Blue Öyster Cult came together in the early ‘70s, inspired by early metal bands like Black Sabbath. Even before finding fame with their fourth album, the New York band earned a rep as the kind of smart, tongue-in-cheek hard rock act that arty kids and headbangers alike could appreciate. Punk pioneer Patti Smith co-wrote some of the band's best songs, and BÖC's influence would continue to turn up in unexpected places, from hardcore to proto-punk. Recording well into the 21st century, BÖC still offers a powerful reminder of the days when hard rockers ruled FM radio.