A Perfect Circle
6 vinyl records found
A Perfect Circle is an alternative rock band built on the partnership between Tool's Maynard James Keenan and guitarist Billy Howerdel, formed in Los Angeles in 1999. Their output spans distinctive studio albums and a notable covers record, with frequent gaps between releases due to Keenan's commitments to Tool and his solo project Puscifer.
About A Perfect Circle
The band's first three albums arrived in quick succession during the early 2000s: Mer de Noms in 2000 introduced Howerdel's compositional approach paired with Keenan's vocal delivery, while Thirteenth Step followed in 2003 and Emotive in 2004 offered radically reworked cover interpretations. After Emotive, the band entered a prolonged hiatus as Keenan returned to Tool and developed Puscifer, while Howerdel pursued solo work as Ashes Divide. Sporadic reunion attempts occurred between 2010 and 2013, including a greatest hits album and live box set, but the band remained largely inactive until reforming in 2017 to record Eat the Elephant, released in April 2018.
Lineup changes have been constant throughout A Perfect Circle's existence, with only Keenan and Howerdel remaining since formation. Early members like bassist Paz Lenchantin, guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, and drummer Josh Freese departed, while producer Danny Lohner and Marilyn Manson's Jeordie White had brief tenures. The current lineup includes Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha alongside bassist Matt McJunkins and drummer Jeff Friedl, both of whom also work with Puscifer and Ashes Divide. Despite the revolving roster, Howerdel's role as composer and Keenan's consistent lyrical and melodic approach have maintained stylistic continuity across their catalog.
The Groove Hunter currently tracks 5 editions of A Perfect Circle albums, including multiple pressings of Thirteenth Step and Mer de Noms, as well as special editions like the Zoetrope Record variant of Mer de Noms. Their first three studio albums sold 4 million copies collectively by 2005, establishing a solid collector base for both original pressings and reissues.
