Puscifer debuts music video for “Pendulum”
world burns.”
Puscifer gave fans another taste of their upcoming album, “Normal Isn’t,” by releasing the track “Pendulum” along with an intriguing video. The video not only showcased the new song but also introduced a mysterious new character to the Pusciverse, Bellendia Black. This character exudes an enigmatic presence with flowing black fabrics, pale skin resembling moonlight, black lacquered nails, and an aura of melancholic elegance.
Maynard James Keenan, reflecting on the song, shared his thoughts on how it evoked memories of the ’80s post-punk underground scene, specifically recalling the dark and moody ambiance of a nightclub in Austin, Texas. He reminisced about the atmosphere that resonated with him, even being able to almost sense the smell of clove cigarettes from that time.
Mat Mitchell and Carina Round also chimed in about the new track, highlighting its ’80s dark underground vibe and lush musical elements. Mitchell noted the use of Fairlight and reverb-soaked vocals, while Round described the song as having “gorgeous synths coiling around sweet, twisted melodies” amidst a backdrop of chaos.
Before “Pendulum,” Puscifer had teased fans with “Self Evident,” a song that garnered praise from publications like Revolver and Stereogum for its dark and gnarly sound. Critics appreciated the operatic growls of Keenan and Round on the track, noting its hypnotic and captivating nature.
The album “Normal Isn’t,” set to release on Feb. 6, was written and recorded across various locations, including Arizona, Los Angeles, and during Puscifer’s Sessanta tour. The creative process for this album aimed to blend the band’s signature dark electronics and wit with a more spontaneous approach, as co-producer Mat Mitchell shared. He emphasized the removal of constraints to make the music more aggressive and raw.
In the current societal climate, Maynard James Keenan pointed out how “Normal Isn’t” encapsulates the peculiar era in which we live. As storytellers and artists, the band aims to observe, interpret, and reflect on the world around them through their music. Keenan emphasized that the abnormality of the world around us is ripe for exploration and commentary.
“Normal Isn’t,” which is now available for pre-order, offers fans various limited-edition vinyl variants and can be purchased in CD, cassette, and digital formats. Additionally, Puscifer has announced their North American tour dates starting in March, with stops at iconic venues like New York’s Terminal 5, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Fans can secure tickets and VIP packages on Puscifer’s official website.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Normal Isn’t” and Puscifer’s upcoming tour, the band continues to pique interest with their dark and ethereal sounds, promising a unique musical experience for devoted listeners.