Puscifer


Puscifer
is an American rock supergroup formed in Los Angeles by Maynard James Keenan, known as the lead singer of the bands Tool and A Perfect Circle. As Keenan is the only permanent member, he considers the project to be his "creative subconscious." In light of this, Puscifer is considered a pseudonym for his solo work.

Background

Puscifer's original name was Umlaut, "a premiere improvisational hardcore band". The name "Puscifer" was first publicized as a fictional band in the first episode of Mr. Show, including Keenan and Adam Jones as members. Jones is not associated with Puscifer otherwise, although artwork by Jones has been featured on Puscifer apparel. Keenan describes Puscifer as "simply a playground for the various voices in my head, a space with no clear or discernible goals, where my Id, Ego, and Anima all come together to exchange cookie recipes." Keenan has reportedly been working on short films with Ford Englerth and Jeffrey Brooks from Red Rock Entertainment Development that may be shown on an upcoming tour. These shorts are done in a similar manner to that of Mr. Show and Tom Waits' Big Time.
Puscifer is "as much a clothing line as it is a band", with the clothing items produced in limited numbers. Keenan collaborated on a leather jacket with Paul Frank. On September 16, 2008, Keenan updated the puscifer.com blog, revealing that the first ever Puscifer store would be opening "hopefully" by October 1 in Jerome, Arizona. Occupying a small space above a tattoo parlor, the store opened on October 3, 2008. In addition to the merchandise available on the band's online store, Keenan has also made available locally roasted coffee, art, and an ever-changing list of limited edition collectibles.

''Don't Shoot the Messenger''

Don't Shoot the Messenger is a four track EP released by Puscifer on October 9, 2007.

''"V" Is for Vagina''

On April 10, 2007, Keenan posted on the official website that a release would be aimed for mid-October. A newer post on June 25, 2007 stated that Joe Barresi mixed the first song, which would have a music video, as well as an alternate version of "Cuntry Boner", and would likely be released as a CD single with bonus tracks. Further mixing would be done by Keenan and Alan Moulder by August.
Keenan announced at the end of July that the album would be titled "V" Is for Vagina and, a few days later, he announced that the first single would be "Queen B." with a video released in late September. On October 1, "Queen B." appeared on the podcast on puscifer.com. This was followed by the podcast release of "Trekka" on October 7. The album was released on October 30 and debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200, as well as number 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.
On October 17, 2008, an official music video for the song "Momma Sed" was released online via the official Puscifer YouTube channel. A new dub remix album also appeared at the official website's store completely by Lustmord, entitled "D" Is for Dubby – The Lustmord Dub Mixes.
"Momma Sed" also featured in the 2012 film End of Watch.
"V" Is for Vagina has sold 112,000 copies.

''"V" Is for Viagra. The Remixes''

A remix album entitled "V" Is for Viagra was released on April 29, 2008. It contains ten remixes of tracks from the first Puscifer album "V" Is for Vagina, as well as two remixes of the non-album single "Cuntry Boner". It features remixes by Dave "Rave" Ogilvie of Skinny Puppy, Lustmord, Renholder, Paul Barker from Ministry, Telefon Tel Aviv, among others.
Two of the tracks from the album, "Indigo Children" and "Momma Sed", appear on the official soundtrack for the video game .
"V" Is for Viagra has sold 23,000 copies.

''"D" is for Dubby, the Lustmord Dub Mixes''

A second remix album was released in October 2009. Titled "D" is for Dubby, the album focuses on remixes of "V" is for Vagina by artist Lustmord performed in a dub style.

''Conditions of My Parole''

"Man Overboard", the first single from the album, became available via iTunes and other digital service providers on July 19, 2011.
Conditions of My Parole was recorded at Jerome, Arizona, in spring 2011 with tracking done amidst the wine barrels from Keenan's Caduceus Cellars. The album was produced by Keenan, Mat Mitchell and Josh Eustis. Contributing musicians for the new album include the aforementioned Keenan, Mitchell, and Eustis as well as Carina Round, Juliette Commagere, Matt McJunkins, Jeff Friedl, Gil Sharone and Rani Sharone, Jonny Polonsky, Tim Alexander, Devo Keenan, Alessandro Cortini, Sarah Jones, and Jon Theodore.
It debuted at number 27 on the Billboard 200 with 12,111 copies sold in its first week. With street date violations added in, it sold 12,337 copies according to SoundScan.

''Donkey Punch the Night''

Donkey Punch the Night was announced November 19, 2012 and released February 19, 2013. The EP was released in digital and CD formats, with a vinyl release following on March 12, 2013. A cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is included on the EP, as well as a cover of Accept's "Balls to the Wall".

''Money Shot''

Money Shot was announced July 29, 2015 via the release of first single Grand Canyon. The album was released on October 30, 2015. A remix album entitled Money Shot Your Re-Load was released on November 25, 2016.

Upcoming fourth album

On May 8, 2020, the lead single and video "Apocalyptical" were released along with an announcement of the new album to be released in the fall of 2020.

Live shows

In February 2009, Keenan debuted Puscifer with shows in Las Vegas. Throughout the year, he continued to perform with a revolving lineup, but limited concerts to the Southwest. However, in a November 2009 interview, Keenan stated: "Efforts to confine our beloved enigma to the Southwestern United States have been thwarted. We are compelled beyond all reason to bring the noise Eastward and share our special sauce. Although authorities suggest you be prepared for any and all possibilities, we simply suggest you arrive happy and hungry."
Keenan took Puscifer on tour again in the fall and winter of 2011 in support of the newly released "Conditions of My Parole." This tour covered a larger swath of the United States than previous West Coast-only tours.
In 2013, Puscifer played their first dates outside of North America, with the band performing three shows in Australia, and performances at Lollapalooza Brazil and Lollapalooza Chile.
On February 16 2016, Puscifer announced UK and European dates under the "Money Shot Heard Around The World" tour. The band played Manchester and London in the UK, then France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway before ending the tour in Sweden at the world-famous Cirkus.
In late January 2017 Puscifer and guest act Luchafer toured Australia and New Zealand as part of the Money Shot: Round Under Tour.

Members

According to Keenan's MySpace profile with regard to members, the band includes As of the latest release, Keenan has recorded material with Lustmord, Mat Mitchell, Jonny Polonsky, Tim Alexander, Tim Commerford, Brad Wilk, Joey Jordison, Ainjel Emme, Josh Eustis of Black Light Burns, Telefon Tel Aviv & Nine Inch Nails, Carina Round, John Oliver, Juliette Commagere, Matt McJunkins, Jeff Friedl, Gil and Rani Sharone, Malhar Naik, Devo Keenan, Alessandro Cortini, Sarah Jones and Jon Theodore as well as many other musicians.
The most recent touring lineup consisted of the following:

Studio albums

Remix albums

Live albums

Extended plays

Singles

Music videos

Contributions