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One of the finest British rock acts to have enjoyed worldwide success over the last few decades, The Cult has wrapped up recording Choice of Weapon (COOKCD548), the group s first studio album in five years. Released on 21st May 2012 on their new UK label Cooking Vinyl, its 10 tracks reveal the band at its rawest and most visceral, encapsulating cinematic visions and themes of love, revolt, and redemption. Fans can get an early taster of the album from 2pm on Tuesday 31st January when the track Lucifer will be available as a free download through the band s website www.thecult.us. Details are being confirmed for a worldwide tour and will be announced soon. Choice of Weapon is the follow up to the critically-acclaimed 2007 release Born Into This that the UK s Mojo magazine called a wholehearted, utopian and irrefutably exciting record." Long-time Cult collaborator and producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Bush) - who produced one of The Cult s most successful albums, the platinum-certified Sonic Temple - put the finishing touches on the foundations that were laid by co-producer Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, U.N.K.L.E., Masters of Reality). The record was written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, recorded in New York City, Los Angeles, the California high desert, and the band s Witch Mountain studios in the Hollywood Hills between July and December 2011. The new release features founding members Astbury on vocals and Duffy on guitars, with drummer John Tempesta and bassist Chris Wyse. "We have had the opportunity to work with two of the most influential and talented producers in the world today, said Astbury. They pushed us beyond our comfort zone, and helped us craft Choice of Weapon. The album is aimed at the heart of The Cult's loyal following. It reflects the current discontent and destruction of our eco systems, the search for individual meaning against a tide of rampant materialism, narcissism and disconnected lives. We went deeper . . . we worked a bit harder on this record. We have great fans and they deserve our best, added Duffy, and I feel this is as strong as any album we have ever released.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By C Winch
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
It has been said that the new Cult album is aimed at their long-standing fans. As a fan of some 30 years (SDC/Death Cult), I can say that I find it a real return to form after the disappointment of the previous album 'Born Into This'.
Ian said in an interview that it to his mind it's a return to 'Sonic Temple', but to my ears it's more sonically similar to 'Beyond Good and Evil'. (Personally my favourite Cult album and criminally underrated). There's a good mix of fast and slow tracks, with Ian's voice at it's majestic best throughout. Billy Duffy does his best Steve Jones impression on the majority of the tracks, and overall it sounds as if they are really enjoying themselves.
I recommend the Bonus CD version of the album, as the four 'Capsule' tracks are all strong and definitely add to the package.
Made to be played loud!!
Ian said in an interview that it to his mind it's a return to 'Sonic Temple', but to my ears it's more sonically similar to 'Beyond Good and Evil'. (Personally my favourite Cult album and criminally underrated). There's a good mix of fast and slow tracks, with Ian's voice at it's majestic best throughout. Billy Duffy does his best Steve Jones impression on the majority of the tracks, and overall it sounds as if they are really enjoying themselves.
I recommend the Bonus CD version of the album, as the four 'Capsule' tracks are all strong and definitely add to the package.
Made to be played loud!!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Phil On
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Well, it's always party time for me when a new The Cult album shows up, and this ain't different this time!
I can't say there's any Cult album I don't like, so if you want neutral, fair opinion, maybe I'm the wrong person to ask, but there's always some albums that are better than others.
As a whole, I believe this one is much better than Born into this or even Beyond good and evil.
The band (yes a true band now, not just Astbury/ Duffy & some guys) is very tight and focused, the identity of THE CULT has never been clearer and solidely branded into the songs.
Half rockers, half mid-tempo/or ballads (well, Brother wolf type of ballads), the whole thing is very strong, and feels very achieved.The production serves the music extremely well, not over-produced (somebody said Sonic temple?), not too stripped-down (Electric anyone?)...Just right.
There are definitly some recycled riffs or vocals here and there (from Dreamtime to Sonic temple or Love), but it never feels like a lack of creativity rather than an affirmation of their style.
I personaly wouldn't have mind some longer solos from Billy Duffy...But whatever, people seem to favor shorter tracks (download syndrome?).
As I said Weapon of Choice as a whole is probably better than the two previous efforts, although so far, it seems to me like it's lacking a "Tiger in the sun", a "Breathe" or a "True believers"...An anthemic song.
