Prying Open My Third Eye!
Hey everyone so I looked through a couple music journals and decided, “what the heck?” I’ve decided to review some of the Musicians that have influenced me to not only listen to music, but explore the other aspects of it. So relax and hope you enjoy!
Maynard James Keenan
Who would’ve thought in 1992 when the progressive metal band TOOL would release their EP, “Opiate” that Maynard James Keenan would solidify his status as a musical icon. Sure you don’t hear him in the news everyday or he hasn’t won a ton of Grammy’s, but his impact on music is more than that. With that iconic, primal, raw screams, that almost hypnotizing voice, and beautiful lyrics he’s captivated millions of listeners.
Maynard James Keenan (born James Herbert Keenan) was born into a structurally unstable family, his parents divorced when he was only four and would barely see his father. His mother suffered a stroke when he was eleven (Judith Marie Keenan would become inspirations for various songs throughout Maynard’s musical career such as “Judith,” “Wings for Marie,” and “Jimmy.”) He would eventually attend West Point Prepatory School and soon decided to pursue a career in music. He would start playing in low-gig bands like TexA.N.S. and Children of the Anachronistic Dynasty.
Eventually in 1990 Adam Jones, Paul D’Amour, Danny Carey, and himself would form TOOL. They would release their EP, “Opiate” in 1992 and then four more studio albums, “Undertow,” “Aenima,” “Lateralus,” and “10,000 Days.” With each album they evolved musically and visually. From 1999-2004 he would also become a main member of the band/super group “A Perfect Circle” and would release three albums, “Mer de Noms,” “Thirteenth Step,” and “eMotive.” He also has a solo project under the psuedonym “Puscifer” where he could release solo efforts and somewhat break his normal styles.
There is still no doubt that MJK has had a profound impact on music, his lyrical style can easily be interpreted in so many ways and that’s exactly what he wants. He desires listeners to connect with him and listen to better understand themselves, a personal evolution if you may. His voice is pure and one of the most unique in the music industry. He has influenced bands like System of a Down, Deftones, and Chevelle.
What To Listen To:
