Carina Round

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: PUSCIFER- NORMAL ISN’T

The evolution of a side project into a full fledged band is quite something to witness. As I’ve stated in other articles pertaining to Puscifer, what started out as a side project and tongue in cheek has truly blossomed into a band. Normal Isn’t, their latest offering and fifth studio album, is truly a remarkable record. It’s also the first album of theirs that I’ve truly been excited about. What Maynard James Keenan, Carina Round and Mat Mitchell have composed and created with Normal Isn’t feels visceral and direct.

Normal Isn’t is an album that evokes as much emotion as it does thought. Lyrically throughout, the themes of the songs illuminate different concepts be it political, sociological, or psychological. Musically, the way the post-punk elements are the foundation thus making all the other parts be it the electronics, guitars, bass and drums stand out on their own merit. It’s interesting to listen and feel the inspiration of other bands be it Nine Inch Nails and Killing Joke to something more in the electronic realm. The dark undertones contrast really well against the glistening of the vocals. Carina and Maynard have really found a stride on this album both solo and together that feels more uplifting than haunting.

The songs themselves are captivating and compelling. As much fun as it would be to go into each song, it’s better to just listen without any preconceived notions. There are though, certain songs here that need to be highlighted without giving anything away. As of this review and writing, “A Public Stoning” is my favorite song here. The epic nature of this one along with all the intensity is truly remarkable. And to have a song like this smack dab in the middle, what a treat! Then you get into “The Quiet Parts” and it’s sprawling yet melodic aspects make that one/two punch repeatable. I do find myself gravitating to the back half of this album more. There’s an eclecticism to this album that is rich in its delivery and pseudo-minimalism.

Puscifer has produced quite possibly their best album yet. This is their most meticulously put together album that stays cohesive throughout. There is still all the artistic aspects of the root of the project but, everything that is here is in service of the song. The end result of Normal Isn’t shows that this “project” is now a full fledged band that has found it’s stride. Seriously, this album is one of the best of 2026 (and it’s only February 06) and I’m here for it all!

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Puscifer- Normal Isn’t:

ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: PUSCIFER- NORMAL ISN’T

Over the course of the last few years Puscifer has become more than a side project. In fact, I’m actually glad that it has evolved further past that aspect and into it’s own entity. While it started as a sort of tongue in cheek project, the lyrical urgency of the last album and into the latest, Normal Isn’t, shows Puscifer is more than what the surface shows. The new album, Normal Isn’t, already is emitting sweet post-punk, alternative rock and electro energy. The first single “Self Evident” strikes quite the topical nerve lyrically. Then the second “Pendulum” really ignites the post-punk fire. And the latest “ImpetuoUs” has a way about it that sways into the Nine Inch Nails realm. Which is fine by me. It does have me wondering if there is any subconscious Tapeworm memories that crept in. Just a theory. I’m quite looking forward to this new album and where else it goes. Normal Isn’t sure hits the world and officially arrives on February 06, 2026 via Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings with a full North American tour to follow!

Self Evident:

Pendulum:

ImpetuoUs: