Eat the Elephant
by A Perfect Circle
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Apr 20, 2018
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
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  1. 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.
  2. Mojo
    Apr 23, 2018
    60
    At once brooding and beautiful. [Jun 2018, p.97]
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  3. Exclaim
    Apr 19, 2018
    60
    It will undoubtedly take some time for fans of the band's earlier work to get acquainted with the stylistic shift, though A Perfect Circle's messaging might have benefited more from sounds tried and true.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Apr 20, 2018
    58
    That nothing here much resembles the band’s heyday hits is theoretically admirable; this is not the work of a lazy nostalgia act. But as end-of-the-world music goes, it’s more whimper than bang.
  6. 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.
  7. Pitchfork
    Apr 23, 2018
    49
    But where their previous three albums translated that dynamic into emotionally-charged metal, Eat the Elephant assumes the form of a gloomy adult-alternative record flush with grand pianos, classical strings, and slackened tempos.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  1. 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 dwellsWhen 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… Full Review »
  2. 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    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.    … Full Review »
  3. 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.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.… Full Review »
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