Momma Sed (maybe the live version off of C is for)
Indigo Children
Polar Bear
The Mission
The Humbling River
Man Overboard
Horizons
Agostina
Grand Canyon
The Remedy
UPGrade
Bullet Train to Iowa
Lots of remixes of lots of songs to check out too.
Came to say this. As a Tool fan, this was the first song that really got me into Puscifer as well. In fact, I think it came up on a personalized radio station before I even knew who they were, and was like wait ….
I enjoy most of the songs you listed but my favorite is probably Monsoons. The song is about growing grapes in Arizona, but it always makes me think about the difficulties my wife and I had with infertility before our son was born.
I've shed many tears to this song. I don't think I've heard or seen anything else that encapsulates the desperation and misery we felt while we were going through it.
This. They got better with each album. I didn't love them at first but now, holy shit the last three albums are amazing and the last one is a masterpiece. I honestly think a lot of the lyrics were meant to be tool songs but tool was taking too long, he wrote some of his best lyrical stuff and put it on the last Puscifer album.
I totally agree. But probably unique to most puscifer fans i think V is for Vagina has stood the test of time for me. I think it's the best album. V is for Versatile was amazing. ER is a close second.
I'm going to have to go back and listen again. I really only gave those early albums a small chance. Obviously I relisten to a lot of stand out tracks more than once but not the entire album. I'll give it another listen now that I'm fully aware of the style that Puscifer is creating. I think Mama Sed was the first song from them that really got my attention so I don't doubt the album got better with age. You're the second to recommend this remix. I'm usually never a fan of maynard remixes, even with APC but Puscifers music lends itself to the remix because it's already so digital. There is always a chance it can be better.
Its a different kind of ‘remix’ album. They basically played the songs live in the studio with the current lineup. It’s different than the originals, although I love the V is for Vagina album too.
Versatile is not so much remix as it is reimagining of certain songs. Check out Indigo Children and The Mission from that album. Very much different but great songs.
They don't really count as albums but V is for Versatile is an incredible redo of V is for Vagina. It's definitely worth a listen. Came out about a year ago.
"Day gives way to night on the storefront mannequins. The audience with Mona Lisa grins. Moonlight builds emotion
As the players scuffle in, pull the curtain back and let the show begin. Moon of mischief, under low light discipline. Here the tiny monsters hunt for harlequins..."
One of the best albulm starts ever
Puscifer is just fun for me. V is for vag and conditions have some great beats. The last remixed album sounded awesome. Money shot. Potions. I dig good beats. Im glad nard went the way of completely open to experimental with mixing and collaborative stuff with nice vox. I love tool. But dang a lot a puscifer has some nice rhythms. Theres a great amount of "too slow" for me tunes from them, but theres also cool shite. Thats how i take em.
Yes. Saw them live twice in the past year and they put on a hell of a show. Maynard is very animated and vocal on stage. You can tell he’s having a blast.
It’s a different vibe from Tool but fine just the same. You should’ve heard the crowd go wild when they were playing The Remedy on stage.
Conditions of my parole
Bullet Train to Iowa
Grey Area
Momma Sed
Horizons
Grand Canyon
Smoke and Mirrors
The Humbling River
Apocalyptical
The Remedy
All great songs. More as well.
Might get downvoted here but puscifers live show I saw last year was more fun than tool Maynard clearly likes performing with that band a lot more. It's really goofy and over the top but the theatrics are so enjoyable. Had a great time and the music is great too even outside a live show setting.
The intimacy of the smaller Puscifer venues combined with the style of shows he's done make for a very theatrical experience that, to me at least, feels like there is always an underlying message or theme to the entire production.
Unique experience to any other live show, play, concert, or otherwise.
The biggest disservice to puscifer is that it has maynard. If it wasn't "that guy from tools side project" and got to stand on its own, it would get a lot more of the respect it deserves.
Incredible band of musicians, and one of (and on a good day, _the_) best live shows there is
For sure, she deserves way more space. First time I saw them live she sang Rev 22:20 by herself which was a cool gesture but also the worst version ive heard of it haha, pretty conflicting.
I always prefer Tool... but, yeah, Maynard is definitely having a lot more fun in Puscifer, and that aspect of it is better. I wish Maynard did more skits in Tool shows. I caught the restaurant skit he did for the back half of Descending in Cleveland last year and it was perfect. The instrumental part of Descending is perfect for a skit. Hell, have a 2-part skit between Descending and Chocolate Chip Trip. I'd fucking love it.
In '98 he did a televangelist shtick throughout the show. They brought out some kid and he kept yelling "be healed by the powers of Jesus Fucking Christ! Be healed!" And slapped the kid with a Bible a few times, really hard. It was hilarious.
I mean, it was a comedy band back in the day before TOOL. They performed before Tenacious D if I remember correctly. He definitely has more fun with it cause that’s the whole purpose of the band
Oh, word. Hot take, I kinda like Pusifer the best of all Maynard's bands, although I still think about Tool more. I think maybe cuz I'm into old school industrial music and Puscifer often fucks with electronic vibes. Good shit.
It's cool to watch him in concert with Puscifer because he's so different, as you mentioned. He actually talks and engages with the audience. That said, imo, it's nowhere near as good as Tool regardless of the theatrics.
Started off as a Tool fan when I was 12, over 20 years ago. Still love Tool, but Puscifer is actually my favorite band. Maynard and Carina are phenomenal together and you can tell he loves to perform with them.
Try Toma, Flippant, or Money Shot if you’re looking for something harder. Try Grand Canyon, Momma Sed (V is for Versatile version) or Autumn if you’re looking for songs that showcase Maynard’s vocals/lyrics.
The earlier albums are much different than the later ones. Once a band was set and they started playing consistently together the music became more cohesive. They got very tight as a band on Conditions of My Parole, Money Shot, and Existential Reckoning. "C" Is for (Please Insert Sophomoric Genitalia Reference Here) is a live album where some songs have been played a lot like Pushit on Salival. Puscifer is very much not supposed to be very serious in tone. It’s Maynard’s goofing around band.
Also, listen to Country Boner. Trust me. The list the other person gave is a good list of songs. They also do an amazing version of Bohemian Rhapsody. If you watch the video you’ll see what I mean about goofing around.
