Singer Ian Astbury formed Southern Death Cult, a post-punk/goth band, in the early 80s releasing one eponymous album in 1983 on the indie label Beggars Banquet. Not long after, the group disbanded, and Astbury dropped “Southern” from the name of his new outfit, eventually losing “Death” as well. The Cult moved away from the trappings of goth and post-punk as well, with the group’s sound moving toward mainstream rock. Its second album, Love, was an international success and a huge breakthrough for the band, with a worldwide tour and several singles from the album reaching the Top 20 on the charts. The group entered the studio with Rick Rubin for the follow-up Electric, released in 1987.

Sonic Temple was another worldwide smash, and the group continued to headline tours across the globe. But personal issues and legal issues intervened. The band had never had a stable line-up, apart from Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy, and while the group released two more albums, things sputtered to a stop in 1985. Astbury went solo. The split didn’t stick though, and the band went on to regroup and record together on and off throughout the 90s and 00s.  Now they’re back with Under the Midnight Sun on the independent label Black Hill Records. Clash Music muses, “the album shows The Cult taking their musicality, sonic tricks and experience to a new place, still retaining their identity…” and Louder raves, “The album shows The Cult taking their musicality, sonic tricks and experience to a new place, still retaining their identity.” The Cult is back (for the time being).