ALBUM REVIEW: Puscifer – Existential Reckoning : Rewired


Puscifer will always be best known as one of the many creative outlets for Tool / A Perfect Circle vocalist Maynard James Keenan, and as an avenue for the most obscure depths of his musical creativity. But the band has always been a collaborative affair, with Keenan working alongside many different artists over the years, with their albums subsequently always providing an infusion of many different ideas and experiences. Existential Reckoning : Rewired (Puscifer Entertainment / Alchemy Recordings/ BMG) is the remix accompaniment to their 2020 album, which itself was a typically avant-garde electro-rock melting pot of futuristic and otherworldly sounds.

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Puscifer Announces Remix Album ft. Trent Reznor, Justin Chancellor, Troy Van Leeuwen, Phantogram, and More – “Existential Reckoning: Rewired”


Sprung from the superego of Maynard James Keenan (Tool, aperfectcircle) electro-Goth comedy troupe Puscifer has delighted fans with a companion remix collection for each of their studio albums. True to form, the band will release a track-by-track reimagining Existential Reckoning: Rewired (December 9, Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings/BMG). Pre-orders are live now with merch and NFTs, at the link below and you can catch the band on tour in North America soon.

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Puscifer Books “Existential Reckoning” Headline Tour


Puscifer will bring their theatrical and immersive live show to stages across the USA this summer their first full tour since 2016. They will also appear at Bonnaroo Festival. Featuring Maynard James Keenan (Tool, a perfect circle), Mat Mitchell, and Carina Round tour in support of their album from 2020, Existential Reckoning (Alchemy Recordings/Puscifer Entertainment/BMG). The dates, which kick off June 9 at The Smith Center in Las Vegas, include the group’s largest scale performances to date with shows slated for Los Angeles’ venerable Greek Theatre (site of Keenan’s one-time-only Cinquanta mini festival), Brooklyn’s movie palace-turned-concert-hall Kings Theater and the state-of-the-art Mission Ballroom in Denver. Moodie Black will open all dates. Watch a music video from Agent Dick Merkin of Pusciforce, with his report. Tickets go on-sale Feb. 18th, 2022 at the link below.

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LIVESTREAM REVIEW: Puscifer – Existential Reckoning – Live at The Arcosanti


Theatrical Rock troupe Puscifer never does anything small and never has. Everything they do feels like an event level thing in an “it’s all happening” way. In the early days of the band, it was singles and EP’s before their debut album. Then it was a Paul Frank clothing drop or a few shows. Now, even in these trying times choking the music industry, the band finds creative ways to top themselves. They just released their new album, Existential Reckoning (read our review here) and for Halloween, they shared a visually striking, possibly insane, and high-quality multi-media livestream performance, Existential Reckoning – Live at The Arcosanti in the Arizona desert.

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Maynard James Keenan’s Puscifer Shares New Single “The Underwhelming”, New Album Incoming


Maynard James Keenan’s non-Tool activities include making wine at his vineyard and music with his other projects. After dropping a single at the dawn of the pandemic, “Apocalyptical”, the band has shared more new music and announced a new album. The new single “The Underwhelming” is streaming on all platforms now and the album, Existential Reckoning is dropping, October 30th, via Alchemy Recordings/Puscifer Entertainment/BMG. Pre-orders are live, including special vinyl variants and a bundle that comes with Marynard’s wine, at the link below.

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On The Road… with Puscifer


Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

It has been quite a year for Puscifer and their leader, Maynard James Keenan. Although he gets the most ink for his association with Tool, it is with Puscifer that Keenan seems to be more in tune with these days. It’s not a surprise that their recent Money Shot (Puscifer Entertainment) is a stellar album, but the level of comfort Keenan and his collaborators share in writing and performing is noticeable. It’s easy to get sidetracked by the theater of it all in person, but the staging and costumes are a guise to draw you in closer. It doesn’t hurt that his band features some amazing talent with mainstays Mat Mitchell, Carina Round and Jeff Friedl; now joined by Mahsa Zargaran and Paul Barker (Ministry) who all play flawlessly together. Keenan per usual is hiding out, preferring to be heard and rarely seen in the middle of a traditional wrestling ring. In one of the most unconventional settings for a concert ever, one of musics’ great frontmen makes his home. Making extra use of the ring was high-flying opening act Luchafer. Captured on the last night of the tour in Prescott, AZ by Melina D Photography, we learned that Puscifer doesn’t need a submission hold or a finishing move to get their message across.

