Search - The Cult :: Ceremony

You've got to bleed a little while you sing

Schumi7 | East Coast | 05/29/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having a history with The Cult since '85, I've found each Cult album stands on it's own merit. The drastic side step Ceremony was from the much (and in my opinion, overly) heralded Sonic Temple was too much for most mainstream rock fans. This album holds itself up mightily with a mix of mind melting guitar work and passionate vocals. Frontman Ian Astbury bellows from the depths of loneliness and introspect on tracks like "If","Wild Hearted Son", and "Heart of Soul". His voice is powerful, angry, and yeilding. These aspects make him one of the most unique to bang the tamborine but still be able to tell you to shut up, and you'll listen.

Having all their major releases, their three major boxed set compilations, and numerous unauthorized recordings, I've learned Billy Duffy can really play the gutar well. He can play rreeaaally well. On this release, he carries nearly every tune. Arguably this is his finest work. A smarmy intro to a thundering riff brings "Ceremony" to life. "Earth Mofo" is not for the faint of heart as you feel the rush as it hits your veins, and it feels gooood. "White" is a shared accompaniment of gentle acoustic melody before giving way to almost anthemic imagery. "Full Tilt" builds to a gate crashing cresendo. The seemingly love it or it's just O.K. the 6:05 "Wonderland" grooves you with a very funky beat until Billy gives you a dose of what he can do about half way through until the end of the track. Put on your headphones and turn it up,...LOUD. You are in for a treat, courtesy of William Henry Duffy.

Ceremony has a heavier and more raw, but methodical, feel to it as a whole than it's predessor, Sonic Temple, so maybe that's why it wasn't perceived as well. It stands on it's own merit. Give it a deep, unbiased, listen and you will be glad you did."

Amazon needs to crack down on sellers

Jules J. Revelle | 05/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazon please monitor sellers advertising remastered versions and delivering old versions of cd's and blaming amazon .

I have purchased this cd 5 times now and more frustration everytime I am delivered the wrong item. I love this cd and I would love to hear the remastered version ,"