When frontman Maynard James Keenan, guitarist/producer Mat Mitchell and vocalist Carina Round got back together under the Puscifer banner, they weren’t simply revisiting old ground. They set out to re-conquer it. After more than five years since their last full-length release, Puscifer are hitting us with their fifth studio album, Normal Isn’t, dropping on February 6 2026.
Here’s a breakdown of what this new era means, why it matters, and what fans (and newcomers) should pay attention to.
1. The Sound & Direction
Puscifer have always trafficked in experimental rock, electronic flourishes, and theatrical touches. But with Normal Isn’t, there’s a notable pivot: heavier guitars, darker tones, a rawer edge. According to Maynard:
“We’re definitely leaning into our early influences. It’s the place where goth meets punk. It’s where I came from.”
Mitchell adds:
“From the outset, we had discussed an element of rawness and edge, which guitar brings. We got rid of the guard rails and made the music more aggressive.”
In simpler terms: expect more grit, less polish. More punch, more dark energy. It’s as though Puscifer looked back to their origins (goth-punk, underground rock) in order to move forward.
2. What the Album Looks Like
Here are key details to keep in mind:
11 tracks total. The track listing:
Thrust
Normal Isn’t
Bad Wolf
Self Evident
A Public Stoning
The Quiet Parts
Mantastic
Pendulum
ImpetuoUs
Seven One
The Algorithm (Sessanta Live Mix)
Lead single: “Self Evident” — a video-track filmed during a special August show in Los Angeles.
Guest appearances: For example, legendary bassist Tony Levin appears on a couple of tracks; drums by Danny Carey.
Recording locations: Across Arizona, Los Angeles, and even “on the road” during their last tour. This gives the album an embedded road-worn feel.
3. The Meaning Behind the Title
“Normal Isn’t” is a strong statement. Maynard explains:
“Normal Isn’t reflects this time we are living in. As storytellers and artists, our job is to observe, interpret and report. We take in our environment and share what we see, and what we see around us does not appear normal. Not by a long shot.”
In other words: This isn’t just a rock album—it’s commentary. It’s them saying: the world is weird, messed up, unstable. And we’re going to reflect that. That gives the record extra weight. The dark guitars and raw energy aren’t just aesthetic—they’re expressive of a time, of a mood.
4. The Tour & Live Experience
Puscifer are back on the road to back this album. The North American tour kicks off March 20, 2026, in Las Vegas at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan, and wraps on May 14, 2026, in Los Angeles at The Greek Theatre.
Stops include major cities: New York (Terminal 5), Chicago (The Chicago Theatre), Denver (Red Rocks Amphitheatre) and more. Tickets go on sale oct 24 2025 (general sale), with a pre-sale starting oct 22 2025.
If you’ve been to a Puscifer show before, expect the usual theatricality mixed with the new sonic edge. If you haven’t—this could be the right time to jump aboard.
5. Why This Matters (Especially Now)
For fans: If you’ve followed Puscifer’s journey (from albums like Existential Reckoning in 2020 and earlier), this feels like a renewal. Not a nostalgia trip—an evolution.
For newcomers: You’re getting a band that isn’t just making songs—they’re making statements. The goth/punk roots give a backbone you may hear in other genres, but here it’s blended with Puscifer’s experimental vibe.
Cultural resonance: The title, the tone—they all point to the times we’re in. The unknowable normal, the shifting ground. Music that reflects that can hit harder.
Production & collaboration: With strong guests and a changed writing process (Maynard reportedly built full song ideas himself before presenting them) the album is poised to feel fresh.
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6. Final Thoughts
Puscifer are not just “returning” with Normal Isn’t—they’re re-emerging. With heavier guitars, darker textures, and a sharper point of view, the album promises to challenge expectations. The tour backs it up, making sure the new sound gets heard live, where Puscifer often shine.
If you’re into rock with attitude, experimentation, and a bit of edge—mark February 6, 2026 on your calendar for Normal Isn’t. And if you can catch the tour, perhaps even better. The world might say “normal”—but Puscifer are arguing otherwise.