THE SYMBOL REMAINS

Yeah, if you had Blue Oyster Cult putting out one of the best albums in their entire catalog after nearly 20 years of silence and at 50 years(!) past their original album on your 2020 bingo card congratulations! I had no idea these guys were even making music, let along releasing a full-length album. More importantly the "band" features original key member Eric Bloom and Donadl Roeser and long-time member Richie Castellano.

Everything that has made BOC is here:

1. riff-heavy proto-metal 2. groovy pop-laden, mid-tempo rockers 3. bizarro sci-fi-tinged lyrics that somehow make no sense but also make cogent commentary on society today

Honestly, it's shocking how good this album is. Favorites include conspiracy-rocker Edge of the World, mega-shuffle Train True, sinister The Aldhemist and classic BOC rocker The Return of St. Cecilia.

But it's Stand and Fight that truly shines. A no-holds-barred, heavy metal rocker (think Cities on Flame heavy riffs) combined with an anthemic chorus and cool instrumental section that bludgeons the listener while simultaneously making us stand and raise our fist. Seriously, no band 50+ years into their career has a right to be making music this heavy.

A truly shocking and surprisingly enjoyable release that fits proudly amongst the band's best in their mammoth catalog.