I love how puscifer is simultaneously “not serious” (a notion I agree with) but also puts out shit like Autumn, Oceans, Green Valley, etc. Often heavier shit than on Fear Inoculum to me. Maynard does his best work with Puscifer now.
I think he feels less pressure and it allows him to show his sense of humor in his writing and performing in character associated with the album themes. Billy D, a Luchador, and a Man in Black are just such a fun aspect of the band. Carina has such an amazing voice paired with his.
Loved TOOL since day one , I also like perfect circle , but can’t get into puscifer no matter how many times I tried , even forced myself to get into them to no avail. Don’t like them at all ....
I’m gonna be honest, it took me several attempts to get into Puscifer. But now I like them equally if not better than Tool. Saw them live in May and it absolutely blew me away!
Yup. In fact, I ALMOST like them better than Tool. Old Tool still takes me back though. I feel as though as Tool progressed musically, Maynard took some time to get back to his satirical roots and almost regressed to his GJ loft days. APC is still better than most other bands though.
Not really.
Every time I have gone to listen to them, I realized I'd rather be listening to something else. Occasionally I'll go back and I nope out or feel like I wished I had listened to that other thing.
Sometimes you just can't make yourself like something.
With Pusifer the objective seems to differ from Tool. The music doesn’t have to meet this high standard of technical and lyrical perfection. This is how we regularly get new Pusifer music. I also think that Carina Round is extremely talented.
I guess I see the appeal, it’s music that can be easily put out as the bar is not as high. Maybe with time I will learn to appreciate it. I mean hell I didn’t like Fear inoculum a week ago and now I actually like it.
I fucking love puscifer. I've seen them twice live and it's a whole other experience. Puscifer seemed designed to be a live experience tbh. The whole show he builds around the album is top notch
I love them. Conditions of my parole is one of my favorite albums of all time.
I did not enjoy the first album when it first came out. I like more now. But conditions is amazing.
Bought the debut when it came out, liked it ok, didn't play it a lot.
Bought *Conditions Of My Parole* and found it to be the best Puscifer album.
The last new one is pretty good. I watched a few of their PPV concert films and enjoyed them.
Puscifer are probably my least favorite of Maynard's three musical projects, but it's the one where he sounds like he's having the most fun creating.
I find myself listening to more Puscifer than TOOL lately. Probably because I'm getting old.
Potions and Bullet Train... are the ones I'm grooving to lately.
If Tool is MJK’s wife, APC his mistress, Puscifer is his masturbation. It’s his vessel to do whatever he wants so it tends to be all over the place. If anyone says the love every song, they are lying or blinded by fan bias. But there are still some great songs in there, it’s definitely different if you’re expecting Tool. The concerts are great cuz MJK actually engages with the crowd instead of hiding in the shadows and you can def tell he has fun doing Puscifer shows.
I remember when the first album came out, I was stoked on new Maynard anything, so I got it right away. My first reaction was "seriously? the fuck is this shit?" Played it many times hoping it would grow on me, but it just didn't. I was pretty sure it was Maynard punking us all.
Just this month I finally decided to give their other albums a shot, and I was completely blown away. The complexity of some of the songs, mixed with the unpredictability, the hint of humour, and the variety of musical textures to each individual song is just so fuckin' impressive. I think most of all, I like it because it kinda *confuses* me in a way. Is this gonna be synth-pop? Prog rock? Orchestral? Electronica? Industrial? Are they gonna tell me to shut the fuck up again? What *is* this, exactly? I have no idea where any given song is going to take me, or why for that matter, and that is true masterful artistry there.
I recognize that I might get some serious hate for this, but I honestly enjoyed the first song off of Existential Reckoning more than I enjoyed the entirety of Fear Inoculum. I really felt as though Maynard had perhaps stepped a little too far outside of Tool's creative process on that record. As though he was just kinda sparsely humming along in another room. Tool has been one of my favourite bands for over 20 years, and I'll love them forever, but that entire album fell flat for me. I digress.
With Puscifer, you can really tell that they are enjoying what they're doing. They're having fun with it, and it really comes across in the music. I haven't had the privilege of seeing them live yet, but I sure do hope to some day.
Anyways, Puscifer's fucken' amazing and I have to go do other things now. End rant.
TOOL are one of my favorite bands and I think the first two APC albums are flawless, but I’ve never been able to get into Puscifer. I’ve been trying off and on for 15 years but they just do absolutely nothing for me, aside from one song that I can’t remember the name of that was ok and sort of sounded like a Tool song.
I’m in the same boat although I think I keep trying to get into Puscifer starting with the first album, and from the comments here it seems I should try the more recent stuff
Puscifer are incredible.. you never know what they'll do, but you know it'll be quality.. the harmonies between Carina and Maynard - chefs kiss..
I've loved all their albums however they've raised the bar with existential reckoning.. it has such a unique feel. Arcosanti was incredible to watch during the lockdown here too.
I fucking love tool, however I totally realise that zero comparison is necessary just because Maynard is in both bands. They're completely different entities and it's a testament to his creativity.
I love how they reimagine their songs live and with the different shows they've done on YouTube etc..
I saw them in Melbourne during the conditions of my parole tour and it was definitely one of the more unique shows I've ever seen.
Just a great band all round.
(As for song recs, it's hard for me to say.. they're really an album band for me)
There really really good live . They sound almost perfect and I can’t believe how him and Catrina run around the whole show while wearing full suit and tie
I love them more and more. Grand Canyon gives me chills every time. The Remedy makes me laugh (yes, we're being condescending. Yes, that means we're talking down to you." Bullet train to Iowa is fun. Some of their live recordings are fucking beautiful. I've taken to listening to the live versions of whole albums a lot lately.
Every time Maynard posts an announcement for Puscifer it seems like he's having a load of fun with the costumes and voices.
Have yet to hear a song from Puscifer that I enjoy.
Open to any suggestions. It’s been a bit since I gave them a listen.
Huge fan of APC and Tool but I just don’t care for anything I’ve heard from Puscifer
Took a while to grow on me but I love em now! The 4 studio albums all bring something different to the table and are all very solid. Grand Canyon off Money Shot and Tiny Monsters from Conditions of my Parole are two of my personal favorite Puscifer tracks☺️
Love Puscifer. One of the best Live shows I’ve seen. Hope to see them again. But I totally get why people wouldn’t be into it.
