"Under the Midnight Sun" is the eleventh studio album by British rock band The Cult, released on October 7, 2022, through Black Hill Records. Produced by Tom Dalgety, the album was primarily recorded at Rockfield Studios, a significant location for the band as it was where they recorded their debut album, Dreamtime, in 1984.
In June 2019, vocalist Ian Astbury indicated in an interview that The Cult was "long overdue" for new music, mentioning that they had been working on material. By late 2019, Astbury revealed the band intended to start formal recording sessions in 2020, highlighting the importance of creativity in their process. In May 2020, The Cult announced their signing with Black Hill Records.
Recording commenced in August 2020 at Rockfield Studios, but progress was slow due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote recording. The band managed to complete the main bulk of the album by May 2022, and on July 7, they revealed the album's title and released "Give Me Mercy" as the lead single. Astbury described the single as reflecting the need for new language in a changing cultural landscape.
The title Under the Midnight Sun is inspired by a memorable experience Astbury had during the 1986 Provinssirock festival in Finland, where the surreal atmosphere of the sun at midnight left a lasting impression on him. This moment became a catalyst for the themes explored in the album.
Notably, this album is the first since Beyond Good and Evil (2001) not to feature drummer John Tempesta, who was absent during the recording sessions. Ian Matthews of Kasabian took over drumming duties for this album.
Upon its release, Under the Midnight Sun received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its blend of classic rock elements and the band's signature sound. Fans and reviewers noted the album's introspective lyrics and atmospheric production, with many highlighting Astbury's powerful vocals. The album marked a successful return for The Cult, demonstrating their enduring relevance in the rock genre.
