Keep salivating, Tool fans, because we’ve got another update on the band’s upcoming fifth studio album. In a recent post on Tool’s official website, an in-depth statement has been released, revealing that the psychotropic four-piece are possibly “more than halfway” finished with the writing process.
Although frontman Maynard James Keenan has not begun to track his vocals for the 2013 album, the instrumental section of Tool remain hard at work. As a special holiday gift from the band to you, there is now an update that offers more than just a simple timeline.

The statement from the band’s Webmaster reads:

“Wanting to open some presents are you? Well, as I’ve already announced on this very website, TOOL will be performing at OZZFEST in JAPAN in MAY of 2013. If you can’t make that show, there MIGHT be another gift or two under the tree – things unnoticed amongst the torn wrapping paper, ribbons and empty boxes. My best guess is that these ‘presents’ won’t be opened until after the holidays – knowing just how important it is to take your evergreen decorations down by January 5th. Though not on the 2012 reindeer-propelled sleigh, there are a couple of other Tool projects on the horizon that I am privy to, but, unfortunately, can’t comment on any further at this time… as was requested by the band’s management (Bah humbug with a British accent!).

Something that might be encouraging to some Tool enthusiasts is that while riding with Danny to Chili John’s yesterday, I heard a lot of new Tool music (sans Maynard). This was the most new material that I’ve heard so far, although a few of the riffs and arrangements were familiar. So, what did I think? Dare I say that it sounded like… Tool (some of it reminiscent to earlier Tool stuff, with other parts pushing the envelope), and I assume that it will sound even more like Tool once the vocal melodies, etc. have been added. To answer your next question, I cannot say how far along in the writing process the band is. If I had to GUESS, I would say more than half way (and keep in mind that in the past, at least, the writing went faster once the first few [more complex] songs were finished).
The mystery of Tool’s various projects still hangs over us, but whenever a secret concept has been nourished by the modern legends, fans end up with their minds blown in multiple directions. However, the statement above delivers great news as we remains on the edge of our seats. Stay tuned for more new on Tool’s fifth full-length as new info is revealed.

-loudwire.com