Blue Oyster Cult-The Symbol Remains

Blue Oyster Cult return with their first new album in twenty years, and boy is it an absolute ripper.

Starting off with an absolute ripper in “That Was Me,” the cult manage to produce something that echoes their past but also shows they’re in the present. Some solid riffs, and a snarling vocal line push the boundaries of time forward. “Box In My Head,” rumbles the thunder and takes on a slightly quicker edge, getting the heart pounding and the mind ripping. “Tainted Blood,” is filled with old time swagger that shows off just where the band are at, and allows the listener to fully embrace their inner thoughtful philosopher.

“The Return Of St Cecilia,” pushes the boundaries up and takes a nice little twist, shimmying into the world and letting everyone know its around. That opening riff is something infectious, truly. The vocal line is phenomenal. “Stand and Fight,” swaggers on the back of a supersized bass riff that lends itself well to the darkness echoing around in the song. “Florida Man,” moves with a casual sort of groove, pushing and twisting down the line.

The finale on this album is found in the superb twists and turns of “The Alchemist,” the sheer insanity of “Secret Road,” and the melodical contortions of “Fight.” All are songs which push boundaries and demand to be heard in accordance with what they feel they’re about. Such songs ensure that there’s a thought process and hope.

A fitting return for one of the greatest bands, which is out on October 9th via Frontiers Music.