While they continue to finalize its lineup, the reformed Nine Inch Nails now have a new label home. In fact, not only has NIN confirmed that they’ve signed to Columbia Records, but also that a new album will likely come out later this year.

This is somewhat of a surprising turn of events since Trent Reznor himself said in an interview last March that “there’s no new record scheduled at this point.” Admitting that he told a little white lie, Reznor had the following to say about the forthcoming album:

“I’ve been less than honest about what I’ve really been up to lately. For the last year I’ve been secretly working non-stop with Atticus Ross and Alan Moulder on a new, full-length Nine Inch Nails record, which I am happy to say is finished and frankly fucking great. This is the real impetus and motivation behind the decision to assemble a new band and tour again. My forays into film, HTDA and other projects really stimulated me creatively and I decided to focus that energy on taking Nine Inch Nails to a new place. Here we go!”

As for the new label home, some may be a tad surprise considering that Reznor had been intent on going the DIY route since NIN’s contract with Interscope expired in 2007. However, it shouldn’t be that surprising of a move since Reznor’s other band How To Destroy Angels is also signed to Columbia. While an official release date has yet to be confirmed, rumors suggest that we could hear a new NIN song as soon as next month.