Blue Oyster Cult - The Symbol Remains

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In the 70’s, the musical labels that cause problems for the listeners didn’t exist. It was a matter of listening and liking (or not) a band. And the path they left behind is still relevant in these days. And some veterans are still active, playing and releasing new good albums, but maybe one of the most important names of those days that are still here is from the North American quintet BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, that after almost 20 years without a new studio album comes to show what they can offer with “The Symbol Remains”.

They play an old, melodic and good form of Hard Rock/Classic Rock without boundaries or foolish preconceptions (see as they use some elements of Reggae on “That Was Me”). It’s not extremely technical, but always refreshing and good in a way that hooks the fans (especially for their good melodies and catchy parts), and even having more than 50 years of experience on their shoulders, along great lyrical themes. It’s a complete band, indeed. The album was produced by Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma and Richie Castellano, and had the mastering of Tom Lord-Alge and mastering of Ted Jensen. The same old and organic sound of the past is presented on the album, only shaped by modern technologies that allowed them to sound loud, clean and great. Yes, everything can be understood clearly and without efforts by anyone.

It’s not easy to say the best songs of “The Symbol Remains”. The homogeneity of the album is. But for a first time on it, the organic and melodic appeal of “That Was Me” (the amazing guitar work is a trademark of the band), the raw energy of “Box in My Head”, the elegant and deep melodic hooks of “Tainted Blood” (great chorus and backing vocals in an AOR vein, and it’s amazing to hear the band’s vocal in such great performance), the Boogie Rock/Hard Rock touch of “Nightmare Epiphany” (pay attention to the good work on bass guitar and drums), the heavy weight with Boogie influences of “The Machine”, the excellent tempos and keyboards’ parts of “The Return of St. Cecilia”, the massive musical weight and aggressiveness of “Stand and Fight” (maybe people can see why some Thrash Metal bands from the past praises the quintet) and “The Alchemist”, and the introspective and elegant Rock ‘n’ Roll heard on “Fight”. But once more: this album is addictive as a good and cold bottle Coke.

After listening to “The Symbol Remains”, the final idea is that BLUE ÖYSTER CULT can’t retire so soon, because they’re still amazing!

Songwriting: 10
Musicianship: 10
Memorability: 10
Production: 9