"Sonic Temple" is the fourth studio album by the British rock band The Cult. Released on April 10, 1989, the album solidified the band’s status as hard rock superstars and is regarded by many critics and fans as The Cult's most potent record to date. It was produced by the acclaimed Bob Rock who has worked with other iconic rock bands such as Metallica and Mötley Crüe.
The sound of "Sonic Temple" is notably grander and more polished than The Cult's previous records, incorporating a variety of genres including rock, gothic rock and psychedelia. The bridge between post-punk gothic rock band and full-on stadium act was finally crossed with this album. The album's most successful single, "Fire Woman," is recognized for its iconic bass intro, marking a departure from the band's post-punk roots.
"Sonic Temple" was a commercial success, reaching number 10 in the UK Albums Chart, number 3 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, and number 1 in New Zealand and Canada. It was also certified Platinum in the US, as well as Gold in Canada and the UK.
In 2019, a 30th-year Anniversary reissue of Sonic Temple was released. This new edition contains three discs, featuring previously unreleased tracks, extended versions, and other rarities.
Long after its release, Sonic Temple is still reverently regarded as a defining moment in the band's long, storied career, that saw them fully embrace their distinctive hard rock sound that continues to inspire future generations of musicians and fans alike.
