Maynard as the front man, this CD has the same quality as tool. The first time you listen you will not grasp the depth of the lyrics, however after a few listens it becomes the music you sing to yourself. If you are into thrashing rock, this may have a single track for you, however if your into depth of lyrics this is your CD, and in fact music group. The violin is a nice touch to the rock sound as well.

If like me you like Tool's music but want something more melodic you will enjoy this album. Maynard is definately one of the best singers in the world, and in A Perfect Circle he shows a gentler side of his voice which is very refreshing to hear.

Great album from start to finish. Maynards voice is absolutly amazing all over. Great guitar tone, and drums are expertly performed by Josh Freeze. Its a shame were not going to get anymore perfect circle anymore. Billy Howerdail is lame now.

Both cd's arrived as expected in excelent condition, together in one package, and on time.

Like I said for Thirteenth Step, these are as good as it gets... Can't find any fault w/them & the 2 CDs deserve the accolades they've gotten.

Came late to the APC show, but really liking it (except eMotive, of course).

I don't write many reviews, but this album simply deserves it. I actually tossed this album onto my pile of cds to get rid of after only a couple of listens, and recalling this amazes me now, because I can't tell you just how much I have grown to love this album. I made the mistake of listening to the songs that had been released as singles, pretty much ignoring the rest, because the singles did not grab me. Something made me pull the cd off the pile and listen to it a few more times. People call this album soft (at least compared to Tool), but it really rocks at times. The thing that gets to me is the dichotomy of hard, metal music mixed with astonishing beauty. The vocals and music mix in sonic perfection several times throughout the album, and these moments alone make me listen again and again to some of the songs. I admit that the main singles have still not grown on me. Amazingly, the songs I thought I liked the least are the ones that grew to be my favorites. I think 'Thomas' is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard. Three other songs on the album are rated 5 stars in my ITunes- 'Thinking of You', 'Magdalena', and 'Sleeping Beauty'. I strongly recommend that anyone who loves a broad range of music give this set of music several listens before judging it.

Well I used to say it would be this one! I absolutely love this cd. Although now thinking back on it I think I would need to bring a Tool cd with me to the island. Tool is phenomenal! Maynard is a good part of the reason, his voice can be fluid and soothing. I always tell people who think Tool is "too hard" to listen to A Perfect Circle first. This album is a bit softer but has some harder songs too. Mostly you can just feel the music has such a deeper meaning to it than most albums that come out these days. I have two of these cds, one for my car and one for my house.

this is APC's first, and best album. it is an absolute masterpiece. after mer de noms, APC's music went on the decline and could never match this greatness. the most apparent reason being that they lost two key band members in between mer do noms and the thirteenth step. personally, this album goes hand-in-hand with lateralus by tool. both came out within a year of each other and both being the most spiritual album of the two bands (imo). if you've never owned this album, consider yourself a fool for missing the train that came 7 years ago. don't debase yourself any longer by hesitating. experience what many, many others have already experienced as a pure, spiritual and enlightening experience.

The leader singer of this band (Maynard James Keenan) focuses a lot more on his singing on his APC albums than in his TOOL albums. He has a wonderful voice, and I like the fact that he expresses his vocal talents more on this album. I like also that the songs are not too long and there are no long spaces of silence, such as on the TOOL albums. Although TOOL has its merits. They seem to focus more on instrumentals but they are incorporating some aspects of APC. It's a good cd to listen to if you want to listen to rock but not too hard of stuff.

