Eat the Elephant
by A Perfect Circle
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Apr 20, 2018
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 100 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 100
  3. Negative: 10 out of 100
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  1. temptershell
    May 5, 2018
    10
    I waited over 14 years for the full-length album of this band and I was not disappointed. The new album A Perfect Circle Eat the Elephant is practically reactivating the band and a breath of fresh air.
    The songs on the album are not only melodic and quiet songs like the title Eat The Elephant with a piano riff and a brilliant melody line but also faster and more energetic songs like    I waited over 14 years for the full-length album of this band and I was not disappointed. The new album A Perfect Circle Eat the Elephant is practically reactivating the band and a breath of fresh air.
    The songs on the album are not only melodic and quiet songs like the title Eat The Elephant with a piano riff and a brilliant melody line but also faster and more energetic songs like Disillusioned. This song, although it slowly slows down, moves to the depths and the piano solo dents into the chair. The text is also current and hits our dangerous habits and addictions.
    Then it's only better, the atmosphere grows and the strength of the melody, as in the case of Doomed or by the piece So Long, And Thanks for All the Fish, which is a direct reference to the title of the Hitchhiker's Guide through the Galaxy, which is a kind of tribute to pop culture and recently departed legends such as David Bowie, Princess Leia or actor playing Willy Wonka.
    In my opinion, the new album is the perfect composition of lyrics, compositions and instruments that create the masterpiece once again in the hands of APC.    … Expand
  2. redhotbillygoat
    May 9, 2018
    10
    I'm a big Josh Freese fan, and Jeff Friedl never impressed me much, so I was concerned about that before even hearing the album. Then when I first heard the album, my response was lukewarm because I have a certain expectation of what APC sounds like and this album isn't it. But the clever lyrics and haunting melodies kept bringing me back. And I'd say now I think it is my favorite APC album.
  3. devoidx360
    Apr 21, 2018
    10
    In an age where singles rule it's refreshing to still have bands like
    APC who can tell a story and put into music what many of us know and feel about society
    and where it's heading. No. This is not Mer De Noms or 13th step but there is a message nonetheless and not hidden by over production. Had APC released something similar to previous LPs they would have been criticized for not    In an age where singles rule it's refreshing to still have bands like
    APC who can tell a story and put into music what many of us know and feel about society
    and where it's heading. No. This is not Mer De Noms or 13th step but there is a message
    nonetheless and not hidden by over production. Had APC released something similar to previous
    LPs they would have been criticized for not having done something that was a departure from earlier
    releases. I for one (who's in the same age bracket) hope APC continue to produce music well into the future. On my 10th listen. Well done boys. Maturing like a fine wine.    … Expand
  4. doctordonuts
    Apr 20, 2018
    8
    This album was a major shift in style for the group which many will dislike, though I personally found it refreshing. Some of the songs are strangely uplifting. "So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish," and "Delicious" in particular was a strange choice in sound for this group, though after a few repeated listens, I'm glad they did it. That's not to say the entire album is like this. TracksThis album was a major shift in style for the group which many will dislike, though I personally found it refreshing. Some of the songs are strangely uplifting. "So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish," and "Delicious" in particular was a strange choice in sound for this group, though after a few repeated listens, I'm glad they did it. That's not to say the entire album is like this. Tracks like "The Doomed", "TalkTalk", and "Hourglass" all give something more heavy and familiar, though they all bring something new and unique to the album. Then tracks like "Eat the Elephant" and "Feathers" bring out a melodic and emotional side to the band.

