It’s been almost 14 years but Puscifer finally made its way back to the WNY/Southern Ontario area. The last time the band played the area was at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda back in June of 2012. So you can say the fans in this area have been eager to see the band live again. The show was sold out. Since 2012, Puscifer has made 3 studio albums including ‘Normal Isn’t’, which just came out this past February. Puscifer still consists of main members Maynard James Keenan on vocals, Carina Round on vocals and keyboards and Matt Mitchell on guitar. They are supported by touring musicians Josh Moreau on bass and Gunnar Olson on drums.
Some bands support their new music by playing a few tracks. This wasn’t the case for Puscifer. Their was an onslaught of new tunes right off the bat starting with “Thrust.” The following 6 songs were all cuts off the new record including the title track “Normal Isn’t.” Both Round and Keenan played off each other throughout the show. Each singing co lead or taking lead while the other joins in. Of course, there was a bunch of theatrics mixed in that included toy guns that both Round and Kennan playfully shot at each other during “The Remedy.” When these two were leading the way, it was Mitchell holding down the musical aspect of the show. Dave Hill who opened the show with a mix of music and comedy, joined the band for the last track of the evening called “A Public Stoning” by playing a guitar solo which included a snippet of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.”
You can’t put a specific genre of music on Puscifer as they combine many different styles into their own blend. What should be noted is that the band had a strict no phone use policy during the show. You didn’t have to lock it up but a video of having the patrons say “We Understand” showed before the band took to the stage. Having less distractions did make it for a more enjoyable experience overall.
Setlist:
Thrust
Self Evident
Bad Wolf
Normal Isn’t
The Algorithm
The Quiet Parts
Pendulum
Bangers and Mashups (video)
The Arsonist
Mantastic
Bullet Train to Iowa
The Remdey
Intermission
The Humbling River (2026 mix)
ImpetuoUs
Momma Sed (versatile mix)
Seven One’
Grand Canyon
Conditions of my Parole
A Public Stoning/(Opener Dave Hill joined and played snippet of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train”)
We would like to thank Erin Stitt from the Fallsview Casino for the credentials to review the show.