The Cult

Hidden City, the band’s 10th studio album — and the first in almost four years, completes a trilogy of work that began in 2007 with the release of Born Into This. “The idea of the trilogy really kind of came towards the end of the album,” singer Ian Astbury says. “I'm not sure who was the one that kind of made an observation that we’ve had certain periods throughout seasons of the Cult, obviously there’s Love, Electric and Sonic Temple that fit together a certain narrative. In some ways, these three records, Born into This, Choice of Weapon and Hidden City also form a certain narrative. I think in this instance it's to do with post 9/11, post decline of the music industry, 21st century, the rise of digital, the rise of environmental disasters, global conflict and economic uncertainties, etc.” Legendary producer Bob Rock, a longtime associate who produced the band’s landmark Sonic Temple release in 1989, returned in the closing moments of the recording sessions of Choice of Weapon and he was back behind the boards to shepherd the band through the process of making the new album, marking the fifth time that he’s worked with the group. (Matt Wardlaw)