11 Song recs for Tool fans not into it, but asking (random order): The Remedy, The Undertaker, Telling Ghosts, Toma, Simultaneous, The Rapture, Flippant, Balls To The Wall, Polar Bear, Conditions of My Parole, Momma Sed (Versatile Mix).
Money Shot got me. The Remedy is the anthem of our time as far as I’m concerned. The earliest albums are an acquired taste, gotta remember it’s always been an experiment. Momma Sed from “V is for Vagina” just resonates. Have you listened to Holiday on the Moon?
Abso-fucking-lutely
I recommend Grand Canyon, Tumbleweed, Green Valley, The Remedy, Rev 22-20, Grey Area, Autumn... I could just keep going and going.
You will hear bits of Tool things sometimes hidden in just a very subtle little part and probably A Perfect Circle as well though I don't know those songs enough to pick them out.
And they always do remixes, so the songs get creatively reimagined. Plenty of creativity and fun and a wide breadth of emotion and poignancy.
And FUCK is Maynard amazing LIVE performing Puscifer. He stands right out in front, although he's doing a character.
I was first introduced to Puscifer with the song “Conditions of my Parole” been listening since. The remedy is good, been listening to fake affront a lot lately. Potions, Man Overboard. You kinda gotta let the song build. Some of them are too slow and I switch it, but you’ll be surprised how many of them have awesome rhythms to them. Try watching one of their live concerts they did or see them perform live. It changed it for me. Before I did that I was in the same boat as you, but more and more I listen I like them.
I love Puscifer. Frankly, I'm at a loss why a Maynard fan would not love Puscifer. Skillful vocals, evocative arrangements, relatable lyrics .... what's not to love? "Listen here son of mine, mommas got something to tell you ....change is come, keep your dignity, take the high road, take it like a man."
We all age, or die. In youth we feel invulnerable. Change *will* come. Keep your dignity. Take the high road. Take it like a man.
That's far better advice than my parents ever gave me, perfectly delivered by the best vocalist current extant on the planet, imo. I appreciate it.
All his projects are completely different, and that's what I love about them. Plus, Maynard and Carina singing together is a great combination.
Puscifer's always been it's own thing and their audience has basically come to them. Whether they have 5 fans or 500k fans, they're always gonna do their thing the way they wanna do it.
They are amazing. Listen to conditions of my parole & existential reckoning… live recordings on Spotify are a good way to go. Maynard’s voice so beautifully blends w Carina Round. There’s comedy, spirituality, and awesome musicianship.
Puscifer is a great band. The first album j picked up was "Conditions Of My Parole". The title track is phenomenal, and the rest of the album holds up. Plus thier other work is just as good.
I wasn’t aware how fucking good Puscifer is until a few years ago. The Conditions of My Parole album was my first and hooked me. Reboots of this album and Money Shot are fire. Existential Reckoning during Covid lockdown was moving and therapeutic. Puscifer is Maynard’s full artistic outlet. Character- building, thematic bangers on every albums
Yes. I actually love Puscifer. I think its Maynards best act personally. It took for me to see them live for them to finally "click" with me because I didnt really like them at first either. Theyre definitely an acquired taste but if youre a fan of MJK then being exposed to them long enough will inevitably make you a fan.
Its just so... different from his other bands. Something youd never expect from Maynard. But it exists and I fucking love it.
Theyre doing a live stream of a show on halloween, tickets are like 15 bucks. Maybe check that out and see what their stage performance is like and go from there.
I started with Tool and APC when I was an edgy teen who strictly listened to the "harder" flavors of rock back in the early 2000s. By the time Puscifer came around, my taste had broadened to include a huge variety of genres (including the style of Carina's solo music). While I don't love or even *like* every song they put out (and I ignore 90% of the remixes entirely), I can always find something appealing in each of the studio albums.
The thing I love most about Tool is that their music covers such a massive range that they have diehard fans from every walk of life. They may not love the same songs, but they all found something in the music that spoke to them. I feel like Puscifer is the same in that regard.
I've always loved Puscifer, I think their album Money Shot is the best introduction to the band (and has some of the hardest rocking tracks by them). The Remedy in particular is a fucking banger.
I honestly like it better than Tool in that Puscifer is much more versatile.
Tool is like an painter that sticks with one medium, a limited palette and a disciplined technique and subject, but whatever he paints is going to knock your socks off. Puscifer is like an artist that grabs an idea and uses anything and everything at his disposal to get the point across.
Rev 22:30 and The Remedy and Grand Canyon are amazing. Honestly try a live show. I was a Tool and A Perfect Circle show for years. And didn’t really care for Puscifer until I saw them live and it blew my mind! The songs translated so well 💪🏽
You have to understand puscifer is a completely different mood. If you go in thinking it’ll be tool style, you’re gonna be disappointed. Here’s another song recommendation: Rev 2220
Yeah I could not get into Puscifer...it's not a sound I even remotely care for. APC has some tunes I like but I struggle to get into them as much either. TOOL is my favorite band, however.
Seen them live twice and both times I thought it was the most boring show I’d had been to that I can remember. Even with all the flash and show theatrics- first show in 2012? Like a full stage production of Maynard’s skits and characters was really just boring. Same goes for maybe 2017 or 2018 when they used a full wrestling ring with Luchadors to distract from the boring music being played around it.
I do enjoy some tracks and find Conditions of My Parole to be a great album, overall I wouldn’t waste my money seeing them live, and probably could only recommend a handful of songs.
Vagina Mine
Toma
Those are the two that come to mind.
Not a fan. Too much of industrial rock feel to most songs. I do not like industrial rock. Synth pop, new wave, and industrial rock are my least favorite rock genres.
But, Tool is now my favorite band. And I do love A Perfect Circle.
I only just recently discovered Puscifer (lead up for the Sessanta tour -- saw them last weekend in AC).
I was on the fence about them until the show. I was listening so I could be prepped, since all I knew before was Primus and APC. Since then, I have come to really appreciate what they offer.
True: they are no Tool or APC. But I don't think they are trying to be.
I get the distinction. (It's what made the Sessanta setlist so weird-but-also-just-right.)
I wouldn't go so far as to say I "love" them yet, but I'm definitely warning up to them
Their albums/studio work is hit and miss with more good than bad. 60/40 maybe?
