Reviewed by Taf Rock for MPM
Following a six year hiatus the Cult re-emerged in late 2022 with a new album (their 11th) entitled Under The Midnight Sun. Released to widespread acclaim the album (which reached number 15 on the official UK album chart) showcased a reinvigorated band with a refreshing new sound.
As if to further emphasize the change in direction the band have rebranded as Death Cult (the moniker chosen for an early incarnation of The Cult). Death Cult 8323 is a Double A side single consisting of two new tracks FLESH AND BONE and C.O.T.A. This duet of tracks forming a 7 inch vinyl extension to the aforementioned Under The Midnight Sun album.
FLESH AND BONE – An atmospheric synth intro grabs your attention straight from the off.. ‘Our world is quickening’ as we ‘dance against their guns’ and ‘run run run’ alongside Ian Astbury’s gothic style vocals. Intense precise drums add an industrial style to the track before an exhilarating lead break from Billy Duffy ensures ‘our pulse is quickening’. ‘We can’t fight everyone … Out their on our own’ as Duffy scales the heights.
C.O.T.A. (Communion of the Animals). Heavy dramatic bass and drums (albeit from a drum machine) set the scene for an extended keyboard laden intro drenched in darkness. Astbury’s cryptic mysterious vocals almost spoken rather than sung creating a mystical, haunting presence. ‘Vultures tear it all apart… The bones are bleached and glistening’. Dramatic words indeed. There’s almost a sense of uneasiness created by the theatrical orchestration which forms the basis of this epic track.
Duffy straining at the leash with his scintillating guitarwork threatening to rocket skywards and reach tumultuous heights before Astbury’s soaring vocal takes the lead and envelopes Duffy’s guitar bringing it back down to earth, the duo jointly revelling in the dark, dramatic mysterious foundations of this truly epic tune. ‘Where are the seasons here anymore … There are no seasons here anymore’. As this powerful all-encompassing track draws to its close we ‘Pray for the animals … Pray for the meek… Pray for the innocent … Pray for the freaks’. The fading scream of Duffy’s guitar bringing the curtain down on this enthralling track.
A wonderful showcase of the talents of a much loved British band who have been producing music for 40 years now. Quite unlike anything this reviewer has ever heard by The Cult before, the new sound a pleasing kind of morph of Halifax death/doom goth metal pioneers Paradise Lost and Wayne Hussey’s goths The Mission. The Cult are back, be sure to check them out.
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