Other new songs – “The Wolf” and “Life > Death” – were good, but lacked the full-frontal impact of the others, and the mid-set, aforementioned “Embers” killed the crushing, inexorable momentum the band had established to that point.
Without fail, however, the crew rallied to resurrect a set of epic proportions.
Exhibiting tenacity coupled with a long-term camaraderie stemming from decades of experience and at least six years together as a touring unit, the 2012 Cult has an arsenal few other bands can muster.
Most prominently during “The Phoenix,” non-founding members Chris Wyse (bass), John Tempesta (drums) and Mike Dimkich (rhythm guitar) led the charge by showcasing individually and collectively the skills they contribute to the whole of the band. This is not the Cult of the 1980s – it's better, more seasoned and capable of delivering a punch after taking one (like the critical right cross given to their previous album: 2007's Born Into This).
Fighting fit and refusing to burn out, rest on its past, or fade away, this is a band and a tour neither to be missed nor to be messed with. Cowboys couldn’t have found a more fitting or experienced sponsor to orchestrate its Lazarus-like rebirth.
--Chris "Gutter" Rose
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