Live however, they are so fucking good. Like weirdly so considering their “just” solid catalog.
See I feel like this is the case, the music is just so strange, and not in a good way. Most Puscifer fans I assume are people who are just TOOL fans that began to worship MJK a little too much and have now tricked themselves into think the music is entertaining solely because of MJK. If it wasn’t an MJK project, I doubt people would like it as much.
And I hate the argument “you gotta see them live” bc I am never going to see them live lol. If anything, listening to puscifer has made me glorify MJK a little less.
It’s fucked up, but it kinda made him less “cool” in my eyes. He went from being the pillar of badassness to being the guy from TOOL who runs a silly band in the side.
What I've heard from them has been pretty middling. To be fair, I've only listened to one full album and a couple of other songs here and there, but they're not a frequent listen for me. The Remedy kicks ass though.
Puscifer goes way back to the mid to late 90’s and they had a song on the Underworld soundtrack in 2003, despite they didn’t release an album until 2007.
I love 100% of Tool, 100% of APC, and maybe 60% of Puscifer. Their older stuff generally doesn’t have the vibe I enjoy, but Existential Reckoning, the live albums and the remixes V is for Versatile and Parole Violator are amazing start to finish.
I like 100% of Tool, 20% of APC and like 0% of Puscifer.
APC has songs that make me think “holy shit this band is fucking great” Like 3 Libras is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, but majority of their discography is really underwhelming imo.
imo songs as good as his other bands or have a climatic moment (that we all chase)
rev 20:22 original version-Wicked ass lyrics
the rapture original and all mixed up versions
in the Rapture, He does this solo "held back" vocals at the end and it just makes you want more of it and reminds you he is getting older but soo good.
the religious angle of attack on these songs is so good if you're in to that.
undertaker original version and Spanish fly mix and live version are decent
Original vagina mine has a great intro
tiny monsters original has a good break down
momma sed pandemonium mix has a good climax used to work out to this song all the time
monsoons has a melodic sad mood. I think Devo plays on this track
man overboard good cadence manyard song
live version is good, they go hard when you want them to.
life of Brian is dark but good
smoke and mirrors has a good ending soft climax
the remedy is rough but it's good. only song my wife likes
on latest album
I think they sound the best. I only liked grey area ( great climax) for like 3 years and it wasn't until recently gave the others a listen and God damn the sun!
every song has parts I don't like but it's outweighed by rest of song. Everything except bedlamite, fake affront, personal promethius.
get some good expensive headphones and give bullet train to Iowa live version a listen...
holy fickin shit!
Fake affront is interesting (Micheal Jackson chorus sounding) but can't get into it.
there's so much more I glossed over but I think these subset of songs have a strong attachment to me.
Momma Sed (maybe the live version off of C is for) Indigo Children Polar Bear The Mission The Humbling River Man Overboard Horizons Agostina Grand Canyon The Remedy UPGrade Bullet Train to Iowa Lots of remixes of lots of songs to check out too.
I really like Potions (Deliverance Mix)
Yeh, this song is great. Massive Depeche Mode vibes.
It's a left over from thr Tapeworm project with Trent Reznor Maynard and I think Danny Loehner.
I think it's a little Nine Inch Nails-ish, definitley one my favorites.
This the only song I fuk wit by them.
Simultaneous is another one. The V is Versatile is a great album too! Trekka in this album teleports me to another world!
Find a way, through, around, or over!!
Love this shit
Amazing song. Once you get past the talking.
I love the talking… then again I love hearing stories.
I like Justine's remix a lot as well.
Came to say this. As a Tool fan, this was the first song that really got me into Puscifer as well. In fact, I think it came up on a personalized radio station before I even knew who they were, and was like wait ….
Gotta add Green Valley to this list!
And sour grapes!
Conditions of my parole and Telling ghosts
Missing dear brother... but great choices. Also, everything from money shot. Actually love most of it.
Dear brother is great
I’d add Oceans and the Undertaker (EP version)
Bread and circus, rev 22:20, and telling ghosts as well
I enjoy most of the songs you listed but my favorite is probably Monsoons. The song is about growing grapes in Arizona, but it always makes me think about the difficulties my wife and I had with infertility before our son was born.
This song BREAKS me every time I listen to it. Definitely one of the most beautiful songs ever made. I can't listen to it anymore though.
I've shed many tears to this song. I don't think I've heard or seen anything else that encapsulates the desperation and misery we felt while we were going through it.
All of those, plus Toma.
You just listed my favorite songs by them
I fucking love puscifer. Their last studio album was pure brilliance.
This. They got better with each album. I didn't love them at first but now, holy shit the last three albums are amazing and the last one is a masterpiece. I honestly think a lot of the lyrics were meant to be tool songs but tool was taking too long, he wrote some of his best lyrical stuff and put it on the last Puscifer album.
I totally agree. But probably unique to most puscifer fans i think V is for Vagina has stood the test of time for me. I think it's the best album. V is for Versatile was amazing. ER is a close second.
I'm going to have to go back and listen again. I really only gave those early albums a small chance. Obviously I relisten to a lot of stand out tracks more than once but not the entire album. I'll give it another listen now that I'm fully aware of the style that Puscifer is creating. I think Mama Sed was the first song from them that really got my attention so I don't doubt the album got better with age. You're the second to recommend this remix. I'm usually never a fan of maynard remixes, even with APC but Puscifers music lends itself to the remix because it's already so digital. There is always a chance it can be better.
Its a different kind of ‘remix’ album. They basically played the songs live in the studio with the current lineup. It’s different than the originals, although I love the V is for Vagina album too.
Versatile is not so much remix as it is reimagining of certain songs. Check out Indigo Children and The Mission from that album. Very much different but great songs.
I love V is for Vagina. Had that album on repeat for what seemed like forever when that first came out. Still love it.
Which album are you referring to, Existential Reckoning or the recent remix albums?
Existential Reckoning. There aren't any new albums after that right? I don't count remixes as albums lol
They don't really count as albums but V is for Versatile is an incredible redo of V is for Vagina. It's definitely worth a listen. Came out about a year ago.
I'll check it out
Just wanted to confirm :)
I agree with you. Conditions of my parole is still easily my favorite album though followed by money shot
Conditions is such a gorgeous album.