Although "Life> death" and "Elemental Light" are serious contenders...So let's wait a while.
The deluxe edition is definitly worth every penny (especially if you didn't already owned the capsules), "Embers" being one of the best song of that duo-pack.... Read more ›
I can't say there's any Cult album I don't like, so if you want neutral, fair opinion, maybe I'm the wrong person to ask, but there's always some albums that are better than others.
As a whole, I believe this one is much better than Born into this or even Beyond good and evil.
The band (yes a true band now, not just Astbury/ Duffy & some guys) is very tight and focused, the identity of THE CULT has never been clearer and solidely branded into the songs.
Half rockers, half mid-tempo/or ballads (well, Brother wolf type of ballads), the whole thing is very strong, and feels very achieved.The production serves the music extremely well, not over-produced (somebody said Sonic temple?), not too stripped-down (Electric anyone?)...Just right.
There are definitly some recycled riffs or vocals here and there (from Dreamtime to Sonic temple or Love), but it never feels like a lack of creativity rather than an affirmation of their style.
I personaly wouldn't have mind some longer solos from Billy Duffy...But whatever, people seem to favor shorter tracks (download syndrome?).
As I said Weapon of Choice as a whole is probably better than the two previous efforts, although so far, it seems to me like it's lacking a "Tiger in the sun", a "Breathe" or a "True believers"...An anthemic song.
Although "Life> death" and "Elemental Light" are serious contenders...So let's wait a while.
The deluxe edition is definitly worth every penny (especially if you didn't already owned the capsules), "Embers" being one of the best song of that duo-pack.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I must say I found this slightly disappointing. Astbury has lost a little bit of his vocal edge, though he still puts everything into it but for me the real problem seems to be Billy Duffy, who here appears to have ran out of ideas. In days gone by his skyscraper riffing naturally gave the Cult their signature sound, here it is all too often lacking with him merely filling in or just rythym playing on several cuts. Yet again we also have Bob Rock's standard production, which basically boils down to "turn everything to 11", it worked in 1991 for Metallica but has remained unchanged ever since. QOTSA twiddler Chris Goss gets to work on a couple of tracks and unsurprisingly they are the more interesting ones.
Lucifer, Life>Death and This Night In The City Forever join the list of Cult great songs. As for the others, well, they're OK apart from Pale Horse which is just filler.
Lucifer, Life>Death and This Night In The City Forever join the list of Cult great songs. As for the others, well, they're OK apart from Pale Horse which is just filler.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby, this Album fell from the Sky! (actually, I brought it from a record shop)
27 May 2012
By Jimi jac
Format:Audio CD
You know there was a time, (back in the eighties) when Asbury & the Cult theatrical over the top alter egos, really struck a cord with public. Not so any more, perhaps folk are more cynical these days.
Anyhow, I would probably describe this record as a "Lap of Honour" similar to Pink Floyds's "Division Bell". Not that it's a bad album; it just doesn't add anything new to their back catalogue. One of the reasons for this is using chuffing Bob Rock again, one of the most unimaginative producers ever. The Cult should have tried to get Rick Rubin (He worked on the Electric Album & "The Witch" one off single)
So in conclusion, If you a big cult fan, it a perfectly fine addition, but if you new to the works of the Wolf Child, I would go for "Love" or "Electric". Thankq & goodnight!
Anyhow, I would probably describe this record as a "Lap of Honour" similar to Pink Floyds's "Division Bell". Not that it's a bad album; it just doesn't add anything new to their back catalogue. One of the reasons for this is using chuffing Bob Rock again, one of the most unimaginative producers ever. The Cult should have tried to get Rick Rubin (He worked on the Electric Album & "The Witch" one off single)
So in conclusion, If you a big cult fan, it a perfectly fine addition, but if you new to the works of the Wolf Child, I would go for "Love" or "Electric". Thankq & goodnight!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wolves, wilderness, life and death combine for The Cult’s stunning return.
1 Dec 2012
Format:Vinyl|Amazon Verified Purchase
With claims from singer Ian Astbury, that the album format was dead, there appeared no more chance of another Cult full length record than the Wolfchild settling down to a pen pushers dream job. Yet after working with UNKLE and Japanese noise rockers Boris, plus two Cult EP’s, Astbury soon had other ideas. He and guitarist Billy Duffy headed in to the studio, along with Masters of Reality’s Chris Goss as producer, and started work on Choice of Weapon.
