The fact that Tool is really putting out a new album next month is finally starting to hit home. Fear Inoculum, the first Tool album in 13 years is coming out August 30th.

It’s really happening.

It’s not that I didn’t think it was going to happen, but now that the album has a title and we can see artwork from it, it’s starting to become more real.

I know there are live versions of Invincible and Descending on YouTube, but I haven’t felt compelled to watch them. I want it to be fresh from the album when I hear them the first time.

I’m going to make a concerted effort to keep my expectations in check. Fear Inoculum doesn’t need to be the greatest collection of songs I’ve ever heard, or even the best collection of Tool songs I’ve ever heard. I just want some new music from one of my favorite bands.

It’s been a long time coming. George W. Bush was president of the United States the last time Tool put out an album.