TYRANNY AND MUTATION

The first concept album by Blue Oyster Cult of two dipols, as evidenced by colour side names, album name but less in its music. Playing got more refined, the sound developed - can you notice traces of punk that would emerge in a few years and slightly jazzy chord sequences that the band ventured in occasionally? Good old ingredients such as American late 60's spirit and creative arrangements remained in place. The first song is quite pondering, heavy; although chords may be simplistic, bass guitar playing and guitar duels are pleasant. The second song shows that harmonies are not a strange word in band's vocals. "Hot rails to hell" has an ominous riff and plenty of great guitar arrangements be it soloing, colouring or psychedelic textures. "7 screaming diz-busters" is an excellent progressive hard rock epic with jazzy introduction a la "Made in Sweden" and folky parts combined with rawer rocking ferocious playing. Apart from usual guitar tandem, advanced psychedelic organ pyrotechnics comes in. "Wings wetted down" has a great melody and slightly doomy riff. "Teen archer" is another classic metal sounding BOC track that still manages to sound warm thanks to vocals. The last track has an anthemic chorus and slight experimentation with guitar riffs. Highly recommended for all rock fans that like ambitious records.