FIRE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

Like its predecessor, Cultosaurus Erectus, Fire of Unknown Origin retains a little of the dark, murky energy which made the band's early albums (up to Secret Treaties) so compelling. However, the band's experiments with their style here are somewhat less successful than on the preceding albums. The mid-paced Veteran of the Psychic Wars can, depending on mood, turn into a bit of a slow plod, and the opening title track incorporates a disco beat which you really have to be in the right mood for if it's going to work.

If you come here seeking occult proto-metal fury like the Cult of old, you won't get it. Still, Burning For You and Joan Crawford are catchy enough tracks, and the album overall is one of their more successful blends of hard rock, pop, and thematic weirdness.