[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t1lt99CWnA[/youtube]

Towards the end of 2011, rumors started to spread that Tool had finally started work on a new album, only to find out that it was drummer Danny Carey’s project Volto! that had been in the studio all along. However, hope was reinforced when the band kicked off 2012 with a mini-tour. And as it turns out, Tool is indeed looking to enter the studio this Summer.

Back in January, Vic Firth Drum Sticks filmed an “Artist Spotlight” episode with Carey during the band’s show at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. During the chat, Carey revealed that Tool is “hoping to get into the studio by June or July, and start tracking. That’s the plan anyway.” Now before we get over excited about this, let’s remember that it may still be a while till the new album is released. Not only has singer Maynard James Keenan been very vocal about the band taking their time with recording new material, but he’s also been keeping busy on the road with Puscifer. However, Carey’s comments make it even more likely that a new Tool album could come out by the end of the year.

You can watch the first part of Carey’s “Artist Spotlight” episode, where he mentions Tool’s plans for entering the studio around the 3:10 mark, above. Parts 2 and 3 can be seen after the jump. The videos were actually posted online last month, though somehow we completely missed them, which is a shame because in addition to talking with Carey, the episode has great drum cam footage of Tool’s show in Boston (on January 28). Luckily we can make up for lost time and watch the clips now.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb5siEiAYKs[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpzQPLThrIg[/youtube]