    Overall, this new album is an experiment. They try out a few new sounds and return to a few familiar sounds. Though I feel many won't enjoy or appreciate their newer work, relative to their older work, I personally found A Perfect Circle's return to be a great one, and I can't wait to see what they do next.    … Expand
  5. StormHeader
    Apr 20, 2018
    9
    Let me start by saying that this album is not Mer de Noms or Thirteenth Step, but that's not at all a fault for this album. It is clear that Keenan and Howerdel's sound has matured and evolved over the last 14 years, but they have not outgrown the emotional weight behind each of their tracks. From the scathing attitudes of 'The Doomed' and 'TalkTalk' to more experimental and mournfulLet me start by saying that this album is not Mer de Noms or Thirteenth Step, but that's not at all a fault for this album. It is clear that Keenan and Howerdel's sound has matured and evolved over the last 14 years, but they have not outgrown the emotional weight behind each of their tracks. From the scathing attitudes of 'The Doomed' and 'TalkTalk' to more experimental and mournful sounds of 'Feather' and 'Disillusioned', each of the songs packs its own punch one layer at a time. Both performers are given the chance to really flex their muscles in each one, even if the guitars aren't as prominent as some may remember. Howerdel's soothing piano impresses nonetheless. Overall, Eat the Elephant is a, yes, different, but solid album from Keenan & Co. and one that was well worth the 14 year wait.… Expand
  6. BrushedRed
    Apr 20, 2018
    4
    When I first heard APC was coming back I was excited but as the singles started dropping, I became weary. I’m not one who necessarily dwells on a certain sound, but when compared to their earlier work, this is no contest. The beauty of APC was that they had that Tool sound but were more alternative for more casual listeners. This album; however, has none of that Tool sound. The songs areWhen I first heard APC was coming back I was excited but as the singles started dropping, I became weary. I’m not one who necessarily dwells on a certain sound, but when compared to their earlier work, this is no contest. The beauty of APC was that they had that Tool sound but were more alternative for more casual listeners. This album; however, has none of that Tool sound. The songs are very directionless and kinda meander throughout, like watching an indecisive person try to figure something out. The biggest letdown I think, though, is the lack of drum and bass. Tool and APC both have drums and bass that are as compelling as Maynard’s vocals, but those won’t be found here. I am glad I didn’t get my hopes up for this one. It was doomed from the start with that cover art. It’s more like a stripped down Emotive and that was a direction I had hoped they’d never revisit. I’m just going to assume that Maynard put this on the backburner and put all his thought and creativity into the upcoming Tool album. I hope it’ll be better than this… Expand
  7. rohdef
    Apr 24, 2018
    0
    Disappointing, very disappointing. Apart from one track, this album is completely without life, development or purpose, it is pure boredom. Mostly I was uncertain if I was listening to Coldpay or APC.
  8. jasharkowalski
    Apr 20, 2018
    9
    If it was a bit more aggressive i would it give it the whole 10 yards...produced nicely and somewhat calmly, i listened to it four times by now and it sounds like a lullaby...some tunes will get lots of radio play, especially So Long And Thanks For All The Fish, it sounds like Coldplay before they screwed everything up with Beyonce....i do hope new Tool will bring that sound which movesIf it was a bit more aggressive i would it give it the whole 10 yards...produced nicely and somewhat calmly, i listened to it four times by now and it sounds like a lullaby...some tunes will get lots of radio play, especially So Long And Thanks For All The Fish, it sounds like Coldplay before they screwed everything up with Beyonce....i do hope new Tool will bring that sound which moves the mountain and until then play Perfect Circle, and play it loud !… Expand
  9. sanstrom
    Apr 20, 2018
    10
    If you don't own a set of real cans don't review this album. It's a masterpiece. If you are listening on your puny apple pods sorry you aren't hearing the songs. As a band they have grown and don't feel the need to shove all guitars down your throat. Not exactly what I expected but each new tool album is not what I expected which is fresh and interesting. Music is more than guitarsIf you don't own a set of real cans don't review this album. It's a masterpiece. If you are listening on your puny apple pods sorry you aren't hearing the songs. As a band they have grown and don't feel the need to shove all guitars down your throat. Not exactly what I expected but each new tool album is not what I expected which is fresh and interesting. Music is more than guitars and I love guitars. There are messages in the song as with all Maynard's lyrics. Maynard's voice has never been better. It strikes me of the patience that Lateralus had. If you want to listen to nothing stick with Limp Biskit or whatever else you listen to. Time is money and money is time...… Expand
  10. Drifter2331
    Apr 20, 2018
    10
    Maynard, married with piano is an amazing combination. The message is different than anything they have done in the past but, it's an amazing album none the least. The shift in instruments used was seamless. If you are a Maynard fan in any way this is a must buy.
  11. joejesus
    Apr 22, 2018
    10
    The band has matured through the years and the slightly mellow sound is the outcome. Yes, they work more with minimalistic approach but they have always been keen to that. Those of you that say that some parts of the album are too experimental should listen to their older albums again because they did that too. It's their best album so far. Not enough heavy riffs? Maybe, but that's stuffThe band has matured through the years and the slightly mellow sound is the outcome. Yes, they work more with minimalistic approach but they have always been keen to that. Those of you that say that some parts of the album are too experimental should listen to their older albums again because they did that too. It's their best album so far. Not enough heavy riffs? Maybe, but that's stuff for overgrown metalhead kids. In the time of million djent crap bands that all sound the same, this is a fresh air in the progressive genre and it's a shame that we need a band from 20 years ago to show us what a good music sounds like.… Expand
  12. Xerogamer
    Apr 22, 2018
    10
    Granted Eat the Elephant does take a shift from A Perfect Circle's normal artistic style, but artists adapt all the time to better appeal to a wider audience with today's changing music scene. However, everything about this album still has MJK and APC written all over it to the extreme album artwork to the progressive and pop inspired tracks of the album. Many artists have been changingGranted Eat the Elephant does take a shift from A Perfect Circle's normal artistic style, but artists adapt all the time to better appeal to a wider audience with today's changing music scene. However, everything about this album still has MJK and APC written all over it to the extreme album artwork to the progressive and pop inspired tracks of the album. Many artists have been changing their style to adapt to a changing audience and market, APC is just the most recent to do so, but they did it with a bang that holds on to their traditional values and amazing sounds!… Expand
  13. Geng1s
    Apr 22, 2018
    8
    I set myself a personal goal when listening to new albums and that to listen to the full album twice in quick succession and then leave it a couple of days before doing the same thing. This really is just to let the music rattle around in my brain.
    Im saying all this because on the first couple of plays I was a little underwhelmed but come the gap and third play im happy to say a perfect    I set myself a personal goal when listening to new albums and that to listen to the full album twice in quick succession and then leave it a couple of days before doing the same thing. This really is just to let the music rattle around in my brain.
    Im saying all this because on the first couple of plays I was a little underwhelmed but come the gap and third play im happy to say a perfect circles new sound is starting to click.

