The Many Modes of Maynard

If you've been reading me for any period of time, you probably know about my obsession with the band Tool, who I consider to be today's alt metal gods carrying on in the tradition of King Crimson and Pink Floyd. I also said previously that I'd talk a bit more about the Underworld soundtrack, and I'm still intent on doing so, but this isn't it. It's only part of it.

In recent years, Tool's frontman, Maynard James Keenan, has been spreading his wings with numerous projects, emerging somewhat like a sweeter Mike Patton (the manic genius and voice behind Faith No More, Tomahawk, and Mr. Bungle, among many, many more projects). His first separate product, showing his "feminine" side was A Perfect Circle, which showed us an increased range and vocal structure from Maynard, who already had sickly sweet melodies coupled with acid screams on Tool down to a science.

On the Underworld soundtrack, there's the debut of his new project, Puscifer. I don't know if this was just something he and Danny Lohner put together for the album or if it's going to be something completely new and independent, but damn is the song good. I'm certainly hoping this isn't just a one-off for the soundtrack. It's called "Rev 22:20" and is a nice little lounge number about being entranced by a woman and the joys of sex. This, of course, made all the more interesting given that Revelation 22:20 (I'm using the King James version, since it's what I have handy) reads, "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Seems as though Maynard was taking "come" to have its latter day meaning.