High Altitude Frequencies: A Review of Puscifer’s "Normal Isn't"

I found myself suspended 40,000 feet above the Mojave Desert; the jagged scars of the landscape faded into a blur as I departed Las Vegas. The perfect setting to inject Puscifer’s latest offering, “Normal Isn't,” directly into my skull. The altitude seemed appropriate for the disorienting frequencies Maynard and the gang prepared for this release.

The Ascent

The album opens with "Thrust," and there exists no need for second-guessing here. Throughout his later years, Maynard seems to rely on a typical (of him) melodic architecture; however, he abandons that safety entirely on this track. This atypical approach blew me away. To be honest, Maynard’s new material, whether it be released through TOOL, A Perfect Circle, or Puscifer tends to leave me wondering if I will ever hear something as transcendent as the first five TOOL albums, the first two APC albums or the first two Puscifer albums, but I would be lying if I said "Thrust" didn’t silence my doubts immediately. The first track reminded me that Maynard is still full of innovation, and I loved every second of it. (Score: 10/10)

The Middle Earth

"Normal Isn't" provides a standard radio tune; "Bad Wolf" digs deeper. The latter explores existential terrain where Maynard seemingly exposes his beliefs on reality. Of course, the listener must consume Maynard’s "beliefs" with skepticism; perhaps he merely presents a concept for artistic expression. "Self-Evident" brings the cynical trash talk over a formidable rhythm. "A Public Stoning" initially felt redundant after the previous tune, until the final quarter of it introduced a fresh, funky groove that salvaged the track just when I thought it was over. (Score 7.5)

The Peaks

"The Quiet Parts" stands as the philosophical heavyweight of the album. The lyrics suggest that the truth exists plainly for us to see; we simply refuse to look. I couldn’t agree more. Carina Round truly shines in this one. Her performance possesses that dark angelic quality that I’ve come to thoroughly enjoy throughout the years. (Score: 9)

"ImpetuoUs" hits the hardest for me, philosophically.  The message is clear: abandon fear and disrupt the status quo. This track resonates with the Absurdist necessity to rebel, channeling a Philosophical Anarchism, because, fuck it… what do you have to lose? (Score: 9)

The Descent

"Mantastic" brings back that old "Point your fucking finger up your ass" energy; a fun callback to the early MJK days. "Pendulum" offers a hypnotic wisdom that keeps me in tune with the ebb and flow of nature's rhythm. However, in my opinion, the album stumbles at the finish line with "Seven One." Listening to Alan Watts recordings over an otherwise lovely groove becomes tedious. The message holds value; however, I was left wanting more of Maynard and Carina’s phenomenal chemistry, not a philosophy lecture I have heard before. (Score: 6)

The Verdict

Puscifer continues to evolve, without a doubt. While imperfect, “Normal Isn't” offers enough existential grit and rhythmic novelty to justify the flight.

- Jesse D. Johnson