A Perfect Circle has grown from what many considered a mere side project for Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan to a musical powerhouse unto itself. This transition has been gradual, taking all of three albums to accomplish; the funny thing is, "Mer de Noms" should have been all the proof one needed to see that these guys (and girl) are serious about what they do. Of course, the single "Judith" painted somewhat of a false portrait of the band, mostly because that song is the most Tool-like thing (both lyrically and musically) to be found here (and, as such, the most commercially profitable). The rest of the album is an exercise in moody melodicism, a musical vehicle that occasionally shifts into high gear but complements these bouts of speed with more relaxed, laid-back, and introspective passages. For instance, the album opener "The Hollow" is a rather fast-paced number, punctuated by Tim Alexander's driving percussion (official drummer Josh Freese takes control of the set for the remainder of the album) and guitarist Billy Howerdel's tuneful yet almost robotic guitar parts. On the other hand, there are moments like "3 Libras" where the sublime, mellow aspect of the band comes into focus in all its ethereal, string-laden glory (courtesy of Paz and Lucia Lenchantin on violin and viola, respectively). Where the band really shines, though, is when these two distinct halves merge to create one majestically hypnotic whole. Songs such as "Orestes" (a mythologically themed song about the titular character's need to slay his mother for what she has done to his father), the Biblical, Eastern-drenched companion pieces "Magdalena" and "Rose," and "Sleeping Beauty" (a mournful study in hopelessness and harsh realities) all maintain a slow simmer of aggression that sometimes bubbles over but remains constantly enthralling. Still, placid moments like the melodic bass riff that opens the beautiful "Brena" (which also builds to a rather thunderous crescendo) and the tinkling piano that drives the largely instrumental "Over" never fail to grab my attention, nor does the Middle Eastern treasure "Renholder." Coincidentally, the two songs that bookend the latter are, in my eyes, the low points of the CD. That said, a low point here is all relative. The bubbling bassline, soaring chorus, and brilliant bridge of "Thinking of You," wherein the titular line is repeated on a loop over top an ever-increasing amount of background segments (including the only musical appearance of credited band member Troy Van Leeuwen) are infectiously memorable, as is the unorthodox melody and vocal styling that drives "Thomas." Even so, these songs are my least favorite among such a golden selection of eclectic music. All in all, "Mer de Noms" is a stunning example of genre amalgamation gone oh-so-right. With the fundamentals of rock combined with the grit of alternative metal, the subtler sensibilities of industrial, and brains of progressive experimentalism, everything falls into place with surprisingly little struggle. The end result is not only a well-crafted album that transcends easy categorization, but also living proof that simply because an artist is in two bands doesn't necessarily make them clones. Thankfully, this is only the beginning of A Perfect Circle's catalogue of wonderous music.

"Mer De Noms" was A Perfect Circle's first album and I can safely say that it isn't Tool. A Perfect Circle is a lot more melodic and sad sounding than Tool is. Tool is harsher. APC seems to come from a much softer more beautiful viewpoint when Tool on the other hand seems to show the ugliness of the world through anger. Maynard James Keenan was able to basically invent a whole new band with an entirely new image. Not to say that Tool fans wouldn't be happy with this release. I am a huge Tool fan and I love A Perfect Circle. There's just so much to love about this album. My top favorite tracks would have to be "The Hollow", "Judith", "3 Libras" and "Thinking Of You". Here are my track ratings...

1. The Hollow - 10/10
2. Magdalena - 9.5/10
3. Rose - 9.5/10
4. Judith - 10/10
5. Orestes - 9/10
6. 3 Libras - 10/10
7. Sleeping Beauty - 9.5/10
8. Thomas - 9.5/10
9. Renholder - 8.5/10
10. Thinking Of You - 10/10
11. Brena - 9/10
12. Over - 8/10

Overall: 93% A-

"Mer De Noms" is a solid album and I'm sure many of the Tool fans that enjoy the softer side of music will enjoy this as well. Pretty much every part of this album is great. I wouldn't say that this album is better than "Thirteenth Step" but I would say it comes close.

A Perfect Circle essentially started as Maynard took a hiatus w/ Tool to sing vocals for another band and help write some new songs with the genius of Billy Howerdel. The result came with Mer de Noms, the first of two current LP's along with a cover album. Juggling between two bands must be hard for anyone, but I'd say Maynard is one the the few who can pull it off.

"Hollow" starts off rocking with almost a catchy dark rock atmosphere in which all the pieces play as one. This song was also a single.

A more moodier song with "Magdelena" shows how talented the musicians in the band are. The intro is just absolutely amazing. The vocals are very rich, deep, and reverberating, and the soft subtle feel is very subduing, creepy, and just great.

"Rose" often changes tempos of a soft melody to a hard crunch here in there, with some excellent guitar solos. The mix is a little NIN-ish with an industrial type feel.

The song that brought me to band is obviously "Judith" the first single. The song is a complete rock anthem from start to finish. The lyrics can be a little bit contraversial as they correspond to the Bible, but if you just take an unbias, and non-literal approach to it, you can really appreciate the greatness of the song.

"Orestes" is just downright mystical and haunting. With a church bell like type sound illuminating through the whole song with some very fluid vocals, and some spine-chilling guitars complimented with a subtle drum line.

My all time favorite song is "3 Libras." The string layers are amazing. The emotion is at an extreme high with sadness, but also peaceful. To fully appreciate the beauty of the song, you must crank up the volume as loud as you can and just let it flow...oh you you must put it on repeat for the next 10-15 plays.

"Sleeping Beauty" is a little more hard and dirty. Almost a grunge song if not for the haunting vocals with a somewhat moderate pace. May not be the best song on the album, but it should not be shunned.

A very delicate calm starts with "Thomas" before a loud thunderous chorus of guitars. Lyrics can be a little hard to pick up without going to the text, however, the feel of the song is an emotional rollercoaster.

"Renholder" is kinda of a tribal jungle instrumental with a few moans throughout. Somewhat hypnotic and spiritual. One of my favorite instrumentals out of any band.

My third favorite song is "Brena." In all honestly, the lyrics aren't a whole lot, but the music is purifing and hauting. Once again, it's just another perfect song to meditate on from this album.

"Over" wraps up things with a xylophone, a piano, and Maynard muttering some quiet vocals about things being, well...'over.' At the end if you crank up the volume there is a jumbled mess with very small clips of each of the album's song.

Even with 13th Step out and the cover album of Emotive, Mer de Noms remains my personal favorite album, and even over any Tool release. The whole album is remarkably dark, depressing, and emotional as well as peaceful, calm, and soothing plus a few rockers. You are either going to like or love this album, there is no hating for any rock fan on this debut.

this album really shows what maynard is vocally capable of. he actually puts so much emotion into the vocals that you feel his hapiness and feel his pain. dont miss this one, especially if you are a fan of tool and their music. it is dark at times, melodic at times, and overall a great listen. so you have to keep an open mind becuase this is not tool, they seem more bent towards appealing to the mass audience, but it is a worthwhile experience none the less.

I bought this album because of the opening track, "The Hollow," which, after listening to it online, I felt as if it was the most incredibly melodic rock song I've heard in a long time. I also thought Maynard's voice sounded absolutely amazing on that song.

So I went out a bought the album about an hour ago, literally! Every song is amazing! Even though many of the songs are heavy, they have this highly ambient melodic feel to them, especially with Billy Howerdel's and Troy Van Leeuwen's guitar playing, which really shine all the way through on the album. They use some very interesting guitar effects for virtually every song.

In any event, whether you are a fan of Tool or not, a fan of Maynard's or not, BUY THIS ALBUM! I'll admit, I'm a fan of Tool, no doubt, especially the albums "Aenima," and "Lateralus," which both have some of the most incredible progressive metal music on them, but I almost like this band better. I like the fact that APC is just about as heavy as Tool, more melodic, have a more polished sound, are more experimental and progressive (in my opinion) than most of what I've heard from Tool. This is not to discredit Tool's work, of course, whose music has already been etched in the alms of metal and hard rock history, it is just to say that APC is another alternative. Whether or not this is a "side project" of Maynard's or not, it does not matter to me, the band and album is flipping amazing in every which way!

FAVORITE SONGS: "THE HOLLOW," "ORESTES," and "3 Libras".

This album is just one of the most amazing things you will discover in your lifetime. Don't miss out.

If your a fan of music, you'll no doubt enjoy this one. In all honesty, it's probably the best sounding cd i own. Thank you for your time.

The lush beauty that Mer de Noms is has no equal amongst modern music, or perhaps any music ever created. Perhaps that may seem an exageration, but the lyrics, whose meaning slowly dawns on you, combined with the infinitely-layered music make this an incomparable work of pure genius.
I've gotta warn you though, you probably won't like Mer de Noms on your first listen. It is such a masterpiece infused with such transmutative subtleness that it's impossible to appreciate it on your first pass through, or your second or likely your third, either. But with each subsequent listen, the music worms its way inside of you, slowly enrapturing your very essence until listeing to the CD is a meditative, hypnotic experience.
Despite my best attempts, I can't do any justice to this CD. you just have to experience for itself. In a day and age of Good Charolette and Simple Plan, A Perfect Circle is an example of what TRUE music is.

This review is coming from someone who bought Thirteenth Step first and THEN Mer De Noms. After being enraputred by "The Outsider" i just *had* to buy TS and so i fell in love the cd and the band. So i thought i'd check out their debut alubm too.

Before buying the MDN, i checked out the reviews on this site. I saw so many 5 starts that i just couldn't say no. so i got it and i was blown away. For one, Maynard's vocals are just incredible in EVERY song. He sings with passion, emotion and his voice is just so beautiful! This is the kind of cd that is not suitable for background music. Songs with such power and..i guess "feeling" are better listened to with your eyes closed.

As for the songs, the lyrics are very cool...and there are some awesome harmonies in there, like in "The Hollow" and "Thomas". "Sleeping Beauty", "Over", and "Renholder" are the only songs that don't do much for me. But everything else just takes my breath away.

This is an all around amazing album. Each member of A Perfect Circle is extremely talented and they work together very well. For those who don't care much for Tool, I think you'll find this album to be much more to your liking; just because Maynard is the vocalist does NOT mean it's Tool Part 2. "Mer de Noms' has never lost its appeal, and I don't think there will ever be another album quite like it. It's perfectly balanced in every respect, and with the exception of 'Over', I love ever song.

A Perfect Circle have released an almost perfect circle with Mer de Noms. This is one of those albums you listen to over and over again. My favorite song has changed after every ten listenings or so. The first one being Judith, which I heard on Napster for the first time searching for tool songs. After hearing that I went out and got this CD the next day. Currently, Brena or Magdalena come to mind as two favorites. Only two negatives come to mind. One is Sleeping Beauty-I just couldn't get into it. And two is Paz no longer being in the band. Watching her in the Judith video...wow.

The album really is too good for reviews. Best album I bought in 2000 and still a favorite of mine.A must own!!

Maynard's side project, which debuted in 2000, initially (and inevitably) drew comparisons to his other band, Tool. But the truth about this album is that it shows a completely new side of James Maynard Keenan. Up until this C.D. was released in 2000, Maynard showed hardly any sensitivity or range while singing in Tool. But, here, he whines, croons, and even sings properly. Maynard would continue this vocal style on Tool's 2001 album, "Lateralus." Meanwhile, this album's music (which was written almost completely by the Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Howerdel) is merely just background noise.

Did Maynard want to make this C.D. this way because he didn't want A Perfect Circle to get Tool comparisons, or did he always have this type of music inside him and he was just dying to get it out? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that "Mer De Noms" is very docile, soothing, and atmospheric. Plus, most of it (especially tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11 & 12) is also VERY pretty.

This album uses some instruments that Tool wouldn't dream of using. Some songs (i.e. "Over") use a piano, and (what sounds like) rattles, violins, keyboards, a string arrangement, and even a viola ("3 Libras") are also incorporated into the mix.

Track four, "Judith," (which has lyrics like "f -ck your God!") is the only song on here which is openly sac religious. This song is also heavier than most of the rest of "Mer De Noms," so it's kind of a throw off track. A song like the album opener, "The Hollow," is a better representation of the album as a whole. The prettiness doesn't stop for track two, "Magdalena," which has cool, catchy, wavy vocals and twinkling guitar noise. Track eight, "Thomas," begins with light strumming, but suddenly becomes semi-heavy and crunchy when the power chords kick in. Fortunately, Maynard's dreary, spacey vocals keep this song melodic. "Renholder" is one of the best songs on the record, if you ask me. It's almost completely instrumental (except for the beginning), and ties together acoustic guitars with piano playing and hand percussion. And track eleven, "Brena," is one of the most atmospheric tracks on here, with music that sounds almost aquatic at times.

To be fair, it takes several listens to differentiate between these tracks. Plus, some of the songs (i.e. "Magdalena") don't really go anywhere and end rather abruptly. All in all, however, this is a very impressive and beautiful debut. It's essential for every Maynard fan collection. And if you want an album that is an easy, soothing listen, "Mer De Noms" should suit you perfectly.

I want them to play this song at my fcuking funeral. period. after listening to the album all the songs like most fade and become repetitive. basically fcuking stale... but even after 5 years... 3 libras manages to hold out strong. (not that i'm a wussy no one loves me kind of guy). this song will make the devil cry.

I only ordered this CD just to listen to one song.. But after listening to all the songs I figured it to be pretty good. Possibly one of the best Rock CD's in my collection. This CD is stacked right at the top of my pile so I can find it easily and listen whenever I want. Out of a possible 10 I give this CD a certified 20. It is really good.

