Career of Evil: The Metal Years cover

Career of Evil: The Metal Years

Blue Öyster Cult · 1990

74 min · 13 tracks · hard rock · heavy metal · progressive rock

A thunderous live compilation that captures Blue Öyster Cult's electrifying performances and iconic heavy rock anthems.

Why this album works

This album serves as a celebration of Blue Öyster Cult's influence on heavy metal and hard rock, featuring live versions of their most cherished tracks. It reflects their sustained popularity despite a decline in chart performance during the late '80s, emphasizing the band's ability to connect with dedicated fans. The album also received attention for its raw energy and musicianship, encapsulating the band's live experience.
Best for
electrifying live performance energy dynamic wave-like pacing shifts sing-along anthems with friends
Context
Released in 1990, 'Career of Evil: The Metal Years' marks a retrospective of Blue Öyster Cult's significant contributions to the rock genre. By this time, the band was navigating through a changing music landscape, following their commercial peak in the late 1970s with hits like '(Don't Fear) The Reaper'. This album showcases a collection of live recordings that highlight their enduring appeal and legacy during a period when they were less prominent in mainstream music.
Stylistic neighbors
Steppenwolf· Cream· Jimi Hendrix

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Cities on Flame (live) 4:22
  • 2 The Red and the Black (live) 4:31
  • 3 Hot Rails to Hell (live) 5:04
  • 4 Dominance and Submission (live) 5:49
  • 5 7 Screaming Diz-Busters (live) 8:58
  • 6 ME 262 (live) 8:09
  • 7 E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) Standout 3:43
  • 8 Beat 'Em Up 3:22
  • 9 Black Blade 6:33
  • 10 Harvester of Eyes 4:40
  • 11 Flaming Telepaths 5:20
  • 12 Godzilla (live) Standout 7:49
  • 13 (Don't Fear) The Reaper (live) Standout 6:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata