Having let this one simmer for months now, Its clear that direct comparisons to Tool are somewhat of a disservice. Although a mellower draft of the Alternative slash Progressive Metal they conjured in the 90s, Keenan's A Perfect Circle has its own defining character, a textural feast of broody subconscious fixations boiling up to the surface. Many of these songs define themselves in the gradual intensities that fester from steely acoustic guitars and calmer passages. Keenan guides through the storms, illuminating an emotion connection as the clouds bring rain and thunder.
Its brilliantly orchestrated, a cascade of groaning guitars wail unyielding melodies that cry out like wounded voices. Occasionally a keen groove or sharp rhythm take hold through the power of the riff but more often does the music revel on its expansive lead guitars that howl emotional pains. In contrast, its soothing passages play adorned by sunset melodies and Ethereal reverberations. Its a beautiful relationship, a sombre melancholy stews beneath, lurching into the raw beast of visceral hurt that created it.
This manifests wonderfully in the albums best songs yet with the rest of the lineup following suit, most songs are not quite as grabbing outside the album experience. With a few brief moments the pallet opens up, like on Sleeping Beauty, an electronic tone dreamily chimes in towards its closing. It would of been nice to hear more of that expansion as the records pallet gets worn a little thin with the cyclical approach to each song. A more consistent record and fitting conclusion to this journey for now.
Rating: 6/10