Live albums can be seen as an opportunity for the fans to check the firepower of their favorite bands, as compilations of hits, or just something to keep a band's name alive. But some guys really seem to keep their gears working on high performance after many years of activity. One of these bands that never bore the fans from their live releases if from the North American pioneers of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. And "Live at Rock of Ages Festival 2016" is proof of these words.

It's a well-known fact that the band always made great shows, with amazing performances and unlimited energy. And on this live album, the things aren't different, even being shorter than the usual for the band. But as it's a set for a festival, they brought some of their eternal classics, then "Live at Rock of Ages Festival 2016" can be said as a fine opportunity to hear their blend of Hard Rock with elements of Heavy Metal, Boogie, Psychedelic Rock and Progressive Rock. In the end of all, their music is too personal to be defined for mere words.

The capitation of the show, as the name states clearly, was done during the show on the second day of Rock of Ages Festival, in Seebronn, Germany. And everything is sounding clean, defined and really great, but without taking the feeling of a live show. Of course the band grew old and it reflects in some moments, but they still have an energy that cause envy on many beginners.

Of course, the songs of the album are known from the public (as mentioned above, it's a short show, so they made a set list fully based on many of their classics). And how my ears thank them for hearing songs such as "This Ain't the Summer of Love" (a savage Hard Rock with an organic feeling coming from the guitars), "Burnin' For You" (the elegance and beauty of this song still amazes the listeners, specially due the vocals), "Od'd On Life Itself" (a savage and energetic Hard Rock with excellent work from bass guitar and drums), "Harvest Moon" (elegant and catchy, with tender melodies), the Hard/Rockabilly feeling of "ME 262" (very good keyboards parts), and the long and amazing "Then Came the Last Days of May". But for those that still don't understand the importance of the quintet for Metal, just a careful listening on their most famous hits "Godzilla" (a smashing bones weighty song, with excellent guitars, drums, bass guitar and vocals) and "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" (this one has a lovely ambience) will put things clean.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT isn't only one of the pillars that US Metal was built on, but a immaterial patrimony of Metal and Rock. And "Live at Rock of Ages Festival 2016" is another excellent release of this Rock dinosaur that's still alive.