BLUE OYSTER CULT: The Symbol Remains (HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Absent since 2001, the Blue Öyster Cult seemed destined just to continue its way on the roads. Without any label and with a very advanced age of its two leaders it seemed unlikely to find him with new material. Yet the miracle happened, the band signed to Frontiers and went back to work, delivering a "The Symbol Remains" carried by a cover that features their legendary logo. Dharma and Bloom share the vocals but also leave the microphone to Richie Castellano who co-produced the record and participated in writing half of the tracks.

Buck Dharma, often helped by John Shirley, offers six titles, three of which are taken from his archives and reworked. The guitarist has a trademark easy to recognize and a voice as melodic as ever. With 'Box In My Head', 'Florida Man' and 'Fight' he offers a work of art. The tracks are in a melodic hard rock style with catchy choruses and melodies. On a solo level, Dharma proves that he has lost nothing of his talent: 'Nightmare Epiphany' finds a rock'n'roll and boogie side and the result is remarkable. Deliciously old school, the song takes us 50 years back in time. 'Train True' (Lennie's Song) sees Dharma even flirting with country music.

Bloom, on the other hand, offers us five tracks. Well helped in the writing by Castellano, he shows a beautiful form. From the beginning 'That Was Me' sets the tone: the little heavy riff is effective and Bloom propose a good solo and a mischievous break which gives the shiver. 'Edge Of The World' and 'There's A Crime' are classic, but thanks to the vocals take on a beautiful dimension as Bloom becomes a storyteller, which is confirmed on the album's gem, 'The Alchemist'. Carried by the piano, in the form of a tribute to Allen Lanier, the title is worthy of the Golden Age. It has the mysterious and esoteric side that makes the strength of the band with a beautiful rise in power, a fabulous chorus and a high-flying instrumental part on which the guitarists let loose and show a perfect harmony.

The novelty comes from the three songs sung by Castellano. The guitarist knew how to adapt to the band. 'Tainted Blood' is a catchy heavy track worthy of Bloom's titles with a dark side, a beautiful chorus and neat solos. With 'The Return Of St. Cecilia' he and Richard Melzer make a nice nod to the early days of the band. Well rock'n'roll, the title is a success with this charming old school side, a keyboard very present, a good chorus and a typical solo in the 70's spirit. In the album alone 'Stand And Fight' denotes with its Heavy germanic chorus.

Blue Öyster Cult signs here a pretty nice return to business. His record is rich and varied and honors all the faces of a unique band. The alchemy between the members is perfect. With such a record, there is little doubt that the BÖC will be able to seduce their fans and attract new ones in an attractive and mysterious universe. - Official website

BLUE OYSTER CULT

THE SYMBOL REMAINS

FRONTIERS RECORDS

HARD ROCK