Plans for political covers album

After wrapping up the touring in support of Thirteenth Step in the first half of 2004, the band had announced it planned to enter a long hiatus while Keenan returned to Tool and Howerdel pursued a solo career. In July 2004, Keenan performed at Serj Tankian ‘s ( System of a Down ) and Tom Morello ‘s ( Rage Against the Machine ) Axis of Justice concert – an event for musicians to advocate for political and social causes. At the performance, Keenan announced that A Perfect Circle would be releasing a collection of political cover songs. During the beginning of the touring cycle for Thirteenth Step , Howerdel and Keenan discussed potential ideas for a third studio album. An early idea was to record an album of cover songs , though they were initially hesitant, feeling they needed a meaningful reason to warrant doing it. Keenan, who had been very critical of President George W. Bush during the touring cycle, proposed tying the concept together as a political-themed covers album, with Howerdel, while generally apolitical publicly, felt was worth pursuing in their post- September 11th attacks political and social climate. The two put their plans on hold temporarily and decided to move forward on the project as the band’s third studio album. Keenan emphasized that, despite his personal feelings on Bush, the album was less of an “anti-Bush” album, and more of an “anti- political apathy ” – encouraging people to research things and become more involved.