When this first came out, I wasn't really old enough to appreciate it. I heard Judith on the radio and it rocked, but I was fairly unfamiliar with the rest of the CD. Now that I'm a little older, I can't say enough good about it. The CD has everything from the rocking Judith to 3 Libras, which is probably the most beautiful song I've ever heard in my life. Orestes is right up there with it, even though it's not quite as popular. Overall, I can't say enough great things about this album, and if you don't have it yet, you are truly missing out on one of my favorite CDs ever.

I am a die hard Tool fan. The only reason I was ever interested in a Perfect Circle is because Maynard is a great lyricist and vocalist. It's a good album. I especially love "Orestes". the opening riffs and Maynard's emotional singing will have you listening to that song on repeat. But my favorite song is "Magdalena" because it gives me this 80's rock type feeling whenever I listen to it and Maynard's passion in his singing about how he would sell his soul for one kiss from this woman is so deep. A perfect circle is a great band. They are definitely a lot softer than Tool but they still have emotional and creative lyrics and music just as Tool does (because of Maynard of course). The only reason I give this album 4 stars and not 5 is because I love Tool and I can't wait until Maynard reuinites with them for a new album. Tool is more hard rock/metal and artistic. The drummer in a Perfect Circle is no match for the drummer of Tool. MAYNARD! OKAY. YOU HAVE AN EMOTIONAL AND SOFT SIDE! US TOOL FANS GET THE IDEA! BUT GO BACK TO TOOL ASAP!!!!!!!!!!

I initially bought this CD because of its beautiful cover. But after just one listen I learned that the cover accurrately depicts what they go for, beautiful music. Whether it is heavy or melodic, they create some of the best music that's out today. A Perfect Circle has the gift of being able to conjure up images through their music. Very few bands have that ability these days, nor does anyone really try.

Maynard writes some of the best, most eccentric lyrics out these days and he does it with little problem. His voice is your guide through this epic journey that just doesn't stop. After the last note of the last song you feel that you have just finished the journey of your life. Every song on here pulls out all stops and flows perfectly. A lot of bands these days hit a rough spot or two during a song, but this band, no matter what tempo of music they're playing, just glides through every song with ease. The texture created blends utterly amazingly with Maynard's voice.

This CD starts off with The Hollow. Possibly one of my favorite songs on here. The lyrics are great and the instrumentation is absolutely perfect for the mood of this song. 3 Libras is one of the slower songs on here, but don't let that drive you away from it. This song is so thick with emotion that you can feel where he's coming from. The band keeps it down on here, and in doing so put Maynard's lyrics proudly on display. Thinking Of You is a song with a bridge so catchy that it'll be in your head for days. I love the beginning of this song, simply because they use an unusual mix of instruments that create some good ear candy. The CD ends with the appropriately named Over. This CD couldn't be ended with a better song. There's nothing complicated to this song, just Maynard reciting some lyrics with a light background beat.

Some stand-outs on this disc are The Hollow, Judith, 3 Libras, Thinking Of You, and Over. This is one of those records that you can listen straight through and love every single song. Although I like their new CDs, I strongly doubt that they will ever top this CD (I know that there are going to be a ton of people who will disagree with me though). This is a CD that you can listen to no matter what mood you're in, and that's something only a select few bands can accomplish.

Quite possibly the best CD released since 2000, Mer de Noms proves to be one of the most inspired and creative albums in a long time. Billy Howerdel has elevated his status as an amazing songwriter, while Maynard's haunting vocals seem perfect for this style of depressive, yet beautiful music. Josh Freese is one of the most consistent, experienced drummers ever, and belongs in this assembled group of talented musicians. While Troy and Paz didn't stick around after this album, they also deserve credit. Mer de Noms (Sea of Names in French) consists of songs about Greek mythology (Orestes) and Biblical characters (Magdalena, Judith) among others. Orestes has to be the best song on this album, with the line "bring me into your perfect circle" providing the basis for APC's name, and some very chilling lyrics. Magdalena's screaming guitars and deep bass lines give me shivers, as does Maynard's long note at the end of Judith. 3 libras, Sleeping Beauty, and the Hollow are also very beautiful songs. As a matter of fact, there's not a bad song on this disc. Maynard even gives a shot at rapping in Thinking of You, however, he should stick with singing. This CD is a must have. Skip EmotivE, simply because this band writes music too amazing to be covering other artists' music. 13th Step is also a great album, but Mer de Noms is more epic.

This cd, I must say, is brilliant. It's true that Maynard will never surpass his work in Tool, but I believe nothing can, so let's just leave it at that. A Perfect Circle's Mer De Noms is worth every penny, and worth every second you spend listening to it.

The songs are very well written, and since Maynard co-wrote them, it's no suprise. The lyrical concepts range from addiction ("The Hollow") to a song about sleeping beauty ("Sleeping Beauty"), to Greek myths ("Orestes"). The vocals are amazing, and show a side of Maynard we haven't seen yet. I see "The Hollow" as the best represenatation of Maynard's amazing range and vocal expression. Another outstanding vocal performance is evident on "Judith". His voice eerily creeps out in front of heavy guitars and then turns to intense growls that leave you breathless. It's a masterpiece!

This cd is a new classic, a definitive release of the new millenium (I know it techincally didn't start until 2001, but who cares). The cd is nearly flawless and well worthy of the numerous 5-star reviews full of praise. Buy it now.