For the past year, the majority of speculation and statements from actual U2 band members has indicated that fans should expect a new album to be released sometime this year.

Over the past few days however, rumors have been flying wild that this may not be true after all. In a recent radio interview in Ireland, Bono spoke briefly on the album’s state of readiness.

“I think we’re nearly there… I’d like to think that next year there will be a U2 release.”

Despite the confidence of Bono’s statement, it still raises quite a few questions. U2 have a reputation for taking their time with their work.

This news may need to be taken with a grain of salt. With the way these things can go, we could still be looking at an album release this later year in spite of what Bono has said on the matter. At this point, for all anyone knows the band could be attempting to throw fans off the scent of the album temporarily. Or the delays could be real and extend far beyond early 2014. The band members have promised a new album since almost immediately following the 2009 release of No Line On The Horizon.

Whatever the case, fans must still wait until an official source sheds more light on the matter.