Release Date: September
9, 2016
Label: Audio Fidelity
I
am big Blue Oyster Cult fan and have been since the 70s. Secret Treaties was my introduction to the band. I remember buying
the LP and noticed that the cover was unusual. As it turned out the music was
unlike anything I had heard before and I thought it was just as different as
the cover. That was my first impression as a teenager exploring new music. As
time passed I enjoyed the album more with each listen and it became and still
is my all-time favorite BOC album. I cannot marginalize the importance of Agents of Fortune which comes in as a
close second. That is the album that made them superstars worldwide. This is
the album that laid down the foundation to build on their legacy.
Secret
Treaties is and will remain a heavy metal classic. Every track is
crystal clear and given new life in Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity SACD
Hybrid Multichannel version. What I noticed right out of the gate was a
significant boost in the prominence of the bass. Even though that happens the
rest of the instruments do not take a back seat. With sound like this it is up
to the listener and what they prefer to focus on, one instrument or everything
happening at once. The normal process for me is to single out one significant
change right away then like a quarterback with peripheral vision I flip a
switch to surround sound listening. To completely enjoy the entire experience
of this format I would highly recommend taking in everything that is happening.
You can easily become immersed with all the sounds.
I know this album very well and that also helped in my
recognition of any changes in sound and clarity. The mix is superb on this
version of Secret Treaties. Every
track is killer on the recording but there is one that became their epic
classic along the lines of “Don’t Fear The Reaper.” “Astronomy” takes the band
to new levels and it is a fantastic curtain closer. The track uses all the
talents of every band member taking their sound and production to amazing
heights that would lead them to recognition beyond their dreams. It starts off
gentle enough then just builds and builds to an exciting climax. This is BOC’s
finest hour and that one track is the icing on the cake that leaves you wanting
to hit play over and over again.
“Dominance and Submission” and “Harvester of Eyes” are two
other favorites of mine that are served well in the conversion of this classic
recording.
This is a cannot miss bullseye to a rocker’s heart and soul.
Secret Treaties was great music
before it became an SACD but now more things are brought to light to give it that
much more significance and value as one of the greatest rock/metal albums ever
recorded.
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Astronomy, Dominance and Submission, Harvester of Eyes
Tracks:
1. Career of Evil
2. Subhuman
3. Dominance and Submission
4. ME 262
5. Cagey Cretins
6. Harvester of Eyes
7. Flaming Telepaths
8. Astronomy
Tracks:
1. Career of Evil
2. Subhuman
3. Dominance and Submission
4. ME 262
5. Cagey Cretins
6. Harvester of Eyes
7. Flaming Telepaths
8. Astronomy
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 27, 2016
Founder of:
Review
Provided By Write A Music Review
No comments:
Post a Comment