Blue Oyster Cult
Curse of The Hidden Mirror

July 2001
Released: 2001, CMC International / Sanctuary
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Pete

I've never been a big BOC fan, but strangely enough I have 5 of their albums lurking in my vinyl collection. They made a "comeback" of sorts with 1998's HEAVEN FORBID and CURSE OF THE HIDDEN MIRROR follows in the same footsteps. While the last album was a little heavier, the new one is a powerful testament to rock and roll.



BOC is comprised of Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead guitar, vocals), Eric Bloom (guitar, vocals), Allen Lanier (guitar, keyboard), Danny Miranda (bass) and Bobby Rondinelli (drums). CURSE OF THE HIDDEN MIRROR actually brings one back to the AGENTS OF FORTUNE-era, probably the most successful period of their career. "Stone of Love" features nice work by the rhythm section of Rondinelli and Miranda with a Deep Purple-feel, while "Eye Of The Hurricane", probably the heaviest track on the cd, is a throwback to classic BOC. "Pocket" is the first single being sent to radio and has a very catchy chorus. "Dance On Stilts" is as smooth of an opener as you can get, breaking off towards the end into a Doobie Brothers feel. "One Step Beyond The Devil", probably my fave here, features vocals by Eric Bloom (sounding great, btw) and a great up temo groove to boot. The only weakness is in some of the lyrics, particularly in the song "Showtime" in which Bloom sings, "there's a guy who's watching me, who really is a drag,..."Oh well, I guess you can't win 'em all.



All in all, a strong showing from a band that's been around for three (yes,three) decades. Visit the band at: http://www.blueoystercult.com/