 

Luchafer, by Melina D Photography

Luchafer, by Melina D Photography

 

Luchafer, by Melina D Photography

Luchafer, by Melina D Photography

 

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

 

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

 

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

 

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

 

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

 

 

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

Puscifer, by Melina D Photography

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Puscifer Books Second Round of US Tour Dates


puscifer photo credit Robin Laananen

Puscifer, photo credit Robin Laananen

Puscifer, who just wrapped a spate of tour dates in the US last week, have booked a second leg of the tour for this spring. All dates will be again supported by Luchafer. General on sale tickets and VIP experiences go on sale on December 23rd. The band is supporting Money Shot (Puscifer Entertainment) which was released October 31st.

Puscifer Prescott Done-2

Puscifer, by Melina D Photo

 

Puscifer 2016 tour dates, with Luchafer:

Mar 17: Fox Performing Arts Center- Riverside, CA
Mar 18: Comerica Theatre- Phoenix, AZ
Mar 20: Pikes Peak Center- Colorado Springs, CO
Mar 22: Orpheum Theatre- Omaha, NE
Mar 23: Minneapolis, MN – Northrop Auditorium
Mar 25: Riverside Theater- Milwaukee, WI
Mar 26: Devos Performance Hall- Grand Rapids, MI
Mar 28: Coronado Theatre- Rockford, IL
Mar 29: Old National Centre – Murat Theatre- Indianapolis, IN
Mar 30: The LC Indoor Pavilion- Columbus, OH
Apr 01: Stage AE- Pittsburgh, PA
Apr 02: The Fillmore Detroit, MI
Apr 04: Akron Civic Theatre Akron, OH
Apr 05: Center for the Arts – Buffalo, NY
Apr 06: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts – Toronto, ON
Apr 08: Merrill Auditorium Portland, ME
Apr 09: The Paramount – Huntington, NY
Apr 10: Santander Performing Arts Center- Reading, PA
Apr 12: Bergen Performing Arts Center Englewood, NJ
Apr 13: Count Basie Theatre Red Bank, NJ
Apr 16: Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium – Providence, RI


Tickets are on-sale on – Wednesday, Dec. 23 – with VIP packages available simultaneously via.

Puscifer – touring line-up

Maynard James Keenan – vocals

Carina Round -vocals

Mat Mitchell – guitars

Jeff Friedl – drums

Mahsa Zargaran – keyboards/vocals

Paul Barker (Ministry, Lead Into Gold) – bass

 

Puscifer online

Puscifer on Facebook

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Puscifer on Twitter

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Puscifer – Money Shot


Puscifer_Money_Shot_Cover_300_dpi (1)

While most of the rock world is patiently awaiting the next Tool album, Maynard James Keenan has released yet another gem from his (sort of) solo project known as Puscifer. Money Shot (Puscifer Entertainment) is the third full length release from MJK and has quickly shot up the list of my favorite albums of the year. This record provided proportionate doses of both your typical instrumentals with a more percussive feel as well as the electronic, manufactured sound. Probably one of the most important elements outside of Maynard is the returning second vocalist, Carina Round. As Ghost Cult’s own Keith Chachkes said of Carina, “She is the yin to Maynard’s yang.” Money Shot only adds evidence to that claim as Round and Keenan once again make magic.

puscifer-2015-tool-band

Puscifer, photo credit Tim Cadiente

I always found it hard to pick out any favorite tracks when listening to new albums from any of Maynard’s projects and this album followed in the same fashion. Each song on Money Shot is truly one of a kind with their own personalities almost. Opening track, ‘Galileo’ , kicks off the record with a very spacey feeling song which is suiting of its title. This song is slightly more electronic then rock but still showcases both sides of Puscifer in an enjoyable five minute opener. ‘Simultaneous’ is half spoken word/story over crescendo instrumentals and then spills into lyrics. I found the story itself to be the best part of the song. The story is being told by a man who tried holding a conversation with someone else who was mostly too wrapped up in the music on their walkman. It is not until the batteries stop dying that this person finally starts giving his undivided attention to our narrator. At which point, the man grabs hold of the narrator and tells him that world peace cannot be obtained until three people simultaneously look each other in the eye. ‘The Remedy’ is another solid cut from this album and which really resonated with me both musically and lyrically. Instrumentally, the riffs in this song, especially in the second half, get my hair to stand straight up each time I listen. The lyrics take a big shot at people nowadays that have that entitlement feeling about themselves. Specifically, one passage of the song has Maynard mentioning that a person is speaking “like someone who has never been… smacked in the fucking mouth. That’s OK, we have the remedy.” I am sure many listeners can think of a time they had to deal with some snotty brat that thought they were better than you. Now if only we could deliver such a remedy to said asshole such as the one mentioned in this song.

From start to finish, Puscifer delivers money shot after money shot in the form of aural enjoyment. There is enough variation across the album that there really is something for everyone here. Keenan and Co can continue to be proud of their work after yet another successful release. So, instead of pounding away at your keyboard on social media bitching about the next Tool album, maybe you should hit up YouTube and try out Puscifer.

