A Perfect Circle is an influential American rock supergroup that emerged from Los Angeles, California, in 1999. Founded by guitarist Billy Howerdel and the renowned vocalist Maynard James Keenan of the band Tool, A Perfect Circle quickly gained recognition for its unique sound that blended alternative rock with elements of art rock and progressive rock. The band's debut album, "Mer de Noms," released in 2000, became a significant milestone in their career, showcasing their musical prowess and earning them a dedicated fan base.

The formation of A Perfect Circle was marked by the coming together of Howerdel and Keenan, who shared a vision of creating music that was both emotionally resonant and sonically intricate. Their first album, "Mer de Noms," included hits like "Judith" and "The Hollow," which helped the band establish itself in the music industry. Following the success of their debut, A Perfect Circle released their second studio album, "Thirteenth Step," in 2003, which delved into themes of addiction and recovery, further solidifying their artistic identity. The subsequent album, "Emotive," released in 2004, featured a collection of re-imagined cover songs that reflected the band's socially and politically charged ethos.

After the release of "Emotive," A Perfect Circle entered a hiatus, during which both Howerdel and Keenan pursued other musical projects. Maynard James Keenan returned to focus on Tool and initiated his solo project, Puscifer, while Howerdel released music under the name Ashes Divide. During this period, A Perfect Circle's activity was sporadic, with occasional live performances and a changing lineup that included various musicians, but always retaining Howerdel and Keenan as the core members.

In 2010, the band reformed for a series of live shows, which continued intermittently until 2013, when they released a greatest hits album titled "Three Sixty" alongside a live album box set, "A Perfect Circle Live: Featuring Stone and Echo." After another period of inactivity, A Perfect Circle returned in 2017 to work on their fourth studio album, "Eat the Elephant," which was released in 2018. The album was well-received and marked a noteworthy return to form for the band, with themes exploring modernity, technology, and emotional struggles.

A Perfect Circle's current lineup features James Iha, the guitarist from The Smashing Pumpkins, along with bassist Matt McJunkins and drummer Josh Freese, both of whom have collaborated on various projects related to Puscifer and Ashes Divide. Despite the numerous lineup changes throughout their career, the band's creative process has remained consistent, with Howerdel serving as the primary composer and Maynard James Keenan responsible for the lyrics and vocal melodies.

With a collective album sales exceeding four million copies as of 2005, A Perfect Circle has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. As of 2024, the band plans to embark on a brief tour and has released a one-off song titled "Kindred," demonstrating their enduring relevance and the continued interest in their powerful artistic vision.