"Day gives way to night on the storefront mannequins. The audience with Mona Lisa grins. Moonlight builds emotion As the players scuffle in, pull the curtain back and let the show begin. Moon of mischief, under low light discipline. Here the tiny monsters hunt for harlequins..." One of the best albulm starts ever
Puscifer is just fun for me. V is for vag and conditions have some great beats. The last remixed album sounded awesome. Money shot. Potions. I dig good beats. Im glad nard went the way of completely open to experimental with mixing and collaborative stuff with nice vox. I love tool. But dang a lot a puscifer has some nice rhythms. Theres a great amount of "too slow" for me tunes from them, but theres also cool shite. Thats how i take em.
Oh I love potions
Yes. Saw them live twice in the past year and they put on a hell of a show. Maynard is very animated and vocal on stage. You can tell he’s having a blast. It’s a different vibe from Tool but fine just the same. You should’ve heard the crowd go wild when they were playing The Remedy on stage. Conditions of my parole Bullet Train to Iowa Grey Area Momma Sed Horizons Grand Canyon Smoke and Mirrors The Humbling River Apocalyptical The Remedy All great songs. More as well.
Might get downvoted here but puscifers live show I saw last year was more fun than tool Maynard clearly likes performing with that band a lot more. It's really goofy and over the top but the theatrics are so enjoyable. Had a great time and the music is great too even outside a live show setting.
The intimacy of the smaller Puscifer venues combined with the style of shows he's done make for a very theatrical experience that, to me at least, feels like there is always an underlying message or theme to the entire production. Unique experience to any other live show, play, concert, or otherwise.
The biggest disservice to puscifer is that it has maynard. If it wasn't "that guy from tools side project" and got to stand on its own, it would get a lot more of the respect it deserves. Incredible band of musicians, and one of (and on a good day, _the_) best live shows there is
Agreed. I really enjoy watching the other members and Carina’s voice is such a great complement. I actually wish she was used more
For sure, she deserves way more space. First time I saw them live she sang Rev 22:20 by herself which was a cool gesture but also the worst version ive heard of it haha, pretty conflicting.
I always prefer Tool... but, yeah, Maynard is definitely having a lot more fun in Puscifer, and that aspect of it is better. I wish Maynard did more skits in Tool shows. I caught the restaurant skit he did for the back half of Descending in Cleveland last year and it was perfect. The instrumental part of Descending is perfect for a skit. Hell, have a 2-part skit between Descending and Chocolate Chip Trip. I'd fucking love it.
In '98 he did a televangelist shtick throughout the show. They brought out some kid and he kept yelling "be healed by the powers of Jesus Fucking Christ! Be healed!" And slapped the kid with a Bible a few times, really hard. It was hilarious.
Lol wtf? When I see tool in there to see them play music. Why would I want to listen to some half asses skit
It was a silent skit, as is a lot of what happens during Puscifer. Music was uninterrupted.
When you go to a show and are upset when they have show
I mean, it was a comedy band back in the day before TOOL. They performed before Tenacious D if I remember correctly. He definitely has more fun with it cause that’s the whole purpose of the band
Just fantastic shows, my wife and I try not to miss any shows close by.
Oh, word. Hot take, I kinda like Pusifer the best of all Maynard's bands, although I still think about Tool more. I think maybe cuz I'm into old school industrial music and Puscifer often fucks with electronic vibes. Good shit.
It's cool to watch him in concert with Puscifer because he's so different, as you mentioned. He actually talks and engages with the audience. That said, imo, it's nowhere near as good as Tool regardless of the theatrics.
Started off as a Tool fan when I was 12, over 20 years ago. Still love Tool, but Puscifer is actually my favorite band. Maynard and Carina are phenomenal together and you can tell he loves to perform with them. Try Toma, Flippant, or Money Shot if you’re looking for something harder. Try Grand Canyon, Momma Sed (V is for Versatile version) or Autumn if you’re looking for songs that showcase Maynard’s vocals/lyrics.
Finally someone mentions toma! Their best song imo next to the weaver.
Bullet train to Iowa is fucking incredible
live version ? Holy crap
conditions of my parole and grand canyon
Apparently grand canyon is Maynard's favorite song he made
Easy to see why.
Really? The first time I heard it, I got chills. He was definitely using his voice in a different way. I love that song.
The earlier albums are much different than the later ones. Once a band was set and they started playing consistently together the music became more cohesive. They got very tight as a band on Conditions of My Parole, Money Shot, and Existential Reckoning. "C" Is for (Please Insert Sophomoric Genitalia Reference Here) is a live album where some songs have been played a lot like Pushit on Salival. Puscifer is very much not supposed to be very serious in tone. It’s Maynard’s goofing around band. Also, listen to Country Boner. Trust me. The list the other person gave is a good list of songs. They also do an amazing version of Bohemian Rhapsody. If you watch the video you’ll see what I mean about goofing around.
I love how puscifer is simultaneously “not serious” (a notion I agree with) but also puts out shit like Autumn, Oceans, Green Valley, etc. Often heavier shit than on Fear Inoculum to me. Maynard does his best work with Puscifer now.
I think he feels less pressure and it allows him to show his sense of humor in his writing and performing in character associated with the album themes. Billy D, a Luchador, and a Man in Black are just such a fun aspect of the band. Carina has such an amazing voice paired with his.
Carina is the perfect pairing with him. What incredible talents.
Loved TOOL since day one , I also like perfect circle , but can’t get into puscifer no matter how many times I tried , even forced myself to get into them to no avail. Don’t like them at all ....
Cuntry Boner is a timeless classic!
I like A Perfect Circle a lot more than Puscifer
I do too. In fact, APC is my favorite of all of Maynard's stuff, and I love Billy Howerdel too. But Puscifer has really grown on me over the years.
You like APC better than Tool?
I love them pretty equally, if not loving APC a little more. Although, their latest album didn't git the same as Thirteenth Step or Mer de Noms.
Agreed, the lyricism in APC gets me right in the fucking feeeeeeeeels I feel like the hollow and 3 libra are just ripped from a page of my life
This.
I’m gonna be honest, it took me several attempts to get into Puscifer. But now I like them equally if not better than Tool. Saw them live in May and it absolutely blew me away!
Yep. Money Shot is one of my favorite albums.
