Puscifer - Normal Isn't (2026)


I don’t dislike this, but it never fully commits to being more than a competent extension of the Puscifer universe. Normal Isn’t has moments of tension and bite—especially when it leans into post-punk stiffness and darker guitar textures—but too often it settles into a familiar mid-tempo lope where atmosphere substitutes for momentum. It’s controlled, well-played, and thematically coherent, yet rarely urgent. I come away respecting the craft more than feeling pulled back in.

Pros

  1. Clear tonal identity – The goth/post-punk shading gives the album a consistent, nocturnal mood.

  2. Solid musicianship – Rhythm section and textures are disciplined; nothing feels sloppy or undercooked.

  3. Restraint over bombast – Avoids forced climaxes and Tool-adjacent excess.

Cons

  1. Low payoff density – Few tracks truly arrive; tension often plateaus.

  2. Mid-tempo drag – Too many songs sit in the same energy band, blunting contrast.

  3. Concept over compulsion – Interesting ideas, but limited replay pull once the mood is absorbed.





Genre: Art Rock
Country: US

Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 24th / 112

Highlight: The Quiet Parts


Made me think of:
Ulver
A Perfect Circle (obviously)
Echo & the Bunnymen

#newalbum #newalbum2026 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery
#ArtRock #Puscifer #US
#LP #Album #release

 

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