A Perfect Circle

A Perfect Circle is an alternative rock band, formed by guitarist Billy Howerdel. Howerdel had worked as a guitar tech for bands such as Nine Inch Nails, The Smashi

A Perfect Circle is an alternative rock band, formed by guitarist Billy Howerdel. Howerdel had worked as a guitar tech for bands such as Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, Fishbone, Guns N' Roses and Tool. During the recording of Tool's Ænima album, he played demos of his music to Tool's singer, Maynard James Keenan, who, although Howerdel originally wanted a female singer, offered himself as vocalist should Howerdel form a band.

Joined by The Vandals drummer Josh Freese, ex- Failure guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, and bassist/violinist Paz Lenchantin (later of Zwan), the band rehearsed the music that Howerdel had begun and finished their debut album Mer de Noms (French "Sea of Names"). At this time Tool was tied up in negotiations with their record label, allowing Keenan much time to complete the work. While the band's first single, "Judith", brought some comparisons to Tool, the album is quite different.