"Ceremony" is the fifth studio album by The Cult, released on September 23, 1991. It features notable tracks like "Wild Hearted Son" and "Heart of Soul," which helped define the band's sound during this period. The album showcases a blend of rock influences, characterized by powerful guitar riffs and Ian Astbury's distinctive vocals, marking a continuation of the band's evolution from their earlier work. Critics noted its thematic depth and sonic richness, solidifying The Cult's place in the rock landscape of the early '90s.
Ceremony marked a tumultuous time for The Cult, with significant internal strife. Longtime bassist Jamie Stewart left before the recording, and tensions between Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy were high, leading them to record separately. Despite this turmoil, the album was highly anticipated following the band's successes with Electric and Sonic Temple.
Influenced by Native American culture, the album cover stirred controversy, resulting in a $61 million lawsuit from the parents of a Native American boy featured on it. Although the case was eventually dismissed, it added to the challenges faced by the band.
Despite reaching #25 on the U.S. charts and achieving platinum status, sales were affected by the rise of grunge and the legal issues. The album's release was delayed in several countries, including South Korea and Thailand, and it was only available in Turkey after live performances in 1993. On the US Cashbox charts, it peaked at #16.
