Thirteenth Step - A Perfect Circle > Reviews > Thirteenth Step

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Atmospheric, eerie, original
Disadvantages:	Maybe too unconventional for fans of the first album

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I was expecting this album to be a bit heavier, especially after hearing A Perfect Circle's debut, and Tool's albums. There isn't that much on the album that could be described as 'metal' at all, in fact.. However, it is very beautiful and dark, and there are some pretty weird, experimental moments.
The opener 'The Package' is definitely a highlight of the album, with its clattering percussive sounds and melancholy melody, stretching out over nearly eight minutes. Shortly after is the album's stand-out, 'The Noose', probably the most beautiful piece of music Maynard James Keenan has ever sung on. Both tracks are brooding, eerie alt. rock that are always a step away from the conventional, commercial music you hear on mainstream radio. However, the album takes a lighter turn in the middle, with a couple of acoustic numbers, and the orchestral 'The Nurse Who Loved Me', both adding variety and interest to the album. Most fascinating of all are the near-ambient 'Vanishing' and 'Lullaby', both based around reverby drum loops and atmospheric filtered guitars, which are a far cry from anything a band of A Perfect Circle's kind have done, especially anywhere near the mainstream.
Thirteenth Step is an album that not only reaches its grasp, but perhaps reaches even further. A triumph and hopefully a sign of what is to come with the band.