Nine Inch Nails is planning to release a new studio album. Trent Reznor revealed the band has signed to Columbia Records and will release an album later this year-which was totally unexpected. Reznor admits he kept the project a secret.

 "I've been less than honest about what I've really been up to lately," Reznor said. "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."

Although fans knew that a handful of tour dates at festivals and arenas are slated for this summer, the album was entirely under wraps.  Shocked fans reacted with excitement at the announcement,

"This is the real impetus and motivation behind the decision to assemble a new band and tour again," Reznor said "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."

It will be the first album for Nine Inch Nails in five years since 2008's The Slip-the group disbanded after a farewell tour in 2009. It'll also be the first on their new label, Columbia.

Other than Reznor, the rest of the band will be Alessandro Cortini, Josh Eustis, Robin Finck and Ilan Rubin.