    This is definitely a softer sound then their first few outings and at times Maynard almost talk/sings some of the songs but the message they incorporate into their songs is still there and each songs as whole well crafted.

    One tip for anyone struggling to get pasts the vocals, really listening to the supporting rifts, there is a lot of great work going on in the instrumentals.    … Expand
  14. Mizuru
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    It's so good to hear Maynard again. I was hyped for this album and definitely worth the wait. The tracks are deep meaningful and the instrumentals are impeccable. The album is developed around a subject and it's different and unique in comparison with the predecessors.

    Highlights: Desillusioned The Doomed Talktalk DLB (only a piano tune) Hourglass (My favorite of the album, just    It's so good to hear Maynard again. I was hyped for this album and definitely worth the wait. The tracks are deep meaningful and the instrumentals are impeccable. The album is developed around a subject and it's different and unique in comparison with the predecessors.

    Highlights:

    Desillusioned
    The Doomed
    Talktalk
    DLB (only a piano tune)
    Hourglass (My favorite of the album, just wow)
    Feathers (this song remember me the old songs, like passive, pet)
    By and down the river (this one remembers me of the oldies too)
    So long, and thanks for the fish (this song is so different from the others)

    Score: 9.5/10 rounded to a 10 of course. It's so good hear a music with deep meaning and ominous melody again, the album is fresh, all the concept behind is wonderfull.    … Expand
  15. frakkin
    Apr 21, 2018
    9
    Fourteen years of change, many of which we would all happily amend, has led to this logical step in A Perfect Circle's repertoire. Coming off the heels of "eMOTIVe," "Eat the Elephant" drowns us in cynicism but offers hints of optimism in a world that has been forever altered. Maynard James Keenan and Billy Howerdel have created a work of art that is easily elevated above allFourteen years of change, many of which we would all happily amend, has led to this logical step in A Perfect Circle's repertoire. Coming off the heels of "eMOTIVe," "Eat the Elephant" drowns us in cynicism but offers hints of optimism in a world that has been forever altered. Maynard James Keenan and Billy Howerdel have created a work of art that is easily elevated above all radio-friendly works suffocating and destroying the medium.

    Atmospheric and daunting, the album opens with a soft, jazz-like track and ends with a pulsating, trip hop feel akin to Massive Effect. These two bookend an inundation of politically-charged tracks that do, in some instances, consist of Puscifer residue, residue which is likely the album's sole fault. This merging is sensible given the more nuanced feel the two bands share. There is no "Judith" or "The Outsider" here. There is, however, an "Orestes," a "The Noose," and a "Gravity." And there are tracks that remind us of the heavy nature that was the epicenter of the band, namely "TalkTalk" and "The Doomed." The band has changed, and the sound adequately reflects this. A bipolar album for a bipolar America fits right in and offers a listening experience that may not be topped for a while.