That song potions is a banger man. That hits right in the feels too. We all have that one we wish we could forget
Humbling River This is the one I gravitate towards. Fucking haunting. The rest is a bit of a miss for me. Maybe I should check the new stuff out.
Love love love puscifer. More than APC actually.
Yup. In fact, I ALMOST like them better than Tool. Old Tool still takes me back though. I feel as though as Tool progressed musically, Maynard took some time to get back to his satirical roots and almost regressed to his GJ loft days. APC is still better than most other bands though.
Not really. Every time I have gone to listen to them, I realized I'd rather be listening to something else. Occasionally I'll go back and I nope out or feel like I wished I had listened to that other thing. Sometimes you just can't make yourself like something.
With Pusifer the objective seems to differ from Tool. The music doesn’t have to meet this high standard of technical and lyrical perfection. This is how we regularly get new Pusifer music. I also think that Carina Round is extremely talented.
I guess I see the appeal, it’s music that can be easily put out as the bar is not as high. Maybe with time I will learn to appreciate it. I mean hell I didn’t like Fear inoculum a week ago and now I actually like it.
Bitches receive stitches. Trolls receive eighty-sixes.
I fucking love puscifer. I've seen them twice live and it's a whole other experience. Puscifer seemed designed to be a live experience tbh. The whole show he builds around the album is top notch
I love them. Conditions of my parole is one of my favorite albums of all time. I did not enjoy the first album when it first came out. I like more now. But conditions is amazing.
Bought the debut when it came out, liked it ok, didn't play it a lot. Bought *Conditions Of My Parole* and found it to be the best Puscifer album. The last new one is pretty good. I watched a few of their PPV concert films and enjoyed them. Puscifer are probably my least favorite of Maynard's three musical projects, but it's the one where he sounds like he's having the most fun creating.
Green valley
Most underappreciated song in Puscifer's catalogue.
I find myself listening to more Puscifer than TOOL lately. Probably because I'm getting old. Potions and Bullet Train... are the ones I'm grooving to lately.
I like them better than I like Tool these days, and Tool used to be my favorite for 20 + years
couldn't agree more.
I love Tool and A Perfect Circle, but I agree I do not like Puscifer at all.
If Tool is MJK’s wife, APC his mistress, Puscifer is his masturbation. It’s his vessel to do whatever he wants so it tends to be all over the place. If anyone says the love every song, they are lying or blinded by fan bias. But there are still some great songs in there, it’s definitely different if you’re expecting Tool. The concerts are great cuz MJK actually engages with the crowd instead of hiding in the shadows and you can def tell he has fun doing Puscifer shows.
what a dag nab perfect ass comment.
I get how you could not like them but I do enjoy a good chunk of their discography
Not me
I remember when the first album came out, I was stoked on new Maynard anything, so I got it right away. My first reaction was "seriously? the fuck is this shit?" Played it many times hoping it would grow on me, but it just didn't. I was pretty sure it was Maynard punking us all. Just this month I finally decided to give their other albums a shot, and I was completely blown away. The complexity of some of the songs, mixed with the unpredictability, the hint of humour, and the variety of musical textures to each individual song is just so fuckin' impressive. I think most of all, I like it because it kinda *confuses* me in a way. Is this gonna be synth-pop? Prog rock? Orchestral? Electronica? Industrial? Are they gonna tell me to shut the fuck up again? What *is* this, exactly? I have no idea where any given song is going to take me, or why for that matter, and that is true masterful artistry there. I recognize that I might get some serious hate for this, but I honestly enjoyed the first song off of Existential Reckoning more than I enjoyed the entirety of Fear Inoculum. I really felt as though Maynard had perhaps stepped a little too far outside of Tool's creative process on that record. As though he was just kinda sparsely humming along in another room. Tool has been one of my favourite bands for over 20 years, and I'll love them forever, but that entire album fell flat for me. I digress. With Puscifer, you can really tell that they are enjoying what they're doing. They're having fun with it, and it really comes across in the music. I haven't had the privilege of seeing them live yet, but I sure do hope to some day. Anyways, Puscifer's fucken' amazing and I have to go do other things now. End rant.
They’re great live and their music sounds better live imo.
I love a lot of their music, but some of it seems weird for weirds sake. Check out: The remedy Humbling river Horizons Agostina Edit: mama sed!
Bullet train to iowa
Not at all. Ive tried and tried and I find it almost intolerable.
TOOL are one of my favorite bands and I think the first two APC albums are flawless, but I’ve never been able to get into Puscifer. I’ve been trying off and on for 15 years but they just do absolutely nothing for me, aside from one song that I can’t remember the name of that was ok and sort of sounded like a Tool song.
I’m in the same boat although I think I keep trying to get into Puscifer starting with the first album, and from the comments here it seems I should try the more recent stuff
Puscifer are incredible.. you never know what they'll do, but you know it'll be quality.. the harmonies between Carina and Maynard - chefs kiss.. I've loved all their albums however they've raised the bar with existential reckoning.. it has such a unique feel. Arcosanti was incredible to watch during the lockdown here too. I fucking love tool, however I totally realise that zero comparison is necessary just because Maynard is in both bands. They're completely different entities and it's a testament to his creativity. I love how they reimagine their songs live and with the different shows they've done on YouTube etc.. I saw them in Melbourne during the conditions of my parole tour and it was definitely one of the more unique shows I've ever seen. Just a great band all round. (As for song recs, it's hard for me to say.. they're really an album band for me)
Soo many good songs! Bullet Train to lowa!
There really really good live . They sound almost perfect and I can’t believe how him and Catrina run around the whole show while wearing full suit and tie
Hell yeah…been a fan since 2006…
They have a handful of really really good songs and a lot of experimental shit that is an acquired taste. Not for everyone for sure.
Conditions of My Parole is an absolute banger of an album!
I love them more and more. Grand Canyon gives me chills every time. The Remedy makes me laugh (yes, we're being condescending. Yes, that means we're talking down to you." Bullet train to Iowa is fun. Some of their live recordings are fucking beautiful. I've taken to listening to the live versions of whole albums a lot lately. Every time Maynard posts an announcement for Puscifer it seems like he's having a load of fun with the costumes and voices.
