A Perfect Circle Returns: Why ‘Starless’ Hits Hard

The wait is finally over for fans of A Perfect Circle. In a surprise drop that has caught just about everyone off guard, Maynard James Keenan and Billy Howerdel have returned with a brand-new single, “Starless”

Released just this week, “Starless” is the first original material we’ve heard from the band since their 2024 work on the Sessanta E.P.P.P. It’s a haunting, aggressive reminder of exactly why this project remains a cornerstone of alternative rock.

Why ‘Starless’ Feels Like a Return to Form

If you’ve been waiting for that classic A Perfect Circle tension, you’re going to find it here.

• The Vibe: The track pulls off a delicate balancing act. It starts with an expansive, atmospheric buildup that leans into the band’s signature melodic side, but it doesn’t take long before it erupts into the kind of heavy, driving sound we’ve loved since the Mer de Noms era. It feels like a perfect bridge between where they started and where they’ve evolved.

• The Crew: Credit goes to Billy Howerdel’s production, which sounds crisp and intentional, and the return of longtime drummer Josh Freese. Freese brings that precise, anchoring rhythm that really gives the track its backbone.

• The Story: Howerdel mentioned that some songs take years to get right, but “Starless” felt like it came together almost instantly—like it had been sitting there, waiting to be finished. You can hear that urgency in the final recording.

Catch Them on the Road

The timing of this release couldn’t be better. The band is currently right in the middle of their first European and U.K. run in nearly a decade.

Maynard has always been vocal about the fact that their music really finds its final form once it hits the stage, and for those lucky enough to catch them on this 2026 tour, “Starless” is already turning into a highlight of their live set.

How to Dive In

• Streaming: The single is up now on all the usual platforms.

• The Physical Side: For the collectors, there’s a limited 7-inch vinyl release out there. It’s got a custom etching of the band’s crescent logo and comes in two cool color variants: a silver/black mix and a white/sea blue/black splatter.

• Touring: They’re hitting major stages at Copenhell, Rock Im Park, and Rock Am Ring. If you’re heading to any of those, get ready.

The Verdict

Whether you’ve been keeping up with Maynard’s other projects or you’ve been holding your breath for a new A Perfect Circle record, “Starless” is a massive win. It’s heavy, it’s thoughtful, and most importantly, it sounds like the band is having fun breaking new ground.