Maynard James Keenan Criticizes Fundamentalist Extremism, Talks About…
Maynard James Keenan recently shared some thoughts on fundamentalist extremism, politics, and the essence of Puscifer’s latest album, Normal Isn’t, during an interview on Kyle Meredith With… In contrast to the band’s previous work, which focused heavily on absurd satire, fantastical narratives, and playful humor, Keenan explained that the new album is more directly influenced by the current social climate. When the album was revealed last October, Keenan emphasized its purpose: “Normal Isn’t reflects this time we are living in… what we see around us does not appear normal. Not by a long shot.”
Despite its grounding in the issues of today, the album is not solely a political manifesto. Keenan maintains a campy persona for this round, blending humor and irony to navigate darker themes with a lighter touch. Still, he was forthright when discussing the rise of tribalism and ideological extremism, particularly fundamentalist views, expressing his disdain for them all. Remarking on these extreme factions, Keenan stated, “I’m always going to be on the side of fuck fundamentalist extremists in any way. Left, right, center—I don’t care… fundamentalist extremists can go fucking suck a bag of dicks.”
Keenan also addressed the longstanding perception of Puscifer as the “lesser” project compared to Tool or A Perfect Circle. Despite this reputation, Puscifer remains Keenan’s most prolific creative outlet. Though its complex mythology and theatrical elements may have alienated certain audience segments, Keenan defended the band’s outsider status. Referring to the track “Impetuous,” the final single from Normal Isn’t, Keenan emphasized Puscifer’s position as an underdog in the industry. He added that embracing one’s uniqueness and perceived differences is essential, affirming that it’s acceptable to deviate from societal norms. “It’s okay to not think like everybody else… If you feel like an island, then lean into it. Don’t think of it as a flaw,” said Keenan.
In conclusion, Keenan’s insights shed light on Puscifer’s evolution and the thematic depth of their latest album, Normal Isn’t, showcasing the band’s ability to blend serious subjects with a touch of humor and theatricality. Keenan’s unapologetic stance against fundamentalist extremism and his embrace of the outsider status of Puscifer highlight the band’s unique position in the musical landscape. Through this conversation, it becomes evident that Puscifer is not just an artistic outlet for Keenan but a platform to explore unconventional ideas and challenge societal norms.