A Perfect Circle

A Perfect Circle began as a solo project of guitarist Billy Howerdel, who had worked as a guitar tech for bands like Tool and Nine Inch Nails. After meeting Maynard James Keenan, the two collaborated on demos that eventually became the band's foundation. Their debut album, Mer de noms (2000), was released to widespread acclaim, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and eventually going platinum. The album's title, French for "sea of names," reflects the band's lyrical focus on personal identity and loss. The single "Judith" was nominated for a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2001.¹

The band's second album, Thirteenth Step (2003), was a concept album about addiction and recovery, with each track representing a step in a 12-step program. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold. The follow-up, eMOTIVe (2004), was a covers album featuring reimagined versions of songs by artists like John Lennon and Depeche Mode, including the controversial anti-war cover of "Imagine." After a tour, the band went on hiatus in 2005, with members pursuing other projects, including Keenan's work with Puscifer and Tool.²

A Perfect Circle reunited in 2010 for a tour, but it wasn't until 2018 that they released their fourth studio album, Eat the Elephant. The album marked a significant departure from their earlier guitar-heavy sound, incorporating more piano and orchestral elements, and was praised for its political and introspective lyrics. The band has continued to tour sporadically, with a lineup that has included guitarist James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), bassist Matt McJunkins, and drummer Jeff Friedl. In 2024, they announced a 25th-anniversary tour, performing Mer de noms in its entirety.³

Beyond the albums, A Perfect Circle has a rich history of side projects and collaborations. Billy Howerdel released a solo album, What Normal Was (2022), under the name ASHES dIVIDE, which features contributions from bandmates. The band's name is derived from a lyric in the song "Judith," which references a perfect circle of violence and revenge. The band has also been known for their elaborate live shows, including a 2004 tour with The Mars Volta that was documented in the live album aMOTION. Additionally, the band's cover of "The Doomed" by Leonard Cohen on eMOTIVe was recorded in a single take, showcasing their improvisational skills.

Supergroup

A music group whose members are already famous from other bands or solo careers.

Concept album

An album whose tracks are unified by a theme or narrative.

12-step program

A set of guiding principles for recovery from addiction, originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous.