Defend the Beauty of HIDDEN CITY — New Album out February 5, 2016 on DINE ALONE RECORDS
When Rolling Stone hailed THE CULT as “the Messianic moment of Coachella” in 2014, few knew that their next release would be unveiled on February 5, 2016 in the form of Hidden City, their tenth studio album.
The LP will be released in Canada on Dine Alone Records and on Cooking Vinyl in the UK and U.S. Fans who pre-order the album HERE will receive the instant grat track “Dark Energy” which premiered on NME today HERE.
Produced by Bob Rock and written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy the team has collaborated on what has turned out to be the brutal and beautiful masterpiece Hidden City. The final instalment in a trilogy of recordings, completing 2007’s Born Into This (“The Fall”) and 2012’s Choice of Weapon (“Dark Night of the Soul”), Hidden City is a tightly-woven series of experience and visions with underlying themes of redemption and rebirth threaded through The Cult’s visceral music. Astbury’s signature baritone and blood-soaked lyrics paired with Duffy’s smouldering, textured guitar tones, create a musical environment that is fearless and peerless.
From the sonic assault of the opening track “Dark Energy”, Hidden City launches quickly into the dark underbelly of its subject matter. Stemming from the Spanish phrase “La Ciudad Oculta” or “hidden city,” the album reflects an awakening of consciousness through its tone and complexity. “Hidden City is a metaphor for our spiritual lives our intimate interior lives,” explains Astbury. “I find today’s gurus are trying to peddle some cure, product or insight as if it’s a new phenomenon. My place is to respond, not react, to observe, participate and share through words and music. There is no higher authority than the heart.”
The Cult have reveled in a storied career. From the iconic Love album bursting with idealism to the dystopia of 2001’s Beyond Good & Evil to the current seductive Hidden City, the band lives their art. A new chapter dawns for The Cult and as the future unfolds, The Cult will respond. It’s what they do.
The Cult are Ian Astbury (vocals), Billy Duffy (guitars), John Tempesta (drums), Grant Fitzpatrick (bass), Damon Fox (keyboards + rhythm guitar).