Released in 2001, this was the first Cult album in nearly 7 years. With drummer Matt Sorum back in the band, there was a fairly metal influence across the whole album. The songs, however, are all very strong, in a hard rock kind of way. It opens strongly with Billy Duffy's massive riffs on war (the process), with singer Ian Astbury bellowing "WAAARRRR" over them. If anything the riffing on the saint is even better, with again Astbury roaring "I I I AM THE SAINT" on another excellent chorus. There's no let up as more metallic riffing opens rise. It sounds really good, though less distinctively a Cult song, and more like a prototype for the sort of thing Velvet Revolver did a few years later. Elsewhere take the power has a very Soundgarden-sounding riff, while american gothic is reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots' harder moments. More excellent sledgehammer riffs on breathe and later on speed of light, both of which yet again have really strong choruses. The lyrics, obviously are absolute bollocks with Astbury warbling on about "black California" but that's not why any of us are here!
They do attempt a couple of power ballads, one which definitely doesn't work - nico, which sounds like a cheap retread of Edie (Ciao Baby) and one which does works true believers, and one which will have you punching the air. All in all, while initially sounding a bit jarring, it's a worthwhile addition to the band's back catalogue. They would disband again after this album for another lengthy period of time. The album is a lot 'thicker' sounding than 1994's The Cult. I suppose if it has a precedent in their catalogue it's like a more metal Sonic Temple.
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