Toad the Wet Sprocket -- Releasing New Album (Yes, We're Serious)

Great news fans of 1991 ... TOAD THE WET SPROCKET IS BACK!!!!

TMZ just received a news release from the band ... announcing an official release date for a new TTWS album (October 15).

Apparently, the band split up in 1998 ... after releasing a string of hit ... but felt compelled to reunite after a Kickstarter campaign raised more than $260k.

And there's more ... in case you're craving some live Sprocket ... which is really the only way to hear them ... the band has also announced a new tour.

No word on who's opening for the band. Calls to Better Than Ezra were not returned.