Normal Isn't

異能の持ち主、Maynard James Keenan(Tool、A Perfect Circle)がフロントマンを務める妥協を許さないロック・バンドが、唯一無二の世界観で熱狂的なファンをノックアウト!前作から5年4カ月、ファン待望の5作目のアルバム!

約5年4カ月ぶりとなる5作目のスタジオ・アルバム。バンドによるセルフ・プロデュース。
■仕様:デジパック

With each subsequent album, Puscifer evolves into a greater and more potent beast, taking them further from the early days as "just" a side project to a band that stands on the strength of its solid discography and the artistry behind it. Though they havent lost their tongue-in-cheek humor (the lyrics on "Self Evident" might be the only time youll hear "bunghole" and "skid mark prat" on wax), Normal Isnt is as deadly serious as 2020s Existential Reckoning, tackling the state of an imploding world and our uncertain future with a fury and frustration that sonically borrows from Nine Inch Nails in the best ways possible. In addition to those familiar digital grooves, jagged riffs, and mechanized beats -- all familiar for fans sitting in that Venn diagram sweet spot between Maynard and Trent and their various projects -- there are also touches of goth, post-punk, and new wave added for extra catchiness. And while Maynard James Keenan indeed is the recognizable voice of Puscifer, Carina Round remains the bands secret weapon, her haunting vocals and quietly commanding presence a benefit to their output since she became a more prominent member on 2015s Money Shot. Arriving six years after Reckoning, Normal Isnt is focused and polished, going for the jugular on every single track -- both musically and lyrically -- leaving no room for ambiguity. Theyre pissed and anxious, with a fear thats turned to desperation on lyrical highlights such as "The Quiet Parts," "Thrust," and "A Public Stoning." The chorus and tone shift on that latter track is a perfect example of how powerful Keenan, Round, and Mat Mitchell have become, a muscular assault where the three come together and rein in the chaos before the song transforms into a buzzing synth dream. Other standouts include the buzzing, pulsing "Pendulum," a Sisters of Mercy-worthy gem, and the trippy, spoken-word "Seven One," which features Ian Ross (father of Atticus) and Danny Carey (drummer of Tool). While this entire affair certainly isnt very fun and lighthearted, the production quality and specific perspective of the album is oddly nourishing to the spirit. The members of Puscifer see whats happening and are just as tense and angry about it: none of this is normal. ~ Neil Z. Yeung