From the moment I put this disc in the player, I was in awe of the crystal clear sound of it. Never having been a big fan of Tool (at the time) I bought this cd only on the merit of the song "Judith" which was brutally heavy from the first time I heard it. I still keep Mer de Noms within reach of the cd changer. I can honestly say that it was the first cd I'd bought in many years that completely made me rethink my stance on so-called "alternative" rock (by the way, I hate the labeling of Rock music), Listenig to the cd, I can hear how , even w/out vocals, this cd could still be a masterpiece. NOt one track sounds like the last or the next. That is rare. I hope they continue to create their vision with future releases.

This album is so cool! It is really weird sometimes, but still awesome!! Here is a small review of each song.

The Hollow 5/5 - Awesome vocals, and really interesting guitar riffs! It really is a really rockin' song!!

Magdalena 5/5 - Probably one of the best APC songs ever. It has to grow on you, but it's great! It starts off all soft and then goes into this awesome, hardcore, heavy section. Cool guitar solo-like things!!

Rose 5/5 - Another great song! Really cool distortion, really good riffs, just a great song in general!! I love Maynard's singing!!

Judith 5/5 - Pretty much my favorite song by a long shot. It is such a powerful song!! It has a really weird structure, though. The chorus(es) are longer than the verses! Some of the verses are just like one line! Such an AWESOME SONG!!!

Orestes 4/5 - One of the few songs on this album that I don't love. Too slow and soft for me. Kind of boring.

3 Libras 5/5 - A really good acoustic song by APC. They have so many different styles!! This song is really catchy and awesome! Another weird structure. The chorus is pretty much the verse!

Sleeping Beauty 5/5 - When I first heard this song, I didn't like it that much. Now I've realized that the guitar in it is sharp and raw. Such an awesome song!! Now I love this song!

Thomas 5/5 - Really good, heavy guitar, but really strange vocals. He sings all high pitched and stuff. But other than that, a really great song.

Renholder 4/5 - A really interesting instrumental. A bit creepy, but cool.

Thinking of You 5/5 - The guitar in this song is really awesome!! So is the bassline! Crazy drumming!! The drummer is so amazing!! Yet another awesome song!

Brena 4/5 - This song has really cool vocals and stuff, but some of it isn't too great. If is wasn't for the pretty bad stuff, I would give it five stars.

Over 4/5 - Just an outro for the CD, so there is not much to say about it. A really weird song, though. A good ending piece.

A Perfect Circle created a real masterpiece! Almost all the songs on this album are awesome! I love APC!!

this is a beautiful album. i am not much a fan of this particular genre, i am more of the indie/punk breed, but a perfect circle has blown me away from the beginning. i am familiar with tool, but tool never stuck with me or grew on me like a perfect circle did. however, if you are a fan of tool, you will undoubtedly like this too. if you a leary or unsure of what this album has to offer, listen to '3 libras.' it is the highlight of the album for me and a very beautiful song. i don't see how anyone could not like it.

This is a masterpiece. Every song on this CD makes me shiver. I love it. It seems to me that Maynard brought all that I love about Tool to all that I love about a softer genre of rock. Of course I cannot give all the credit to Maynard.

The first time I heard magdelena, my jaw dropped to the ground and stayed there until the CD ended.

I love every second of this CD, and for the first 4 months I had it, I had a hard time listening to any other music.

A Perfect Circle are much much better than Tool, in fact its the only group a musician or main frontman of a band has gone on to create (in modern rock) and made it all worth while.
Unlike the disastors of Audioslaves "second" album and Velvet Revolver, which don't offer anything fresh new and exciting to musically at all.

Of course Maynard James Keenan and the lads are still in Tool, and "at this point" are creating another Tool album.

A Perfect Circle properly might not appeal to Tool fans, but then again there are people who are into varied types of music or modern rock.
"Tool" being more of a dark rythumic metal group, and "A Perfect Circle" being more of a rock sound to their music, with occasional ballad type tunes on their albums which fit something fantastic, outstanding album and the next one is just as good in its own way.

A group that cares about making great music.

A Perfect Circle is a one of a kind band. I am not a fan of their latest album emotive , just a little too political. Mer de Noms and Thirteenth Step are both classics.However something about Mer de Noms gives it the edge in my opinion. It all starts from track 1 with "The Hollow" which is an absolutly beautiful song and the best on the cd. "Orestes" is also another track that sticks out along with "Thinking of you". This album is a joy to listen to.

