Between 2000 and 2018, A Perfect Circle released four studio albums, two notable compilations, and several live recordings. While FLAC (lossless) versions of their entire catalog are available through high-resolution music platforms like
, they are typically sold as individual albums or specific collections. Studio Albums (2000–2018) Mer de Noms
(May 23, 2000): The band's debut, featuring hits like "Judith" and "3 Libras". Thirteenth Step
(September 16, 2003): A moodier follow-up focused on themes of addiction, including singles like "Weak and Powerless".
(November 2, 2004): An album primarily composed of politically charged cover songs, such as John Lennon's "Imagine". Eat the Elephant
(April 20, 2018): Released after a 14-year studio hiatus, featuring tracks like "The Doomed" and "TalkTalk". Compilations & Remixes
(November 16, 2004): A remix album and DVD set that reworked tracks from their first two studio releases. Three Sixty
(November 19, 2013): A greatest hits compilation including the previously unreleased studio track "By and Down". Live Releases (2013) In 2013, the band released a massive live collection titled A Perfect Circle Live: Featuring Stone and Echo . This box set included: Stone and Echo : A full 2011 performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. a perfect circle discography 20002018 flac
: Three live albums, each featuring a full performance of one of their first three studio albums ( Mer de Noms Thirteenth Step
High-quality, lossless files for these releases can be officially purchased through digital retailers or found on physical media via collectors' sites like for any of these albums, or perhaps technical specs for the FLAC files?
Here’s an interesting, slightly deep-dive review of the A Perfect Circle Discography (2000–2018) FLAC collection, written for an audiophile and fan alike.
FLAC highlight: “Imagine” – yes, that Lennon cover. In FLAC, the reversed piano and Keenan’s breathy delivery turn hope into dread.
Most fans hate this album. Audiophiles might love it. The production is dry, close-miked, and unforgiving. “What’s Going On” (Marvin Gaye) – the layered vocals in lossless reveal 6+ distinct Keenan tracks. “Passive” (the lone original, salvaged from Tapeworm) is a brutalist masterpiece; the FLAC version doesn’t bury the bass drum.
Verdict: A fascinating failure that sounds too real in FLAC.
Having the FLAC files is only half the battle. To respect the band’s engineering:
Here is the definitive chronological breakdown of the band’s studio output during their most active period. Between 2000 and 2018, A Perfect Circle released
| Album | FLAC Essential? | Best Source | |-------|----------------|--------------| | Mer de Noms | ✅ Yes | 2011 Remaster CD rip (16/44.1) | | Thirteenth Step | ✅ Hell yes | 2020 Vinyl rip (24/96) | | eMOTIVe | ⚠️ Only for completists | Original CD (16/44.1) | | Stone and Echo | ✅ Absolutely | Official FLAC download (2013) | | Eat the Elephant | ✅ Yes | Vinyl rip (24/96) > CD |
Final thought: A Perfect Circle in FLAC is like seeing a xerox of a charcoal drawing versus the original. The smudges, the ghost notes, the breath before the scream – it’s all there. And if you’re still listening to APC via streaming… well, you don’t. You’re just remembering the idea of the song.
Now play “Orestes” at 24-bit and feel your laptop vibrate. 🌀
The discography of A Perfect Circle (APC) from 2000 to 2018 consists of four studio albums, a remix collection, and extensive live recordings. For high-fidelity listening, these are available in format through high-resolution retailers like
(which offers up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz for their latest release) and Juno Download Studio Albums Mer de Noms (2000)
: The band's platinum-selling debut featuring hits like "Judith," "3 Libras," and "The Hollow". It established their signature sound: a blend of Billy Howerdel's textured guitar work and Maynard James Keenan's emotive vocals. Thirteenth Step (2003)
: A darker, more atmospheric concept album focused on themes of addiction and recovery. Key tracks include "Weak and Powerless," "The Outsider," and "Blue". eMOTIVe (2004) Software: Use Foobar2000 (Windows) or VOX (Mac/iOS)
: Released to coincide with the 2004 U.S. election, this album is primarily composed of politically charged cover songs (e.g., John Lennon’s "Imagine") alongside two original tracks, "Passive" and "Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums". Eat the Elephant (2018)
: The band’s first studio release after a 14-year hiatus, marking a shift toward piano-driven arrangements and more direct lyrical themes. It includes the singles "The Doomed" and "Disillusioned". Compilations & Live Collections
This article explores the atmospheric and intricate discography of A Perfect Circle from their 2000 debut to their 2018 return. For those seeking the highest audio fidelity, such as FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) versions, understanding the production and dynamic range of these recordings is essential. The Sonic Architecture of A Perfect Circle (2000–2018)
A Perfect Circle (APC) was born from the collaboration between guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan. While Tool often focuses on rhythmic complexity and progressive structures, APC leans into melodic, atmospheric, and emotive rock. Between 2000 and 2018, the band released four studio albums that redefined the alternative rock landscape. 1. Mer de Noms (2000)
The debut that started it all, Mer de Noms (French for "Sea of Names"), is a masterpiece of dark melody and lush production. Released on May 23, 2000, it became the highest-ever Billboard 200 debut for a rock band's first album. Key Tracks: "Judith," "3 Libras," "The Hollow".
Audio Profile: Produced by Billy Howerdel, the album features a blend of heavy guitar riffs and delicate acoustic elements. Audiophiles often seek the Mer de Noms High-Res versions for the clarity it brings to Paz Lenchantin’s violin and the layered vocal harmonies. 2. Thirteenth Step (2003)
Released on September 16, 2003, Thirteenth Step is a conceptual exploration of addiction from multiple perspectives. It is widely considered the band's most cohesive and polished work. Thirteenth Step - Википедия