Having been ahead of the game with Love and Electric, The Cult were soon caught up by other players, and further Cult offerings lacked invention. The creative war between the Earth Fofo and his mystic woo woo stylings failed to ignite when struck against Duffy’s pure rock aesthetics, leading to the 90’s albums where the band lost its footing atop Mount Rock and took an indefinite break.
Come the turn of the century Beyond Good And Evil showed Astbury/Duffy axis could still lay down an album of rock menace. Although a powerful set of songs it gained The Cult no ground, and another hiatus began. A shorter, shoutier album took five years to arrive. Born Into This showing a stripped back Cult could still land punches in a hard rock bout.
A further five years on and Choice of Weapon presents a depth and breadth of musicality on an expanding canvas never dreamt of in the cock rock of yore. Orchestration and piano infiltrate a Cult camp previously inhibited by guitars, drums and bass. Moments of theatre echo Bowie’s Ziggy aftermath, letting six strings share the spotlight with Ian’s baritone.
A buzzsaw chord with a pressing drumbeat announces the arrival of The Cult’s ninth lp.... Read more ›
Having been ahead of the game with Love and Electric, The Cult were soon caught up by other players, and further Cult offerings lacked invention. The creative war between the Earth Fofo and his mystic woo woo stylings failed to ignite when struck against Duffy’s pure rock aesthetics, leading to the 90’s albums where the band lost its footing atop Mount Rock and took an indefinite break.
Come the turn of the century Beyond Good And Evil showed Astbury/Duffy axis could still lay down an album of rock menace. Although a powerful set of songs it gained The Cult no ground, and another hiatus began. A shorter, shoutier album took five years to arrive. Born Into This showing a stripped back Cult could still land punches in a hard rock bout.
A further five years on and Choice of Weapon presents a depth and breadth of musicality on an expanding canvas never dreamt of in the cock rock of yore. Orchestration and piano infiltrate a Cult camp previously inhibited by guitars, drums and bass. Moments of theatre echo Bowie’s Ziggy aftermath, letting six strings share the spotlight with Ian’s baritone.
A buzzsaw chord with a pressing drumbeat announces the arrival of The Cult’s ninth lp.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed but not really surprised
Why do I fall for this so often? Hoping that a band I liked 20 years ago still has the passion and the ability to produce something special. Bah. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Floodland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cult rock
The Cult's best album since the other one with the equally fine 'choice of cover'. Yes that's right - the one with the big ram on. Quality album all the way.
Published 2 months ago by P. Cannon
5.0 out of 5 stars
the cult
the cult are back with new songs i like this cd the songs are good and any fan whould be glad to add this to their music collection
Published 3 months ago by pig
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true return to form for The Cult.
An absolute barnstormer of an album and definitely a return to form for the Cult. Brilliance shines through on every track. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Sean Owens
4.0 out of 5 stars
Return to form
Best Cult album in a VERY long time. Some real corkers on here. Highly recommended. The tracks they play on Planet Rock just scratch the surface of the goodness contained.
Published 7 months ago by Clashcity Rocker
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's Good - But They Have Done Better!
I have been a committed follower of Ian Astbury from the days of Southern Death Cult, Death Cult and The Cult - Every release always adding to my collection. Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Bond
5.0 out of 5 stars
CD of 2012!!
The Cult have taken their time to patiently record and craft a set of wonderful songs, which I adore. Read more
Published 7 months ago by F. Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Cult album for a long time
I read all the other reviews and thought, "Yeah, yeah, heard it all before." Born Into This, was ok, but Beyond Good and Evil was rubbish, yet everyone rated those albums. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Westers
4.0 out of 5 stars
The hard edge of the Cult
I was an original Cult fan back in the Love, Sonic Temple times and decided to try and see where they had gone recently. Read more
Published 7 months ago by S. J. Miller
4.0 out of 5 stars
Mine's a tomahawk
A great album that grows on you the more you listen to it. If you get a chance to see The Cult live, as I did recently then you'll be in for a first class performance. Read more
Published 8 months ago by robhem
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