PUSCIFER's new album "Normal Isn't" arrives February 6 via Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings/BMG, marking the band's first new material in over five years since 2020's "Existential Reckoning." The 11-track, 55-minute record represents a significant sonic shift for Maynard James Keenan's most eclectic creative outlet, pushing into darker, more aggressive guitar-driven territory informed by post-punk influences that stand in stark contrast to the electronic-leaning sounds of its predecessor.
The album features a remarkable roster of guest appearances. TOOL drummer Danny Carey contributes his thunderous percussion to multiple tracks, creating a tantalizing bridge between Keenan's two most prominent bands. Legendary bassist Tony Levin, known for his groundbreaking work with KING CRIMSON and Peter Gabriel, adds his distinctive touch to several compositions, while producer and multi-instrumentalist Ian Ross rounds out the guest list.
Core members Mat Mitchell and Carina Round continue to serve as Keenan's primary collaborators, with Mitchell handling the bulk of the instrumentation and production alongside Keenan. Round's ethereal vocals provide a counterpoint to Keenan's more grounded delivery, creating the kind of dynamic interplay that has defined PUSCIFER's best work. The lead single "Self Evident" previewed the album's darker direction, drawing enthusiastic responses from fans and critics alike.
A companion film, "Normal Isn't: Live at the Pacific Stock Exchange," follows on February 9, continuing PUSCIFER's tradition of pairing their albums with visual experiences. The band will embark on a North American tour starting March 20 in Las Vegas with support from Dave Hill, running through May 14 in Los Angeles. Keenan has pushed back against the perception of PUSCIFER as merely his "third side project," insisting the band deserves recognition on its own merits.