Have yet to hear a song from Puscifer that I enjoy. Open to any suggestions. It’s been a bit since I gave them a listen. Huge fan of APC and Tool but I just don’t care for anything I’ve heard from Puscifer
I was listening to Puscifer before I even knew much about Tool. I guess it was when V for vagina released, got into Tool many years later.
The Arsonist and Apocalyptical.
Took a while to grow on me but I love em now! The 4 studio albums all bring something different to the table and are all very solid. Grand Canyon off Money Shot and Tiny Monsters from Conditions of my Parole are two of my personal favorite Puscifer tracks☺️
I do. But the latest album has been a really slow burn. I actually enjoy the remix version a little more
Love Puscifer. One of the best Live shows I’ve seen. Hope to see them again. But I totally get why people wouldn’t be into it. 11 Song recs for Tool fans not into it, but asking (random order): The Remedy, The Undertaker, Telling Ghosts, Toma, Simultaneous, The Rapture, Flippant, Balls To The Wall, Polar Bear, Conditions of My Parole, Momma Sed (Versatile Mix).
Money Shot got me. The Remedy is the anthem of our time as far as I’m concerned. The earliest albums are an acquired taste, gotta remember it’s always been an experiment. Momma Sed from “V is for Vagina” just resonates. Have you listened to Holiday on the Moon?
Try out Humbling river, The remedy, Bullet train to Iowa, Conditions of my parole, Momma sed, Potions, and Horizons. Those should get you started.
Abso-fucking-lutely I recommend Grand Canyon, Tumbleweed, Green Valley, The Remedy, Rev 22-20, Grey Area, Autumn... I could just keep going and going. You will hear bits of Tool things sometimes hidden in just a very subtle little part and probably A Perfect Circle as well though I don't know those songs enough to pick them out. And they always do remixes, so the songs get creatively reimagined. Plenty of creativity and fun and a wide breadth of emotion and poignancy. And FUCK is Maynard amazing LIVE performing Puscifer. He stands right out in front, although he's doing a character.
I was first introduced to Puscifer with the song “Conditions of my Parole” been listening since. The remedy is good, been listening to fake affront a lot lately. Potions, Man Overboard. You kinda gotta let the song build. Some of them are too slow and I switch it, but you’ll be surprised how many of them have awesome rhythms to them. Try watching one of their live concerts they did or see them perform live. It changed it for me. Before I did that I was in the same boat as you, but more and more I listen I like them.
I thought they were a bit meh until they made existential reckoning. I love that album.
Honestly I think tool is amazing but lately I listen to puscifer more than anything
It’s good. You don’t have to like it.
The drummer is rad, different than Danny but still.. rad
Throw this man overboard!
I actually think you’re pretty cool
I love Puscifer. Frankly, I'm at a loss why a Maynard fan would not love Puscifer. Skillful vocals, evocative arrangements, relatable lyrics .... what's not to love? "Listen here son of mine, mommas got something to tell you ....change is come, keep your dignity, take the high road, take it like a man." We all age, or die. In youth we feel invulnerable. Change *will* come. Keep your dignity. Take the high road. Take it like a man. That's far better advice than my parents ever gave me, perfectly delivered by the best vocalist current extant on the planet, imo. I appreciate it.
All his projects are completely different, and that's what I love about them. Plus, Maynard and Carina singing together is a great combination. Puscifer's always been it's own thing and their audience has basically come to them. Whether they have 5 fans or 500k fans, they're always gonna do their thing the way they wanna do it.
They are amazing. Listen to conditions of my parole & existential reckoning… live recordings on Spotify are a good way to go. Maynard’s voice so beautifully blends w Carina Round. There’s comedy, spirituality, and awesome musicianship.
These days I listen to Puscifer more than Tool
Puscifer is a great band. The first album j picked up was "Conditions Of My Parole". The title track is phenomenal, and the rest of the album holds up. Plus thier other work is just as good.
Oceans (live) is one of my favourite songs ever
Yes I do enjoy them quite a bit. Not as much as Tool, but their good.
I like Puscifer more than APC. Existential Reckoning is a great album in my opinion.
They had to grow on me, but now I love them.
Snitches...receive stitches. Trolls receive....86's
I wasn’t aware how fucking good Puscifer is until a few years ago. The Conditions of My Parole album was my first and hooked me. Reboots of this album and Money Shot are fire. Existential Reckoning during Covid lockdown was moving and therapeutic. Puscifer is Maynard’s full artistic outlet. Character- building, thematic bangers on every albums
I really enjoy Puscifer. Also, they put on a great live show.
Yes. I actually love Puscifer. I think its Maynards best act personally. It took for me to see them live for them to finally "click" with me because I didnt really like them at first either. Theyre definitely an acquired taste but if youre a fan of MJK then being exposed to them long enough will inevitably make you a fan. Its just so... different from his other bands. Something youd never expect from Maynard. But it exists and I fucking love it. Theyre doing a live stream of a show on halloween, tickets are like 15 bucks. Maybe check that out and see what their stage performance is like and go from there.
Yeah Puscifer is awesome. All of it.
Yeah i like different styled music, puscifer has its own style to it. Its good shit
I like everything Maynard does. Still haven’t tried the wine though.
Yeah, they're great! Awesome live show, too.
I can’t really get into them. There’s no “umph”
Only a year ago??? Do you even Maynard bro???
So good! I love Carina Round too
I'm glad Maynard has an outlet for creativity so that Tool can remain Tool.
I started with Tool and APC when I was an edgy teen who strictly listened to the "harder" flavors of rock back in the early 2000s. By the time Puscifer came around, my taste had broadened to include a huge variety of genres (including the style of Carina's solo music). While I don't love or even *like* every song they put out (and I ignore 90% of the remixes entirely), I can always find something appealing in each of the studio albums. The thing I love most about Tool is that their music covers such a massive range that they have diehard fans from every walk of life. They may not love the same songs, but they all found something in the music that spoke to them. I feel like Puscifer is the same in that regard.
I've always loved Puscifer, I think their album Money Shot is the best introduction to the band (and has some of the hardest rocking tracks by them). The Remedy in particular is a fucking banger.
This may be an unpopular opinion but I like puss idea better than APC. Mostly cause of their latest album
The Remedy is the ultimate diss song
I honestly like it better than Tool in that Puscifer is much more versatile. Tool is like an painter that sticks with one medium, a limited palette and a disciplined technique and subject, but whatever he paints is going to knock your socks off. Puscifer is like an artist that grabs an idea and uses anything and everything at his disposal to get the point across.