9.0/10

TIM LEDIN

 


Audio: Puscifer – Money Shot Single Released


 Puscifer, 2015 photo credit Tim Cadiente

Puscifer, photo credit Tim Cadiente

Puscifer is streaming the title track from their new album Money Shot, coming out on October 30th (Puscifer Entertainment). You can stream the track at Rolling Stone, at this link:

 

Front man Maynard James Keenan comments on the pending Puscifer US tour:

 

With Puscifer, we realize that the digital age is just endless possibilities, and nothing is written in stone. So whatever stage show we start off with on this tour, it might change and go in a complete opposite way.”

 

Puscifer’s current performing line-up for the tour now includes Keenan, Mat Mitchell, Carina Round, Jeff Friedl, Mahsa Zargaran, and new member Paul Barker (Ministry, Lead Into Gold).

 

Puscifer tour dates:
Nov 01: Monster Mash Festival – Phoenix, AZ
Nov 03: Majestic Theatre – Dallas, TX
Nov 04: Bass Concert Hall – Austin, TX
Nov 05: Tobin Center – San Antonio, TX
Nov 07: Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA
Nov 08: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center – Atlanta, GA
Nov 10: Ovens Auditorium – Charlotte, NC
Nov 11: Strathmore Theatre – Bethesda, MD
Nov 12: The Orpheum Theatre – Boston, MA
Nov 14: Shubert Theatre- New Haven, CT
Nov 15: The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA
Nov 17: Terminal 5 – New York, NY
Nov 18: Palace Theatre – Albany, NY
Nov 20: Taft Theatre – Cincinnati, OH
Nov 21: Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
Nov 22: Arvest Bank Theatre – Kansas City, MO
Nov 24: Bellco Theatre – Denver, CO
Nov 25: Kingsbury Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
Nov 28: Keller Auditorium – Portland, OR
Nov 29: INB Performing Arts Center- Spokane, WA
Nov 30: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – Calgary, AB
Dec 02: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC
Dec 03: Paramount Theatre – Seattle, WA
Dec 06: Warnors Theatre – Fresno, CA
Dec 08: Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
Dec 10: Ace Theatre- Los Angeles, CA
Dec 11: Ace Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
Dec 12: The Pearl at The Palms Casino- Las Vegas, NV

 

Pre-orders for the album are live and comes with an instant grat download of the single ‘Grand Canyon’

Pucifer Money shot album cover


Puscifer Books US Tour, Money Shot Album Details


Pucifer Money shot album cover

Puscifer has booked a full US tour, comprising most of the month of November, after kicking off at the Monster Mash Festival in Arizona. Led by Maynard James Keenan (Tool), Puscifer has also revealed the artwork and full track listing for their new album Money Shot.

Puscifer’s current performing line-up for the tour now includes Keenan, Mat Mitchell, Carina Round, Jeff Friedl, Mahsa Zargaran, and new member Paul Barker (Ministry, Lead Into Gold).

Puscifer tour dates:
Nov 01: Monster Mash Festival – Phoenix, AZ
Nov 03: Majestic Theatre – Dallas, TX
Nov 04: Bass Concert Hall – Austin, TX
Nov 05: Tobin Center – San Antonio, TX
Nov 07: Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA
Nov 08: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center – Atlanta, GA
Nov 10: Ovens Auditorium – Charlotte, NC
Nov 11: Strathmore Theatre – Bethesda, MD
Nov 12: The Orpheum Theatre – Boston, MA
Nov 14: Shubert Theatre- New Haven, CT

Nov 15: The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA
Nov 17: Terminal 5 – New York, NY
Nov 18: Palace Theatre – Albany, NY
Nov 20: Taft Theatre – Cincinnati, OH
Nov 21: Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
Nov 22: Arvest Bank Theatre – Kansas City, MO
Nov 24: Bellco Theatre – Denver, CO
Nov 25: Kingsbury Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
Nov 28: Keller Auditorium – Portland, OR
Nov 29: INB Performing Arts Center- Spokane, WA
Nov 30: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – Calgary, AB
Dec 02: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC
Dec 03: Paramount Theatre – Seattle, WA
Dec 06: Warnors Theatre – Fresno, CA
Dec 08: Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
Dec 10: Ace Theatre- Los Angeles, CA
Dec 11: Ace Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
Dec 12: The Pearl at The Palms Casino- Las Vegas, NV

Money Shot track listing:

1. Galileo
2. Agostina
3. Grand Canyon
4. Simultaneous
5. Money Shot
6. The Arsonist
7. The Remedy
8. Smoke and Mirrors
9. Life of Brian (Apparently You Haven’t Seen)
10. Autumn

Pre-orders for the album are live and comes with an instant grat download of the single ‘Grand Canyon’