Although all three of frontman Maynard James Keenan’s main projects (Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer) share several traits, they each have enough that’s unique to be distinguished and justified. In particular, Puscifer eschew some of APP’s emotional alt-rock commerciality and Tool’s progressive/psychedelic metal indulgencies in favor of exorcising Keenan’s most bizarre and boundless rock tendencies.
It’s always worked out quite well, and the aptly named Normal Isn’t (which arrives over five years after predecessor Existential Reckoning) is another fascinating testament to the wonders of his “creative subconscious.”
The same lineup from Existential Reckoning returns here, and the record is bolstered by guest appearances from Tool drummer Danny Carey, legendary bassist Tony Levin, and Ian Ross (father of Atticus Ross). The band view the album as “modern post-punk . . . with a dash of goth-tinged drama” and touches of new-wave. It’s an accurate description, and Normal Isn’t also sees Keenan incorporating music software such as Logic and Pro Tools to fine-tune his ideas.
Along the same lines, multi-instrumentalist Mat Mitchell says that the trio wanted to make Normal Isn’t more guitar-driven to achieve more “rawness and edge.” As usual, the LP also finds a solid balance between metaphysical, poetic, and sardonic lyricism as it explores the abnormality of modern times.
Right away (via opener “Thrust”), you know you’re in for a musically, vocally, and intellectually stirring ride. Off-kilter percussion and unsettlingly atmospheric instrumentation support the duality of Keenan and Carina Round’s quirky melodies. They’re an irreplaceable duo who offset playful animosity with angelic breathers, and all the while, they offer cynically contemplative observations (“Bicker bicker bicker / People getting sicker / Needle needle needle / Giggle giggle titter / Fucking agitators / Rabble goading rabble / Trying not to murder’s / Daily fucking battle”).
Afterward, Normal Isn’t constantly reinvents that foundation so that every piece of the puzzle fits without it ever sounding repetitive or lazy. Rather, there’s always something new to discover and appreciate as Puscifercontinue to innovate (rhyme not intended).
For instance, there’s the relatively radio-friendly title track and “The Quiet Parts” (both of which are cut from the same cloth as Steven Wilson’s The Future Bites and The Harmony Codex), as well as the more subdued and eerie electronic bases of “Bad Wolf,” “ImpetuoUs” and “Pendulum.” Plus, the group get really experimental with the intersecting vocals, hyperactive industrial textures, and clever production of “Self Evident,” “Mantastic,” and the especially cinematic and complex “Seven One.”
Despite not being a formal part of the album (it was originally released in 2024 as part of the soundtrack to Sumerian Comics’ American Psycho comic book series), “The Algorithm (Sessanta Live Mix)” is a welcomed way to end. The band clearly brings invigorating live energy to this version of the track, showcasing their ability to be even more exhilarating on stage, and hearing the crowd cheer enhances the experience.
As with pretty much everything Keenan puts out, Normal Isn’t is wonderfully entertaining, ambitious, and thought-provoking. Specifically, it illuminates Puscifer’s sustained drive to present something that’s simultaneously mature and meaningful yet fun and unpredictable musically and academically. Keenan and Round’s chemistry continues to be the trio’s greatest asset (which isn’t to say that their other components aren’t great, too), and expectedly, it rewards repeated listens. Whether it surpasses its predecessor(s) is obviously a subjective opinion, but its heightened aggression and focus surely make it a distinctive but fitting addition to Puscifer’s catalog.
Release Date: February 6th, 2026
Record Label: Recordings / BMG
Genre: Experimental Rock / Art Rock
Musicians:
- Maynard James Keenan / Vocals, additional synths
- Carina Round / Vocals, vocal sampling, additional synths
- Mat Mitchell / Bass, guitar, synths, stick
Additional Musicians:
- Gunnar Olsen / Drums
- Sarah Jones / Drums
- Greg Edward / Bass
Guest Musicians:
- Tony Levin / Additional bass on “Normal Isn’t” and bass on “Seven One”
- Danny Carey / Drums on “Seven One”
- Mr. Ian Ross / Narration on “Seven One”
Normal Isn’t Tracklist:
1. Thrust
2. Normal Isn’t
3. Bad Wolf
4. Self Evident
5. A Public Stoning
6. The Quiet Parts
7. Mantastic
8. Pendulum
9. ImpetuoUs
10. Seven One
11. The Algorithm (Sessanta Live Mix)
Order the album here
True to its name — and the band’s trademark aesthetic — Normal Isn’t is another superb dive into what’s arguably Maynard James Keenan’s weirdest and most diverse project (which is truly saying something). It’s absolutely worth the over five-year wait, and although it doesn’t totally reinvent the Puscifer wheel, it delivers enough strangeness and solid songwriting to further cement the band as an equal sibling to A Perfect Circle and Tool
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Songwriting
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Musicianship
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Originality
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Production
