THIRTEENTH STEP
Well it's been a long time coming, and honestly, I didn't think these guys had a second disc in them, considering lead singer Maynard James Keenan's "other" band is non other than the mighty, almost holy TOOL. But then again, everyone needs time apart, so why not choose to surround yourself with some of the best in the biz during your down time. Which is exactly what this band really is, but doesn't sound that way at all. Originally assembled by uber-roadie Billy Howerdell (who originally was a guitar tech for Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, NIN, etc.) as a musical outlet between soundchecks, he
somehow managed to garner the attention of Keenan, whom after hearing some demos, decided this Howerdell guy had a future. And boy did it pay off!!! Their 2000 debut 'Mer De Noms' (simply one of the GREATEST discs ever made!!!) hit stores and has been a huge success ever since. Fans have always hoped for a second disc, but didn't hold their breath considering it takes tool roughly 5 years between releases. But low and behold, 2003 and we have a brand new A Perfect Circle disc in hand and the wait was well worth it.
Simply a darker, more brooding and far deeper disc than it's predecessor,
Thirteenth Step is one hard mother to take in all at once. Simply too many layers to get through, and too many details to sort. Each track simply builds into some sort of grandiose release and Keenan has never sounded more haunting
or melodic in his life. The songs are brilliant, the band is flawless and the material is gorgeous. Not one bad track on the disc, and not one wasted moment. Having re-tooled (no pun intended) the band to feature ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, ex-Marylin Manson bassist Twiggy and retaining the vast services of drummer Josh Freese (the guy is smoking - simply amazing), their seems to be a pattern behind Howerdell's choices for band mates - ALL EX CLIENTS of his. Nice going. But this is not some overblown 'supergroup' where the sum of it's parts is lesser than the original source - this is BETTER. Not only do you have the amazing range and emotional delivery that only Keenan can provide, but the band is as tight as a catholic school girl doing her first porno flick (i love that idea - hehehe). Opening with "The Package", the track builds slowly but steadily till it can't go any further, only to explode into one hell of a climax (I watch too much porn lately). Lead single 'Weak and Powerless' is excellent, and retains some of 'Mer De Noms' previous stylings, only a bit looser and far more textural. I must say this as well - the production on this disc is one of the best I've heard and listening to this on a killer car stereo will blow your mind - It's extremely powerful and dynamic, the bass simply pummels you into submission.
Without a doubt a contender for the top 10 if not the top 5 releases of the year. You can't go wrong.
