Description
A Perfect Circle – Mor De Noms – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
Released on May 23, 2000, Mer de Noms (French for Sea of Names) is A Perfect Circle’s debut album, a stunning introduction to the side project of Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan and guitarist Billy Howerdel. The album emerged as a haunting, melodic, and deeply atmospheric alternative rock masterpiece, standing in contrast to Tool’s more progressive and complex sound. Mer de Noms fused brooding intensity with lush melodies, creating a sound that was both ethereal and visceral. The album’s dark, poetic lyricism and cinematic production set it apart from the heavier, nu-metal-dominated landscape of the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Musically, Mer de Noms blends alternative rock, art rock, and post-grunge influences, with Howerdel’s layered, textured guitar work forming a perfect backdrop for Keenan’s emotionally charged vocals. The album is rich with atmospheric soundscapes, hypnotic rhythms, and dynamic shifts, ranging from quiet, mournful passages to explosive, cathartic climaxes. Lyrically, the songs are deeply personal, exploring themes of love, loss, disillusionment, and self-reflection. Many of the tracks are named after people from Keenan’s life, adding a layer of intimacy and mystique to the record.
Upon release, Mer de Noms was a massive success, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting debut rock album at the time. The album was critically acclaimed, with praise directed at its emotional depth, sonic complexity, and the seamless chemistry between Keenan and Howerdel. Songs like Judith, 3 Libras, and The Hollow became instant fan favorites, showcasing the band’s ability to combine intensity with beauty.
Over the years, Mer de Noms has remained one of the most beloved and influential alternative rock albums of its era. It introduced A Perfect Circle as a band that could stand on its own, distinct from Keenan’s work with Tool, while still carrying the same lyrical depth and artistic ambition. Looking back, Mer de Noms is more than just a debut—it’s a timeless and deeply evocative record, one that continues to captivate listeners with its haunting beauty and raw emotional power.
From The Capitol Vaults
180 Gram Vinyl
Audiophile Quality
Faithfully Restored
Limited Edition
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
The Hollow
Magdalena
Rose
Judith
Orestes
3 Libras
Sleeping Beauty
Thomas
Renholdër
Thinking Of You
Breña
Over
