Existential Reckoning
by Puscifer
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Oct 30, 2020
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
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  1. BryanDubeux
    Nov 10, 2020
    10
    Um dos mais bem produzidos álbuns que já ouvi. Coeso do início ao fim, vale a pena ouvir inteiro, sem pausas, como se estivesse meditando. Maynard numa veia mais criativa, Puscifer mais autêntico, pessoal e mais próximo de Pink Floyd. Obra prima!
  2. JLuis_001
    Jan 22, 2021
    7
    It's not an exceptional album, and at some points it becomes redundant because there are not many variations, however Existential Reckoning by Puscifer, gave me a pleasant time of music.

    Although usually a project quite underrated due to the fact that its vocalist is also the leader and vocalist of Tool; Maynard James Keenan, Puscifer has proven itself as a serious project in its own    It's not an exceptional album, and at some points it becomes redundant because there are not many variations, however Existential Reckoning by Puscifer, gave me a pleasant time of music.

    Although usually a project quite underrated due to the fact that its vocalist is also the leader and vocalist of Tool; Maynard James Keenan, Puscifer has proven itself as a serious project in its own right.

    Keenan has kept all his projects separate in terms of sound and that's not usually easy, however Puscifer is not a project with the tonal seriousness of Tool or A Perfect Circle and that change is quite welcome.

    And although the evolution regarding their last album is nothing out of the ordinary, there's growth for the band and Existential Reckoning despite its flaws and some filler tracks, is an excellent addition to the band's repertoire and shows them more alive than ever.

    Notable Tracks

    > Bread And Circus
    > Apocalyptical
    > The Underwhelming
    > Bullet Train To Iowa
    > Fake Affront
    > Bedlamite    … Expand
  3. Jayansh
    Dec 7, 2020
    10
    Lovely record. The most avant-garde Puscifer have sounded till date. Stand out tracks are Grey Area, Theorem, UPGrade, Bullet Train to Iowa, and Bedlamite. Do watch the Live at Arcosanti concert if you can; it'll amplify your appreciation for the record. A good pair of earbuds/headphones is a sine qua non to appreciate all the little details. After several listens, I consider this to be myLovely record. The most avant-garde Puscifer have sounded till date. Stand out tracks are Grey Area, Theorem, UPGrade, Bullet Train to Iowa, and Bedlamite. Do watch the Live at Arcosanti concert if you can; it'll amplify your appreciation for the record. A good pair of earbuds/headphones is a sine qua non to appreciate all the little details. After several listens, I consider this to be my favourite Puscifer record.… Expand
  4. Zach0701
    Oct 31, 2020
    10
    Reminds me of nine inch nails in some parts and in other it's just silly. I love it. Another CD to drive and jam to.
  5. ViceAVersa
    Dec 1, 2020
    8
    Definitely one of their most experimental and best albums yet. Puscifer has always been known for a unique sound in every album and this one stands out. It's first single "Apocalyptical" (most likely inspired by the current political landscape or society in general via pandemic) was definitely a highlight during 2020 as it got me excited for the road to October. Upon it's release, I reallyDefinitely one of their most experimental and best albums yet. Puscifer has always been known for a unique sound in every album and this one stands out. It's first single "Apocalyptical" (most likely inspired by the current political landscape or society in general via pandemic) was definitely a highlight during 2020 as it got me excited for the road to October. Upon it's release, I really enjoyed the album as a whole and it barely has a bad song in it (though a bulk of it can be mediocre at times). To sum it up, this is one of Puscifer's best work yet.… Expand
  6. WallaceMusic
    Feb 28, 2021
    9
    Excellent sound, Flow, sequence +creativity! Glad I bought the LP and watched their live show streamed.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 18, 2020
    70
    Collection of coldly beautiful electronica. [Dec 2020, p.83]
  2. Variety
    Oct 30, 2020
    85
    This Puscifer is something of a frowny-faced look at one man’s insistent need to keep score — with other men, with nature or with himself — while fist-pumping the air with ’80s-vintage new wave pop tones. And it all works out brilliantly, and Maynard-ly, even when you think it won’t. ... For all the majesty and mirth, the best songs on “Existential Reckoning” are its sparest, and those where Keenan drops an octave and maybe even some of the pretense.
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  3. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 30, 2020
    40
    Too often, the melodies are listless, the song structures are underdeveloped, and the album’s weaknesses are masked by waves of synths and ambience that add nothing to the experience other than time – and that, unfortunately, is time that we’ll never get back.
    Read full review
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