Maynard James Keenan has by no means been one to mince phrases, and in a latest 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 document is extra immediately formed by the second we’re residing 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 a protracted 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 manner. 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 venture in comparison with Software or A Excellent Circle. Regardless of being his most prolific inventive outlet, Puscifer‘s dense mythology, characters, and theatrical framing have typically alienated elements of his broader viewers.
Discussing the observe “Impetuous,” the ultimate single from Regular Is not, Keenan framed the band’s outsider standing as a energy: “Puscifer‘s positively been marginalized and relegated to the third aspect venture 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 tune embraces the concept of being completely different — and being comfy with that distinction: “It is okay to not suppose like all people else… In case you really feel like an island, then lean into it. Do not consider it as a flaw.”
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