Maynard James Keenan recently shared an 80-song playlist that influenced the creation of Puscifer’s upcoming album. The curated list reveals the musical inspirations behind the band’s new project, “Normal Isn’t,” set to arrive on February 6. You can view the playlist on Instagram.
Puscifer explained the significance of the playlist in the album’s development. “The music Maynard was listening to while Normal Isn’t was written and recorded,” the band stated. “Normal Isn’t arrives Feb 6 — preorder now via the link in our bio.”
The playlist features a diverse range of influential artists spanning multiple decades. Bauhaus, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths, Joy Division, Swans, and more are highlighted among the selections. These artists reflect the darker, post-punk and industrial influences that have shaped Keenan’s artistic vision.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to the shared playlist. One commenter noted the overlap between Keenan’s taste and their own: “Depeche Mode, the cure, smiths, NIN… I mean are we all not Maynard James Keenan? Interesting to see what he’s listening to. And how much of that is inspiration?”
Another fan expressed excitement about discovering new music through the list: “Excellent playlist. I’m SO excited for the new album now. There are two tracks on this list that I hadn’t heard before. Look forward to checking them out, too. Thank you for sharing!”
The playlist offers fans a window into Keenan’s creative process as they await the February release of “Normal Isn’t.” This marks Puscifer’s fifth studio album and their first release in more than five years, following their 2020 album “Existential Reckoning,” according to JamBase.
The album was written and recorded across multiple locations, including Arizona, Los Angeles, and on the road during Puscifer’s Sessanta Tour. Keenan employed a distinctive creative approach for this project. He set up his own digital recording system to craft full song ideas before presenting them to bandmates Mat Mitchell and Carina Round for collaboration.
Per 101 The Fox, “Normal Isn’t” channels post-punk influences and embraces a raw, edgy sound. The album has been described as the place “where goth meets punk,” reflecting Keenan’s early musical influences.
The album features an impressive roster of guest appearances. Tool’s Danny Carey, King Crimson’s Tony Levin, and Ian Ross—the father of Nine Inch Nails’ Atticus Ross—contribute to the project, as reported by Consequence. These collaborations underscore the album’s ambitious scope and Keenan’s commitment to bringing together diverse musical talents.
Keenan has articulated a clear artistic vision for the album’s thematic direction. “Normal Isn’t reflects this time we are living in. As storytellers and artists, our job is to observe, interpret, and report. What we see around us does not appear normal. Not by a long shot,” he stated. This perspective shapes the album’s conceptual foundation and its commentary on contemporary society.
Puscifer announced a 32-date North American tour to support the album’s release. The tour runs from March 20 to May 14, 2026, kicking off in Las Vegas and concluding at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Comedian-musician Dave Hill will provide support throughout the tour. The lead single “Self Evident” was released ahead of the album. It was accompanied by a music video filmed at Puscifer’s August 2025 concert in Los Angeles.
