before the Egyptian tutelary deity HORUS suffered minor damage. The falcon-headed one was carefully transported to the ER where it was administered doses of super glue and later released. Afterwards it was decided that the track in question would be a keeper. I’m also happy to report that Horus (with the good ear!) is now back on the altar where he continues to provide support as only he can.†(to quote Danny.)
In other recording news, there are unconfirmed reports that they have changed studio, due to some technical problems with recordings. Unsure if this set back the recordings in any way, but it certainly appears the band is moving forward regardless.