Blue Öyster Cult
The Symbol Remains

Rejoice rock fans! After 19 years, the Blue Oyster Cult returns. Not that they ever went away, perpetually touring the States (rarely in Europe, almost never in Italy), they have finally decided to let us hear something new. Accompanying the legendary Eric Bloom (vocals) and Buck Dharma (guitar and vocals) we have: Richie Castellano (vocals and keyboards), Danny Miranda (bass), Jules Radino (drums). Let's clear things up right away, this is an excellent work, definitely in my top albums of the Annus Horribilis 2020. Preceded by several videos, such as the granite opener "That Was Me" interspersed with a reggae rhythm that makes it truly original! "Box In My Head" with Buck on vocals is a great track with sixties echoes. Third video released: "Tainted Blood," a ballad that can compete among the band's best slow tracks, features an inspired Castellano on vocals and standout guitars! With "Nightmare Epiphany" and "Edge Of The World," we're pretty much in familiar territory, but always with class! "The Machine" riff à la AC/DC and again the bassist on vocals. "Train True (Lennie's Song)" is one of my favorite tracks, a frantic boogie rock with constant tempo changes sung by Dharma. Another great song "The Return Of St. Cecilia". A heavy bass introduces "Stand And Fight" and here the B.O.C. really go for it: power metal rules! "Florida Man" is more pop, sung and played divinely. Another highlight of "The Symbol Remains," as well as the last video released: "The Alchemist": sung splendidly by Bloom, it's destined to become a classic, with all the beloved references of the New York band: HP Lovercraft, witchcraft, etc. with a ghostly piano and perfect guitars: 6 minutes of delight. "Secret Road" and "There's A Crime" pass by without much excitement. The album closes with "Fight" another nod to the best B.O.C. of the '70s. A stimulating comeback. Just like this album, it reminds me of the latest works of: Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, and Styx (for example), these great bands are really something else, we'll see if the new generations of rockers can produce works like this in 30/40 years' time.