A Perfect Circle’s 2018 record “Eat The Elephant” was highly anticipated, for the alternative rock band’s last album came out 14 years before hand. This was the consequence for having one of the busiest front man in rock history, Maynard James Keenan. However, the wait was worth it as “Eat The Elephant” turned out to be a fantastic album. Some APC fans were disappointed, expecting the album to continue the angst of the first two records. Although heavily distorted guitars are in short supply, angst is not, for Keenan’s lyrics song after song call out a certain group of people. “TalkTalk”, for example, calls out complacent Christians who only “talk the talk” and not “walk the walk”. “The Doomed” takes a stab at society in general, refusing the ancient ideas of violence and selfishness that have been re-surging in the world recently. Not all tracks are pointing out flaws in others however, as Keenan uses a couple tracks to introduce self-enhancing ideas to the listener. The title track, “Eat The Elephant”, emphasizes the meaning of the old saying, encouraging his fans to not hesitate in front of daunting tasks but instead to happily jump right in. The first single off the album, “Disillusioned”, encourages listeners to “put the silicone obsession down”. This is obviously a shot at society’s dependence on the shiny rectangles in our pockets. The band even took this concept further, banning all phones during their concerts until the last song of the set. In conclusion, if you were expecting heavy metal, you will be disappointed. However, if you give Billy Howedel’s exceptional guitar and Maynard James Keenan’s mystical lyrics a listen with an open mind, you will be pleasantly surprised.

8/10

High-Points:

1. The Doomed
2. So Long, And Thanks for All The Fish
3. TalkTalk
4. Hourglass

Low-Points:

1. Delicious
2. Feathers