A Perfect Circle

A dizzying constellation of creative outlets surrounds Maynard James Keenan, including but not limited to the bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. (Not to mention dabbling in comedy, acting, and winemaking… ) For the uninitiated, it’s difficult to differentiate between the first two items in that list. Here’s a shortcut: If a Keenan track is accessible, anthemic, and better suited for drive-time radio, it’s a product of A Perfect Circle. An ongoing collaboration with former Tool guitar tech Billy Howerdel—who handles the music while Keenan tackles the drama-drenched lyrics—the band seemed kaput until the frontman started talking reunion in 2010. The supergroup’s current tour promises new additions to the body of heavy, emotional music orbiting Keenan.

Updated 07/11/2011