The Cult began by going through some different iterations. The group was once called Death Cult, not really metal, but not a regular AOR band, either.
Over the years, the group has evolved into one that will be featured at any metal festival, but at their best they were so much more than just being grouped in with that genre. The Cult weren't just metal, but lots of different influences that were turned into something unique.
The band, which is ultimately Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, still plays, of course. They will be part of a 2-27 in support of A Perfect Circle. If you can go, you should. You will not be wasting your money.
5 songs from the Cult that you should listen to the rest of your life
"She Sells Sanctuary" - Love (1985)
A propulsive banger with one of the best guitar riffs you will ever hear, this track might be the band's best. They might be better known for "Fire Woman," but that is much more of a straightforward rocker. The thing that sets "She Sells Sanctuary" apart from most tracks is that it sounds easy to replicate, but it's certainly not.
The band never really tried to make another song exactly like it either. That would be going down the road to repetition and ultimately failure.
"Spiritwalker" - Dreamtime (1984)
Written before the band changed its name from Death Cult, this is a great example of how the Cult sounded early on. They were mystical and unafraid to take chances, possibly even wanting to carve out too keen a niche.
The song reached No. 1 on the UK indie charts, which is pretty impressive since the track never had an official video. Instead, the tune made its bones by being part of the band's live set, and it was better in concert than on the studio recording.
"Sweet Soul Sister" - Sonic Temple (1989)
Like most of the album the song came from, the tune is more of a mainstream rock one. This isn't much different than what other hard rock bands were producing in the late 1980s, but it's still good quality.
The trick is that you will likely be singing loudly in your car along with the chorus. Even if you don't really know what you are saying, that's fine. This is simply a thrilling rock song that is meant to be enjoyed, though it lacks the mysticism of the band's best.
"Lil' Devil" - Electric (1987)
All of the above said, Electric was the re-recorded version of Peace, an album that had a far more nuanced sound. The Cult wasn't happy with the overall effect and asked former hip-hop producer Rick Rubin to come in and help the band record the record all over again.
Instead of folk elements, "Lil' Devil" and every other song on the album are a four-piece band creating an adrenaline rush. The group would never quite sound the same way, and instead veered into more metal territory rather than the bare-bones AC/DC style of Electric.
"Love Removal Machine" - Electric (1987)
Another gem from the same album, of which there are many, "Love Removal Machine" is not only a great title for a track but also fitting for the tune. This one borrows more from the Rolling Stones, but then churns into a hard rock grinder.
Vocalist Ian Astbury yelps and screams while guitarist Billy Duffy mingles in his epic solo. Is there real meaning behind the words? Maybe not, but the listener will have a cathartic rage nonetheless.
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