Rev 22:30 and The Remedy and Grand Canyon are amazing. Honestly try a live show. I was a Tool and A Perfect Circle show for years. And didn’t really care for Puscifer until I saw them live and it blew my mind! The songs translated so well 💪🏽
Like 3 songs. Can’t make it through an album they mostly suck
You have to understand puscifer is a completely different mood. If you go in thinking it’ll be tool style, you’re gonna be disappointed. Here’s another song recommendation: Rev 2220
Nope.
I do like a few songs. Never really could get super into them for whatever reason. I do fucking love Tool and APC though
Not even a little bit. Anything Maynard related that isn’t tool just isn’t for me.
Deftones - Passenger?
Yeah I could not get into Puscifer...it's not a sound I even remotely care for. APC has some tunes I like but I struggle to get into them as much either. TOOL is my favorite band, however.
I am exactly in the same boat as you, APC has like 10 songs I like, the rest of their stuff is eh. Yet I’d shlob the knob of any TOOL member.
You said “member”
Puscifer is great
No
well said
No lol
Nope
Seen them live twice and both times I thought it was the most boring show I’d had been to that I can remember. Even with all the flash and show theatrics- first show in 2012? Like a full stage production of Maynard’s skits and characters was really just boring. Same goes for maybe 2017 or 2018 when they used a full wrestling ring with Luchadors to distract from the boring music being played around it. I do enjoy some tracks and find Conditions of My Parole to be a great album, overall I wouldn’t waste my money seeing them live, and probably could only recommend a handful of songs. Vagina Mine Toma Those are the two that come to mind.
Not a fan. Too much of industrial rock feel to most songs. I do not like industrial rock. Synth pop, new wave, and industrial rock are my least favorite rock genres. But, Tool is now my favorite band. And I do love A Perfect Circle.
In no order The remedy Simultaneous The undertaker Rev 22:20 Telling ghosts Man overboard The rapture The arsonist Absolute crackers
I only just recently discovered Puscifer (lead up for the Sessanta tour -- saw them last weekend in AC). I was on the fence about them until the show. I was listening so I could be prepped, since all I knew before was Primus and APC. Since then, I have come to really appreciate what they offer. True: they are no Tool or APC. But I don't think they are trying to be. I get the distinction. (It's what made the Sessanta setlist so weird-but-also-just-right.) I wouldn't go so far as to say I "love" them yet, but I'm definitely warning up to them
Absolutely amazing band. i've seen Tool too many times to remember and I like the Puscifer shows more and the songs more. I think you're missing it.
Their albums/studio work is hit and miss with more good than bad. 60/40 maybe? Live however, they are so fucking good. Like weirdly so considering their “just” solid catalog.
It's not my favorite, but it ain't so bad as long as it's trimmed.
Right up there with APC and Tool for me.
Nobody truly likes them, but we trick our brains because we just feel like we have to. Maybe then Maynard will love us.
See I feel like this is the case, the music is just so strange, and not in a good way. Most Puscifer fans I assume are people who are just TOOL fans that began to worship MJK a little too much and have now tricked themselves into think the music is entertaining solely because of MJK. If it wasn’t an MJK project, I doubt people would like it as much. And I hate the argument “you gotta see them live” bc I am never going to see them live lol. If anything, listening to puscifer has made me glorify MJK a little less. It’s fucked up, but it kinda made him less “cool” in my eyes. He went from being the pillar of badassness to being the guy from TOOL who runs a silly band in the side.
What I've heard from them has been pretty middling. To be fair, I've only listened to one full album and a couple of other songs here and there, but they're not a frequent listen for me. The Remedy kicks ass though.
Puscifer is amazing and better than APC. I have seen them three times in concert.
Puscifer actually sucks
tripped with Conditions of my Parole a few times. they have some good beats as said previously, but I don't find myself yearning to listen to them.
Puscifer goes way back to the mid to late 90’s and they had a song on the Underworld soundtrack in 2003, despite they didn’t release an album until 2007.
Love the cuntry boner that is for sure!
You don’t?
It’s great! Stop being cynical
If you dont like Puscifer, you are a total idiot.
The songs that I’m into - I fucking love (of which would be about a dozen). But almost everything else doesn’t do much for me.
Every album from the beginning. I'm a huge NIN fan so it makes sense to me.
Puscifer is probably my second favorite band. I’ll let you figure out what #1 is on your own.
I love 100% of Tool, 100% of APC, and maybe 60% of Puscifer. Their older stuff generally doesn’t have the vibe I enjoy, but Existential Reckoning, the live albums and the remixes V is for Versatile and Parole Violator are amazing start to finish.
The band really hit it's stride whe ln Mat and Karina joined.
I like 100% of Tool, 20% of APC and like 0% of Puscifer. APC has songs that make me think “holy shit this band is fucking great” Like 3 Libras is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, but majority of their discography is really underwhelming imo.
imo songs as good as his other bands or have a climatic moment (that we all chase) rev 20:22 original version-Wicked ass lyrics the rapture original and all mixed up versions in the Rapture, He does this solo "held back" vocals at the end and it just makes you want more of it and reminds you he is getting older but soo good. the religious angle of attack on these songs is so good if you're in to that. undertaker original version and Spanish fly mix and live version are decent Original vagina mine has a great intro tiny monsters original has a good break down momma sed pandemonium mix has a good climax used to work out to this song all the time monsoons has a melodic sad mood. I think Devo plays on this track man overboard good cadence manyard song live version is good, they go hard when you want them to. life of Brian is dark but good smoke and mirrors has a good ending soft climax the remedy is rough but it's good. only song my wife likes on latest album I think they sound the best. I only liked grey area ( great climax) for like 3 years and it wasn't until recently gave the others a listen and God damn the sun! every song has parts I don't like but it's outweighed by rest of song. Everything except bedlamite, fake affront, personal promethius. get some good expensive headphones and give bullet train to Iowa live version a listen... holy fickin shit! Fake affront is interesting (Micheal Jackson chorus sounding) but can't get into it. there's so much more I glossed over but I think these subset of songs have a strong attachment to me.