Maynard James Keenan has by no means been one to mince phrases, and in a current interview on Kyle Meredith With…, the Puscifer frontman spoke candidly about politics, extremism, and the mindset behind Puscifer‘s new album, Regular Is not.
Whereas a lot of Puscifer‘s previous catalog leaned closely into absurdist satire, theatrical lore, and tongue-in-cheek humor, Keenan says the brand new report is extra straight formed by the second we’re dwelling in. When the album was introduced final October, he made its intent clear: “Regular Is not displays this time we live in… what we see round us doesn’t seem regular. Not by an extended shot.”
That does not imply the album is a blunt political manifesto. Keenan has nonetheless embraced a intentionally campy persona for this cycle, layering humor and irony over the darker themes.
However when requested concerning the rise of tribalism and ideological absolutism, he was unambiguous — particularly relating to fundamentalist extremism: “I am at all times going to be on the aspect of fuck fundamentalist extremists in any method. Left, proper, middle—I do not care… fundamentalist extremists can go fucking suck a bag of dicks. And you may quote me on that.”
Later within the dialog, Keenan additionally addressed the long-standing notion of Puscifer because the “lesser” Keenan mission in comparison with Device or A Excellent Circle. Regardless of being his most prolific inventive outlet, Puscifer‘s dense mythology, characters, and theatrical framing have usually alienated components of his broader viewers.
Discussing the monitor “Impetuous,” the ultimate single from Regular Is not, Keenan framed the band’s outsider standing as a power: “Puscifer‘s undoubtedly been marginalized and relegated to the third aspect mission class… I’ve at all times been on the aspect of the underdog. The marginalized underdog is at all times going to get my vote.”
He added that the track embraces the concept of being completely different — and being comfy with that distinction: “It is okay to not suppose like everyone else… In case you really feel like an island, then lean into it. Do not consider it as a flaw.”
Enter your data under to get a every day replace with all of our headlines and obtain The Orchard Steel e-newsletter.
