Puscifer – “Normal Isn’t”
Label: BMG Rights Management
Rating: 9.5/10
Review: Manuel Gay
A Darkwave-Industrial Masterpiece and Early 2026 Album of the Year Contender
2026 has barely begun, and Puscifer have already delivered a serious Album of the Year contender. With Normal Isn’t, Maynard James Keenan and company may have crafted their most brilliant work to date. Throughout the record the guitars hit hard, while the production moves seamlessly between industrial rock and darkwave with flashes of punk energy. At times, a moody trip-hop feel could even remind you of some Mezzanine-era Massive Attack. The range of influences fueling this album is vast, yet everything feels cohesive and purposeful.
The opening track “Thrust” wastes no time setting the tone. It’s powerful, immersive, and immediately establishes the sonic identity of Normal Isn’t. The chemistry between Maynard and Carina Round’s vocals remains one of Puscifer’s greatest strengths. Their voices intertwine with precision, balancing tension and melody in a way few duos can. Puscifer, Tool or A Perfect Circle fans will recognize the signatures Maynard has perfected across his projects: unusual time signatures, roaring guitars, and commanding vocal performances. “Bad Wolf” shifts gears with a groove-driven backbone. The bassline takes center stage, propelling the track while guitars and synths build an electric atmosphere around it.
“A Public Stoning” stands out for its sheer intensity and groove, showcasing how the band manages to be both cerebral and viscerally heavy. Then there’s “Pendulum” my personal favorite and arguably the album’s highest point. Leaning heavily into a darkwave aesthetic, it takes the listener through shadowy textures and haunting melodies. The track lingers long after it ends. If there’s a defining moment on Normal Isn’t, this is it.
With Normal Isn’t, Puscifer have refined their hybrid of industrial rock, alternative metal, and electronic experimentation into something both accessible and innovative. Puscifer will be touring the U.S. from March through May, an ideal opportunity to experience these tracks in a live setting, where the musical chemistry will truly come alive. If this album is any indication, 2026 might belong to Puscifer.
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