A Perfect Circle was introduced to me fairly recently when I listened to the songs 'Blue' and 'Imagine'. I enjoyed both these songs and knew I had to get all of APC's albums. This album is the debut for this band of 5 men with Maynard Keenan as lead vocalist and boy does he have a talented voice. The sound of this band is distinctive and quite singular and distinquishable from other alt rock bands out there at the moment. What A Perfect Circle does well and very concise is blend dark lyrics and synths with rock riffs and hooks. This is helped out by Keenan's talented and emotion filled voice. The song 'Orestes' sounds pretty much romantic and is the quieter song out of the bunch of 12 tracks. The last 3 songs in my opinion hold merit over the other songs, for the songs 'Thinking Of You' and 'Over', have a ethereal feel.
Overall, this album is not a side project but the beginning of a fantastical musical journey through many aspects and feelings of the human heart.

I know this album came out five years ago, but due to the intense love I have for this album I feel the need to post a review. I was late in discovering A Perfect Circle and picked up their sophomore album, "Thirteenth Step" prior to purchasing "Mer De Noms." I picked it up on a whim, and after falling in love with it, I decided to buy Mer De Noms as well. At first I was disappointed, but I soon came to realize that it was one of those albums where the genius within was more difficult to recognize. Eventually it got to the point where I could not go ONE day without listening to this album at least once. I'd take the long way home just to ensure that I would hear the entirety of the album. I have been a fan of APC for about 2 years now and my dedication will never faulter. The album is simply put, AMAZING. THIS is truely music. The definition of music, if you will. Standout tracks for me were Hollow, Magdalena, Judith, Orestes, 3 Libras, Thomas, and Brena. "Yeah" that's pretty much the whole album... and "yeah" it's THAT good. Magdalena has a guitar run that strikes the soul in such an undescribable manner that it must be heard to be fully understood. Orestes contains the line "give me one more medicated peaceful moment" which, to me, is the most beautiful moment on the album. Thomas is a build-up song, and the explosion of sound towards the middle is simply breath taking. A must for any music guru - Maynard & Billy have created a band that envokes emotion, passion and inspiration. GENIUS.

Maynard Keenan James creates such a dark atmosphere with this album, it's great. Really poetic, dark, and thrilling. You won't be dissapointed go grab it, along with Thirteenth Step. APC is a band that mixes heavy metal with dark, driving sounds. Check out some other art rock artists like The Mars Volta, and Queens of the Stone Age (Though, these 3 bands totally different from each other.)

I first heard tracks from Mer de Noms through 2 CD's my friend had burned me. The tracks were "The Hollow", "Breña," "3 Libras," and "Magdalena." Now that I look back on it, those were the more romantically-oriented songs on the album. Anyways, this album is just...amazing. It's well-wriiten and very ethereal. When you listen to it, it's like being immersed in warmth and darkness. My favorite track is defnitely "Magdalena." Some other good tracks are the ones I just mentioned plus "Orestes" and "Sleeping Beauty." So pick up the album. It's a beautiful and life-changing/affirming listening experience. Defnitely in my Top 10 albums ever.

This CD has not left my cd player for a long time. But, I had the CD burned for me without track four, "Judith", because I just couldn't have that song on a CD. WHile it might sound pleasing to my ears, it was just offensive lyrically.

But the rest of the cd is absolutely amazing. When I first got it, I only liked a few songs, but then it grew on me. Some of the songs don't sound too different from Tool, Maynards other (and in my opinion, better) band. But then "Rose" sounds like Tool mixed with Nine Inch Nailes.

Everybody was raving about the track "Orestes", and i was impressed when I listened to it. It's a track I find myself listening to more than others.

Nevertheless, this is a CD you put in, and it's hard to listen to the first song without letting the entire thing spin. I've come to love this album as probably my favorite I own, or close to it, and have a hard time thinking certain songs are better than others.

The single best bridge in the entire song is when Maynard chants over and over in a whisper "Thinking of you" while the band plays crazy, atmospheric carnival sounding Toolesque music in the background.

BUT, even though every song on this album is amazing, i'd still have to say that the reason to buy the CD would be "Brena". This track is a love song. I don't know if "Brena" is the girl's name, or if it's a word that means or represents something else, but it is a beautiful song. The emotional noise of the wave crashing guitars will pull you into the "Perfect Circle". This is by far my favorite track amongst a lot of amazing songs, and is even better than "3 Libras."

All in all, a wonderful album. (MInus Track Four).