    The lyrical content is Maynard at his best and it easily rips out the throat of the most recent TOOL album. "Disillusioned," notes our drowning in our "silicon obsession[s]." "The Contrarian" enchants us with content indicative of the negative and troll-like culture we live in while the anonymous slam away at their keyboard, spreading discontent and malice. "Hourglass" tells us how the governed are trampled on by a broken State.

    Sit back, close your eyes, start the album, and enjoy the sonic treat that is "Eat the Elephant."    … Expand
  16. BobbyFontafuego
    Apr 23, 2018
    7
    7 is based on the 5 tracks I've heard prior to the release (i'd like to review again after a few full listens, but)...

    Time is one thing we as humans will not master, but reflection and personal growth is something we should embrace. I've already read so much negativity for this release and it pains me to realize there are still blinkers preventing any true appreciation for art that    7 is based on the 5 tracks I've heard prior to the release (i'd like to review again after a few full listens, but)...

    Time is one thing we as humans will not master, but reflection and personal growth is something we should embrace. I've already read so much negativity for this release and it pains me to realize there are still blinkers preventing any true appreciation for art that pushes the publics expectation in a direction they are poorly prepared for.

    I have patiently waited for news/releases from APC ever since they reformed and announced new material was on the way.

    I will admit each release left me initially underwhelmed, as my own expectation was far different than what i had created in my own mind. But with each new listen, i heard something, instrumental or vocally that would gradually turn my initial reaction the other way.

    Each APC release has been different. They're artists able and willing to not rehash old formulas, be relevant to the moment and surprise its audience with texture and content.

    Think beyond the constraints of what you consider "rock" music. Just because MDN was rock, 13S alternative rock and eM a vision of past anti-war poetry delivered in a rock wrapped protest, each effort was remarkably different. I loved MDN first listen, 13S took a few, eM a few more, but time has made me appreciate each album equally, and more importantly respect the musicians for their lack of restraint and passionate desire to create their art, for their moment, for their love of what they do.

    Just because i can write this "opinion" and more people than my friends in the pub know it, is a product of the times. It's become a negative tool, taking away an individuals rite to their (true) opinion. Individuality is being shoved aside for a desire to follow the mass trend and be relevant.

    I've never written a review before and I probably never will again to be honest. Giving everyone a soapbox is a dangerous tool, recent events worldwide can provide footnotes for this.

    I'm going to enjoy this album for it's content, probably listen a few times (as i said earlier) and heart fully discuss it with my friends in person.

    I don't want this to appear preachy or critical of anyone, i have so many flaws. I just want to pass on something time has taught me. Keep good friends close, be cautious dismissing something new, don't fear love or being loved and humility and respect are commodities that are invaluable, if you have them, keep them. If you don't... you're life will be better for them.

    Lets eat an elephant.

    x    … Expand
  17. Vyanezgo
    Apr 24, 2018
    9
    After hearing just one time when they releases the singles i was not very convinced of what i was hearing. It took some repeats to get into it once i was able to hear the full album is beautiful and a great new release, could be nominated as a best rock album of the year, keep the good work
  18. SScholder1
    May 8, 2018
    8
    My review is gonna skip the record review (because its subjective anyway but that leads me to...) Anyone who would be interested enough in this band expected to like it but like something about it that was unknown yet. In the same breath if you are inclined to hate this record I can't see how you went into it thinking anything other than "I CAN'T WAIT to tear this apart. ....and then youMy review is gonna skip the record review (because its subjective anyway but that leads me to...) Anyone who would be interested enough in this band expected to like it but like something about it that was unknown yet. In the same breath if you are inclined to hate this record I can't see how you went into it thinking anything other than "I CAN'T WAIT to tear this apart. ....and then you have the viruses and parasites that MJK sings about constantly and those are the people who indicate so much about their deeply flawed persona's that they have to rate something a ZERO. Which serves no purpose for the rating system, no regard for actually reviewing anything, no regard for other people who want to actually see what people think, and a lack of wit and character that makes me wonder how Metacritic doesn't ban them immediately. To the trash that do that and ruin the process: you aren't funny, you serve no purpose other than to ruin other people's interest in something that is far over your flawed simple minded low iq mind. Just dont put a rating down and take it out on something or someone else. Let the grownups have a moment to interact without you doing what you do many times every day. Leave.

