Maynard James Keenan, best known for his work in Tool, found himself inspired after his onetime guitar tech, Billy Howerdel, showed him a more melodic collection of tracks he was working on. A Perfect Circle was launched and the band's 2000 debut, 'Mer de Noms,' also featured such accomplished players as Josh Freese, making APC one of rock's most interesting side bands.

The lush and atmospheric instrumentation combined with Keenan's lyrical intensity immediately connected, with '3 Libras,' 'Judith' and 'The Hollow' all earning airplay. Songs like 'Renholder,' 'Thinking of You' and 'Rose' also stood out amongst the sound journey that was the 'Mer de Noms' album.

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