Maynard James Keenan Talks Timing of New Tool, A Perfect Circle Albums

2018-04-25

Story by Cat Badra

Maynard James Keenan discusses why he tackled a new A Perfect Circle album before Tool

New music from A Perfect Circle is due out later this month, but what about fresh tunes from frontman Maynard James Keenan’s other band, the mysterious Tool? Well, while the band has confirmed that they, indeed, are working on the next Tool album, Keenan says he decided to tackle the new A Perfect Circle record first because he saw a “window” of time.

“I had this other looming project that can’t seem to go forward, as much as I’ve tried, every magic word in the book that I tried,” Keenan told Revolver Magazine, in reference to why he decided to wrap up work on the new A Perfect Circle album right now. “It’s just no different — and worse because there’s pressure now, and what are we? (Guns N’ Roses) ‘Chinese Democracy II’ or ‘III?’ So, I saw a window.”

Keenan went on to say that when he looked at where Tool was with new music last fall, since the band wasn’t totally complete with writing the new music, he had an option to either work with Billy Howerdel on the new A Perfect Circle album or do another album with his third band, Puscifer. Since Puscifer has released much more recent music than A Perfect Circle, the choice was clear.

“It seemed like (Howerdel) was ready,” Keenan said regarding going the A Perfect Circle route. “If I were to do another Puscifer record, I’m going to get … murdered in my sleep because people are going to keep blaming that project for the delay — when it’s not (responsible).”

So, Keenan went with A Perfect Circle, and fans of that band are happy to get the band’s first full-length studio album since 2004’s “eMotive.” A Perfect Circle’s new album, “Eat the Elephant,” is out now via BMG.

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.