Tool’s Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones Reveal Exciting New Material Plans

Tool's Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones hint at fresh music and jam sessions, keeping the creative flame alive for fans worldwide.

A Fresh Chapter Brewing for Tool Fans

If you’ve been eagerly waiting for new sounds from the enigmatic prog-metal giants Tool, you’re not alone. Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones recently opened up about the band’s creative pulse, teasing that new material is on the horizon. It’s a thrilling moment for longtime listeners who cherish the band’s signature blend of heaviness and intricate artistry.

Jamming and Writing: The Band’s Ongoing Process

In a lively chat on the Loudwire Nights podcast, both Keenan and Jones delved into the band's current vibe and creative workflow. Keenan kept it simple when asked about what to expect next year: “Writing, I guess. You guys are busy, Adam?” The exchange reflected a relaxed but purposeful spirit.

Jones chimed in with enthusiasm: “We want to get another record out and play, do what we do. The three of us have been jamming. I don’t know if you go, oh, the writing process has started. It’s always there.” That is classic Tool, always simmering with ideas, breaking down riffs, and piecing them back together until the magic clicks.

Jones recounted an amusing moment when he played a riff that sounded suspiciously like Black Sabbath. Keenan’s immediate reaction was, “I’ll probably bug those guys again about trying to turn that into a future Tool song.” It’s a neat reminder of how influences from the past continue to shape their sound.

Honoring Ozzy Osbourne: A Rock Legend’s Impact

The duo also reflected on the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, a figure who loomed large in their musical upbringing and journey.

“It was very devastating,” Jones admitted. “As a kid, I remember the older kids playing Black Sabbath while we were skateboarding. It felt surreal when I got asked to play OzzFest and meet the Osbourne family.”

Tool’s connection to Sabbath’s legacy was palpable when they performed at Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning final show in Birmingham. They delivered a powerful cover of the 1970 classic "Hand Of Doom," from the iconic Paranoid album. That tribute came after Tool’s drummer Danny Carey joined a drum circle with members of Mastodon, Slipknot, and Gojira during Mastodon’s cover of “Supernaut.” Jones and Carey also took part in a supergroup led by Billy Corgan, alongside Tom Morello, K.K. Downing, and Rudy Sarzo, highlighting the camaraderie within this rock elite.

“At the same time, it was kind of this gut feeling of harmony, that we had been a part of sending him off,” Jones said emotionally. “It’s still kind of emotional, the whole legacy and how it affected each one of us. They’ve been nothing but cool and supportive of our band.”

Keenan added with a touch of humor and reverence: “I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time. It took Ozzy almost dying for me to get these guys to do it.”

The Pressure—and Freedom—of Creating New Tool Music

Last year, bassist Justin Chancellor shared insights into what it means to keep Tool’s creative engine running amid fan expectations. He emphasized that their music emerges on their terms, not a rush job to meet deadlines.

“The only pressure comes when we announce that we’re working on something new, because then we have to make our own predictions for when it’ll come out, and obviously you feel like you let people down if you don’t release it in a certain amount of time.”

He explained the unpredictable nature of art: “It’s a nice feeling that people still want new stuff, but also they’ve got to understand that it’s not the easiest thing to do. It’s not a simple thing and it’s not always a natural thing that comes at the time you want it to come.”

Chancellor acknowledged the band's longevity as a rare blessing: “When it comes to writing new music, we’re aware that people don’t manage to stay together for as long as we have, so the pure fact that we’ve made it this far makes us eager to take it to the next place and create something new.”

Anyone familiar with Tool knows their approach is both experimental and unpredictable. “We never quite know how it’ll come together,” Chancellor concluded, which only adds to the anticipation.

Why This Matters to Tool Fans

This update is more than just news—it’s a heartbeat check from a band that’s been the soundtrack to many of our lives. The promise of new material, intertwined with reflections on their roots and influences like Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, reminds us why Tool’s music feels so profound and timeless.

After all, how often do you get to witness legends who respect their past yet push relentlessly forward? For fans, it’s like being part of an unfolding saga, each riff and lyric a new chapter.

FAQ

• How close is Tool to releasing new music?
  Tool members have been actively jamming and writing, but no official release date has been announced yet. The process is ongoing and organic.
• What inspired Tool’s recent cover of 'Hand Of Doom'?
  The cover was a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s enduring influence on their music and lives.
• Are Tool’s new songs influenced by Black Sabbath?
  Yes, some riffs have a Sabbath vibe, reflecting the band’s roots and admiration for the legendary group.
• How does Tool manage creative pressure from fans?
  The band creates music on their own schedule, valuing quality and authenticity over rushing to meet expectations.
• Will Tool’s new material be experimental?
  Absolutely. Tool has always embraced experimentation, and fans can expect their next work to continue pushing boundaries.

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