Maynard James Keenan recently opened up about the creative process behind Puscifer’s new album “Normal Isn’t.” He revealed his vulnerabilities as a songwriter despite his legendary status in heavy music. The Tool and A Perfect Circle frontman shared these insights in an interview with Revolver.
Keenan discussed his collaborative approach with bandmate Mat Mitchell. He admitted to feeling intimidated by the creative process, even after decades of success.
“I kind of needed to digest everything that happened on the last album, and I needed Mat to show me how to use Logic better than I’d understood it,” Keenan said. “Part of it was just responding to the logistics of [the software]. I’m not a shredder bass player, so it’s not like I’m gonna do that. I’m not a drummer. I’m just coming up with simple keyboard-and-drum-pattern stuff, just to inspire some vocals or ideas. Then Mat completely runs with that. I need him to put it through his filter.”
The vulnerability extended to sharing his initial ideas with his collaborator. This created moments of genuine uncertainty for the seasoned musician.
“Of course! You mean me putting stuff in the folder and crossing my fingers that Mat wasn’t going to just delete it? Yeah, it was scary,” Keenan continued. “I didn’t take anything too far with vocals. I just wanted to hear what [Mat] was going to do before that. Once I hear the vocal, now I’m fucked because I can’t get it out of my head. I had to wait until he ran it through the meat grinder and showed me what inspired him.”
Keenan emphasized the collaborative nature of their creative process. He focused on honest artistic response rather than predetermined outcomes.
“That’s really what it comes down to. We’re not trying to do cover songs of each other’s ideas — we’re trying to listen and respond honestly and do the work to make them better than you found them,” he said.
These revelations come as Puscifer prepares for the release of their highly anticipated fifth studio album. This marks another chapter in the band’s experimental journey.
Vinyl LP Shop reported that “Normal Isn’t” is scheduled for release on February 6, 2026, just two days from now. The album represents the band’s continued evolution since their formation as Keenan’s experimental side project alongside his work with Tool and A Perfect Circle.
The band has been building anticipation for the release through strategic promotional activities. Sonic Perspectives noted that Puscifer is celebrating the album release with in-store events at select independent retailers throughout several states. These events feature advance screenings of the concert film “Normal Isn’t: Puscifer Live At The Pacific Stock Exchange” from February 6 to 8.
The album includes recent singles “Self Evident,” “Pendulum,” and “ImpetuoUs.” These were performed live during the band’s debut show at the Pacific Stock Exchange. This unique venue choice reflects Puscifer’s tendency to create immersive, theatrical experiences that blur the lines between concert and performance art.
Keenan’s admission of creative insecurity offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of one of heavy music’s most respected figures. Despite his success with albums like Tool’s “Lateralus” and A Perfect Circle’s “Thirteenth Step,” the musician continues to approach each project with genuine uncertainty and collaborative openness. These qualities have likely contributed to his enduring relevance in the music industry.
