Puscifer, the experimental rock project fronted by Maynard James Keenan, has revealed details for their upcoming fifth studio album, 'Normal Isn't.' This new release marks their first full-length effort since 2020's 'Existential Reckoning.' The album is set to launch on February 6, 2026, and is available for pre-order immediately. Alongside the album announcement, the band also unveiled the lead single, 'Self Evident,' and confirmed a comprehensive North American tour scheduled for spring 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Puscifer's new album, 'Normal Isn't,' releases February 6, 2026.
- The album features 11 new songs, including the lead single 'Self Evident.'
- A North American tour begins March 20, 2026, in Las Vegas.
- The band promises a blend of post-punk, dark electronics, and heavy guitars.
- Maynard James Keenan states the album reflects current societal observations.
'Normal Isn't' Album Details and Sound Direction
The new album, 'Normal Isn't,' will feature 11 tracks. It promises to explore the band's post-punk roots, combining their signature dark electronic sound and satirical humor with a more aggressive, guitar-driven approach. This direction signals a deliberate return to earlier influences for the band.
Maynard James Keenan commented on the album's sonic landscape. He stated,
"We're definitely leaning into our early influences. It's the place where goth meets punk. It's where I came from."This statement highlights a foundational return to the genres that shaped Keenan's artistic beginnings.
Album Fact
- 'Normal Isn't' is Puscifer's fifth full-length studio album.
- It follows their 2020 release, 'Existential Reckoning.'
- The album's creation was influenced by the band's touring schedule for their 'Sessanta' EP.
Creative Process and Lyrical Themes
The album's development occurred while Puscifer was touring in support of their 'Sessanta' EP last year. This touring environment fostered a more spontaneous and organic creative process, contributing to the album's distinct sound.
Guitarist and co-producer Mat Mitchell elaborated on the musical shift. He explained,
"From the outset, we had discussed an element of rawness and edge, which guitar brings. We got rid of the guard rails and made the music more aggressive."This indicates a conscious effort to push the boundaries of their previous work.
Keenan also provided insight into the lyrical content of 'Normal Isn't.' He noted,
"Normal Isn't reflects this time we are living in. As storytellers and artists, our job is to observe, interpret and report. We take in our environment and share what we see, and what we see around us does not appear normal. Not by a long shot."This suggests a socially observant and perhaps critical perspective embedded within the album's narrative.
North American Tour Plans for Spring 2026
Puscifer will embark on an extensive North American tour in spring 2026 to support 'Normal Isn't.' The tour kicks off on March 20 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and concludes on May 14 in Los Angeles, California. This tour provides fans across the continent an opportunity to experience the new material live.
Key stops on the tour include major cities such as New York, with a performance at Terminal 5, and an appearance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre outside Denver, Colorado. Tickets for the general public went on sale on Friday.
Tour Context
Puscifer is known for their elaborate live shows, which often incorporate theatrical elements and multimedia presentations. Their tours are typically highly anticipated events for fans of Maynard James Keenan's diverse musical projects.
Full Tour Itinerary
The 2026 tour schedule is packed with dates across the United States and Canada. Fans can find Puscifer performing in a wide range of venues, from intimate theaters to larger arenas. The tour includes over 25 dates, offering broad accessibility for their fanbase.
- March 20 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- March 21 - Phoenix, Ariz. @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- March 24 - Austin, Texas @ Bass Concert Hall
- March 25 - Dallas, Texas @ Music Hall at Fair Park
- March 27 - Nashville, Tenn. @ The Pinnacle
- March 28 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Coca-Cola Roxy
- March 31 - Asheville, N.C. @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
- April 1 - Durham, N.C. @ DPAC – Durham Performing Arts Center
- April 3 - Bethlehem, Pa. @ Wind Creek Event Center
- April 4 - Boston, Mass. @ Boch Center - Wang Theatre
- April 7 - New York, N.Y. @ Terminal 5
- April 8 - Hershey, Pa. @ Hershey Theatre
- April 10 - Mashantucket, Ct. @ Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
- April 11 - Atlantic City, N.J. @ Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort
- April 15 - Niagara Falls, Ontario @ OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
- April 16 - Akron, Ohio @ Akron Civic Theatre
- April 18 - Detroit, Mich. @ Fox Theatre
- April 19 - Cincinnati, Ohio @ Taft Theatre
- April 21 - Louisville, Ky. @ The Louisville Palace
- April 23 - Indianapolis, Ind. @ Murat Theatre
- April 25 - Chicago, Ill. @ The Chicago Theatre
- April 26 - Milwaukee, Wis. @ Landmark Credit Union Live
- April 28 - Madison, Wis. @ The Sylvee
- April 30 - St. Louis, Mo. @ The Factory
- May 1 - Kansas City, Mo. @ The Midland Theatre
- May 3 - Morrison, Colo. @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- May 5 - Salt Lake City, Utah @ Maverik Center
- May 8 - Portland, Ore. @ Theater of the Clouds
- May 9 - Seattle, Wash. @ WAMU Theater
- May 11 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Golden Gate Theatre
- May 13 - San Diego, Calif. @ San Diego Civic Theatre
- May 14 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Greek Theatre
The 'Self Evident' Music Video
The release of the album announcement was accompanied by the official music video for the lead single, 'Self Evident.' This video offers fans a first look and listen into the new era of Puscifer's sound and visual aesthetic. The band is known for their distinctive and often abstract visual content, and 'Self Evident' continues this tradition.
Fans can expect the video to complement the lyrical themes and musical style of the new single, providing a multi-sensory introduction to 'Normal Isn't.' The visual component is often a crucial part of Puscifer's artistic expression.
Track Listing for 'Normal Isn't'
The full 11-song track list for the upcoming album includes:
- "Thrust"
- "Normal Isn't"
- "Bad Wolf"
- "Self Evident"
- "A Public Stoning"
- "The Quiet Parts"
- "Mantastic"
- "Pendulum"
- "ImpetuoUs"
- "Seven One"
- "The Algorithm (Sessanta Live Mix)"
Puscifer's Place in the Music Landscape
Puscifer, as one of Maynard James Keenan's diverse projects, consistently pushes musical boundaries. The band's blend of electronic elements, rock instrumentation, and theatrical presentation distinguishes them within the alternative music scene. 'Normal Isn't' appears to be a continuation of this innovative approach, while also revisiting core influences.
The album title itself, 'Normal Isn't,' hints at themes of societal observation and perhaps a commentary on contemporary life. This philosophical underpinning is a hallmark of Keenan's artistic endeavors, often inviting listeners to think critically about their surroundings.
The upcoming tour and album release solidify Puscifer's ongoing presence in the music world. Fans eagerly anticipate how this new chapter will evolve their unique sound and message. The combination of raw guitar work and dark humor is expected to resonate with long-time followers and attract new listeners alike.