Where’s the new Tool album? Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett may have just given a clue to how close we are. During a new interview, Hammett revealed Tool are currently dealing with the artwork for their fifth full-length album.

Members of Tool have publicly disputed the album’s potential release date. Vocalist Maynard James Keenan shot down drummer Danny Carey’s claim of an April release, adding a timeline of mid-May to mid-July is more realistic.

"I talk to [Tool guitarist] Adam Jones quite a bit, and the last thing I knew, he was dealing with artwork. So that is a good sign. If they're dealing with artwork, it must be close,” Hammett told New Zealand radio station The Rock.

Psychedelic artist Alex Gray has contributed the artwork for Tool’s last two albums, Lateralus and 10,000 Days. Earlier this year, Gray spoke positively about working with Tool again, but wouldn’t confirm is he’s being tapped for the band’s new album.

“I haven't heard any of the new music yet, and I can't answer this question, but it is looking positive," Gray told Revolver. “As far as other collaborations, there are still a few older things that have never been publicly shared and I can't say whether they ever will, but if I get a chance to work with Tool again, it will be an honor.”

Tool posted a studio photo earlier this month, leaving some fans to believe the highly-anticipated album is in the can. To check out Tool’s 2019 tour dates, click here.

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