Here’s a sentence you won’t see too many places in 2026: I’ve never heard A Perfect Circle.
However, I always had the feeling I’d like them, mostly based on the t-shirts worn by people who tell me they’re a great band.
This Definitive Sound Series One Step Edition brings Mer De Noms back, 25 years after its original release, and mastered from 96kHz/24bit files transferred from analog flat masters. I guess this means it sounds better than ever.
“The Hollow” start the double LP with Bill Howerdel’s dense, swirling guitar alongside Maynard James Keenan’s tough but elegant vocals for the prog/alt/hard rock hybrid. “Magdalena” follows with Josh Freese’s thumping drums complementing a bit of haunting quality that’s shrouded in mystery.
Side B brings us “Judith,” where a thick chugging enters harsher territory that’s biting and progressive, while “3 Libras” welcomes Paz Lenchantin’s sophisticated violin and Luciano Lenchantin’s moody viola via a textured and poetic mood.
Side C offers us the rugged and somewhat dreamy “Sleeping Beauty (Extended Intro),” as Troy Van Leeuwen lends a hand on guitar and Keenan’s voice does soar with beauty, but it’s the contrast of intimacy versus grungy bouts that makes “Thomas” the highlight on the back half. The aptly titled “Over” finishes the record with Keenan playing a kalimba and Howerdel’s mature piano in a sparse and soothing exit to an otherwise pretty loud affair.
It’s pretty easy to see why this debut entered the Billboard 200 at No. 4 and was certified platinum the same year. Keenan, Howerdel and company take from alt-rock, artistic ideas, prog-rock and even metal for a very unique and ambient presence.
The fella at my work with the Deftones shirt was right when he said I’m really going to like A Perfect Circle.
