In spite of its record label's attempts to claim otherwise, A Perfect Circle has quite a bit in common with frontman Maynard James Keenan's other band, Tool. But then again, the two bands aren't necessarily all that much alike. However, those who were entranced by Tool's finely honed orchestrations and vast aural landscapes will love the dozen songs on Mer De Noms. On the other hand, these 12 tracks are coming from a completely different mental space--there's more wonder and less ferocity. The debate could go round and round in, well, circles, forever, but none of it should cloud the fact that this is a near-perfect heavy rock disc.
"Judith," the album's first single, is the most passionate and probably the most straightforward number. A Perfect Circle's strength is generally more complex, as shown in the slow, spectral journeys of "Magdalena" or the combination of ethereal cries and primal echoes of "Renholder." Although the quintet is quite capable of creating challenging, textured arrangements with the traditional guitar-bass-drums lineup--note "The Hollow"--the addition of strings, percussion, and/or piano gives the group an added element that Tool actually doesn't have. "3 Libras" is a downright pretty, albeit heady, number, as is the lush "Orestes."
Guitarist Billy Howerdel, who is responsible for writing the music on this disc, is a former guitar tech for Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins and--yes--Tool, and while his songs certainly sound comfortable next to any of these groups, he has created something that's at least as intriguing as anything the others do. Keenan's vocals, capable of being both powerful and fragile, are a compelling enhancement to Howerdel's music. In fact, unless Tool manages to release an LP in 2000, this may very well be the heavy album of the year.
All recordings courtesy of Virgin Records. All songs written by B. Howerdell, M.J. Keenan; courtesy of Transfixed Music/Harry Merkin Music (ASCAP).
