Existential Reckoning
by Puscifer
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Oct 30, 2020
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
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  1. 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.
  2. Consequence
    Oct 30, 2020
    83
    Existential Reckoning is certainly another worthwhile effort from the acclaimed singer and his ever-revolving musical collaborators.
  3. AllMusic
    Oct 30, 2020
    80
    Although lacking the silly and immature content found in their early output, the group retain their cheeky spirit, using that irreverence to process a society on the verge of collapse in a manner that's still uniquely Puscifer. As the world burns, Keenan and company hold a mirror to the calamity, forcing us to face reality and figure out a way to move forward.
  5. Glide Magazine
    Oct 30, 2020
    80
    Existential Reckoning is a gem of a record that reasserts Puscifer’s place not just in pop culture but in the whole Keenan milieu. As their first album in five years, it’s a stunning return for a band that now feels on pace to shine as brightly as its founder and leader. Whether an old fan or new, Puscifer delivers dose after dose of electro-rock madness that all adds up to the best album of the band’s career.
  6. Kerrang!
    Oct 30, 2020
    80
    The beauty of Puscifer is that they can be taken any way you like depending on how you look at them. It is more than enough that the music on Existential Reckoning is superb. But should you attempt to get under the skin and solve the puzzles within, there are vast riches to be had.
  7. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 18, 2020
    70
    Collection of coldly beautiful electronica. [Dec 2020, p.83]
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  8. 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.

User Reviews

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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
  1. WallaceMusic
    Feb 28, 2021
    9
    Excellent sound, Flow, sequence +creativity! Glad I bought the LP and watched their live show streamed.
  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 byIt'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    … Full Review »
  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,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 my favourite Puscifer record.… Full Review »
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