Puscifer have kicked off 2026 by sharing an intriguing single called ‘ImpetuoUs’ and teasing a new comic book series.
The track marks the third and final preview of the band’s highly anticipated new album ‘Normal Isn’t’, which arrives on February 6 via Puscifer Entertainment, Alchemy Recordings, and BMG.
Opening with an intriguing, pulsating synth, the song gradually eases in with Maynard James Keenan’s distinctive vocal melodies. “You feel it too/ They’re all afraid/ We’re not the same, no need to be/ Lets make some waves,” he sings, before the song takes a more electronic, slightly-menacing turn.
“Don’t leave, move or follow/ Let’s just dance/ Fearless and a bit impetuous / Take my hand,” he sings, building up to an intense climax. “We are the curious, dauntless, and venturous in all ways/ We are the Vehement the Unpredictable unafraid.”
Speaking of the track, the frontman shared: “I’m looking forward to hearing where this song takes people. As the writers, we forget that in a way, we are carpenters and that we’ve been with this song since it was a pile of lumber.”
“Our perspective may differ from the final occupant of this space we’ve constructed. Shelter, Bridge or Gallows, Coffin? Curious to find out,” he added.
The new music video for the track also offers a first look at a brand new comic book series from Puscifer.
Titled Tales From The Pusciverse, the debut issue spotlights the character of Bellendia Black, who was first introduced in the video for ‘Pendulum’. More details about the series – which will be released in tandem with ‘Normal Isn’t’ – will be shared soon.
As for the album as a whole, the LP was written and recorded across Arizona, Los Angeles, and on the road during last year’s ‘Sessanta Tour’. It has already been previewed by the singles ‘Self Evident’ and the aforementioned ‘Pendulum’, and blends the dark electronics and sharp wit the band have come to be known for.
“From the outset, we had discussed an element of rawness and edge, which guitar brings,” said Mat Mitchell, who co-produced the album. “We got rid of the guard rails and made the music more aggressive.”
Frontman Keenan continued, “‘Normal Isn’t’ reflects this time we are living in. As storytellers and artists, our job is to observe, interpret, and report. We take in our environment and share what we see, and what we see around us does not appear normal. Not by a long shot.”
As well as Mitchell, Keenan, and Carina Round, guest features on the album come from bassists Greg Edwards and Tony Levin, drummers Gunnar Olsen, Sarah Jones, and Danny Carey. The latter also works with Maynard in Tool. Visit here to pre-order.
The band will also be embarking on a US tour over this year – visit here for tickets and a list of upcoming tour dates.
Back in 2020, Puscifer spoke to NME about the release of their fourth album ‘Existential Reckoning’. When asked about if the band – who often take an escapist approach in their songwriting – incorporated anything from the real world into the record, Round replied: “I think lyrically, Maynard is really great at absorbing whatever is going on situationally and putting it together in a way that doesn’t completely give you the full story.
“You have to be present with the record to really get it. He won’t talk about it, so it would be wrong for me to talk about it.”