    Album is extremely fun for the ears. The massive sound is captivating and the production is superb. The songs are extremely varied and to those who whine about lyrics, give me a singer who can do things so well in different settings and still puts out music that is so uniquely him? Who cares what he says much of the time....or perhaps you can explain to me what Kurt Cobain was talking about when he made some of the best rock albums ever. Kudos to Billy Howerdell for writing and playing some great melodies and with so much varied style...Sounds like he took influence from 50 bands and it came out this way. thanks.    … Expand
  19. Methusalah
    Apr 30, 2018
    4
    Stripped down doesn't really work for A Perfect Circle (and this from someone who typically favors the stripped down albums in a band's discography). Instead of stripped down, it feels like they just lost an instrument track or two and decided not to re-record them. Less to the point, more without it. Unfortunately, the absence of dense instrumentation to focus on provides theStripped down doesn't really work for A Perfect Circle (and this from someone who typically favors the stripped down albums in a band's discography). Instead of stripped down, it feels like they just lost an instrument track or two and decided not to re-record them. Less to the point, more without it. Unfortunately, the absence of dense instrumentation to focus on provides the opportunity to focus on some truly tedious lyrics. It's an hour long lecture on how misguided and wrong the world is. Even if you agree with much of the message, it still feels like you're stuck standing in front of an angry parent while your unruly sibling is berated for an hour.… Expand
  20. BroteinSupreme
    Aug 24, 2018
    6
    Based on the singles, one would be lead to believe this album was going to be very different from how it actually was. Even the piano sections on Disillusioned and The Doomed weren't very foreshadowing of the content as a whole. No, it's not Thirteenth Step, it's certainly not Mer de Noms, almost all the emotion is stripped away and left to reside at the surface level--one could argue thatBased on the singles, one would be lead to believe this album was going to be very different from how it actually was. Even the piano sections on Disillusioned and The Doomed weren't very foreshadowing of the content as a whole. No, it's not Thirteenth Step, it's certainly not Mer de Noms, almost all the emotion is stripped away and left to reside at the surface level--one could argue that this is the least heavy hitting (in an emotional and a sonic sense) out of all Perfect Circle records. I don't feel that I can say the songwriting has matured, but I believe it's rather stayed the same. Not in a bad way, but moreso typical of Maynard to engage in implicit metaphors and biblical allusions that sometimes make the listener completely change perspective. If APC was going for "songs for the end of the world," it seems the world's going out with a whisper as opposed to a bang, and the apocalypse isn't really done any justice. Similarly, the ending track Get The Lead Out does the album no justice, as it culminates in a repetitive and thumping slow burner that sounds like "Pet" with all the harshness and emotion stripped away. Needless to say, several tracks on this album are phenomenal, but I feel like their worth is weighed down by all the songs around them. For a frontman who greatly respects the traditional ways of listening to music, the last thing I would expect is an album that makes me want to listen to a select few tracks rather than the entire long play.

    But I digress--I'm being a bit harsh. This album is in no way bad, but the execution is considerably poorer than I would expect from Maynard. The direction is there, but I feel Eat The Elephant strays very far off course with the piano sections and lack of driving bass and guitar that wonderfully defined Mer de Noms and Thirteenth Step. Songs like "So Long and Thanks For All The Fish" and "Delicious" definitely make the album worth listening to, and if you're a diehard Maynard fan, you'll definitely have something to be happy about, but there's no guarantee a shred of disappointment won't follow.

    Best Tracks: So Long And Thanks For All The Fish, Disillusioned, Delicious
    Worst Track: Hourglass    … Expand
  21. 90saltkid
    Jun 6, 2018
    3
    i Have always been a fan of APC as well as Tool Maynard's Voice is a staple in the rock and alternative scene. Unfortunately, after years of waiting for another album, i think they fell short. A Perfect Circle finally has lived up to their name and lost their edge.
  22. binkso
    Apr 6, 2023
    9
    Takes a few listens to get into, but it gets better everytime you listen to it. My favourite A Perfect Circle album now.

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Most Discussed Album of 2018
38
#38 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. No Ripcord
    May 22, 2018
    50
    They rekindle some of that fiery passion with The Doomed, a stunning example of grand, orchestral rock with some majestic touches. But for every explosive, curtain-closing exit there's the lifeless anthem.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    May 4, 2018
    70
    Keenan balances the constructive dissemination of contemporary society in his own unique way and, in the process, rather surprisingly, may have just made one of the most prescient albums of the year.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    May 1, 2018
    60
    Fourteen years on from their last outing, A Perfect Circle’s return to active duty as a living, breathing band is broadly speaking a good thing for the hard rock scene. Just don’t expect a record which silver plates their stellar reputation.
    Read full review
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