1967 to 1971

More than most other Hard Rock band's that have achieved commercial success in North America, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has remained lyrically unafraid to pursue the realms of the arcane and downright bizarre. When perhaps their cause would have been better served fiscally by adopting a less cerebral approach, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has unerringly strove to further their musical and artistic horizons. Paradoxically, although the band have certainly dealt some huge blows in a crusade of riff laden metal it is the lilting almost 60's California folk orientated 'Don't Fear The Reaper' song that has given them their household name.

The band was founded by guitarists Allen Lanier and Buck Dharma (real name Donald Rosier) in league with drummer Albert Bouchard in the late sixties. After an absurd suggestion to name the band THE KNIFE WIELDING SCUMBAGS the band settled on SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY, a name that has become part of Rock folklore.

The Bouchard brothers, bassist Joe and drummer / vocalist / guitarist Albert first performed together as covers act THE REGAL TONES. This band covered the 60's Pop hits of the day and were unafraid to sport BEATLES wigs when necessary. Guitarist Buck Dharma meantime was starting out on his musical path with THE MONTEREYS whilst vocalist Eric Bloom was part of THE LOST & FOUND along with guitarist Pete Havilland.

Eventually Dharma created a new act EVE OF INSTRUCTION in alliance with Bruce Abbott which morphed into THE DISCIPLES. This band featured Dharma, Albert Bouchard on drums, Abbott on bass, guitarist Jeff Latham and vocalist Skip O'Donnell. Shortly after Albert Bouchard resumed activities with his brother with THE TRAVESTY and then THE CLANSMEN with guitarist Pete Havilland from THE LOST & FOUND. Slowly but surely the musicians paths were winding inexorably towards a common end.

SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY was founded in 1967. The first incarnation was made up of Dharma, Albert Bouchard on vocals, guitarist Allen Lanier, keyboard player John Wiesentahl and bassist Andrew Winters. The group had been engineered by Sandy Pearlman and Richard Meltzer as a vehicle to create their songs. Both Pearlman (as manager) and Meltzer (as producer) would impose an impressive hold on the band's career. Meantime Joe Bouchard was performing with Latin group QUE PASA.

SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY underwent numerous changes of stance with Meltzer even taking the vocal position at one point. The band put on support gigs to visiting artists such as THE BAND, THE GRATEFUL DEAD and JEFFERSON AIRPLANE. A further experiment saw the brief introduction of saxophonist Jeff Richards and quite surreally comedian David Roter as vocalist. Finally the band settled on singer Les Braunstein.

In 1969 Pearlman scored a deal with Elektra Records. An album was duly recorded and then frustratingly held in the vaults. Disillusioned Braunstein quit and in an effort to progress Bouchard, Meltzer and even manager Pearlman had shots at lead vocalist. One singer the band turned down for the job was PATTI SMITH.

Adopting a name change to STALK- FORREST GROUP in late 1969 the act, now complete with vocalist / guitarist Eric Bloom and a rhythm section of brothers Joe and Albert on bass and drums respectively, recorded a single 'What Is Quicksand'. Support slots were gained with JEFF BECK and JETHRO TULL. Although they were picked up again by Elektra Records but 1970 tapes for a slated debut were rejected.

The album did actually reach manufacture stage but was never released. A proposed single, 'Arthur's Comic' did steal out through the backdoor. Winters quit and Joe Bouchard patched up the hole. A decision to switch the band handle yet again was taken and both OAXACA and SANTOS SISTERS were used.

By late 1971, and now known as BLUE ÖYSTER CULT guided by the guru like figure of Pearlman. The band's show at a local nudist reservation was caught by producer David Lucas prompting record company interest. A deal with CBS Records was struck based on a four track demo recording of 'Workshop Of The Telescopes', 'Cities On Flame With Rock n' Roll', 'The Red And The Black' and 'Buck's Boogie'. Pearlman envisaged the band to be a more cerebral version of BLACK SABBATH and CBS, looking for something hard and raw, lapped it up.

1972 to 1977

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's first album, which crept out in late 1973 although was recorded as early as 1971, set the scene for what was to follow. The media were quick to dub the band as rock for the intelligentsia. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's repertoire wove cryptic words (lead vocals were handled by all except Lanier) around blues laden riffs, obviously aiming higher than the standard hard rock format.

In a neat twist lyrics to the album were available only on computer print out to those fans who wished to mail for them and the Gawlik album sleeve quite deliberately enshrouded the band in mysticism and the band logo, the Greek symbol for chaos, hinted at arcane mysteries. Quite surreally the track 'The Red And The Black' was mislabelled as 'I'm On The Lamb But I Ain't No Sheep'.

Although the band's official debut it was not their first release. French label Skydog released an unofficial four track EP credited to SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY in 1972 featuring 'Workshop Of The Telescopes', 'Cities On Flame With Rock n' Roll', 'The Red And The Black' and 'Buck's Boogie'.

Their sophomore release, 'Tyranny And Mutation', in 1973 was marked by Meltzer's heavy influence, even pervading into lyric writing. Once more album artwork was a monotone geometric Gawlik rendition. The band re-recorded 'The Red And The Black' naming it correctly on the sleeve this time around.

The 'Secret Treaties' album features a track 'Career Of Evil' written by Lanier's then girlfriend and Punk poetess PATTI SMITH. The lady was later to contribute backing vocals on the 'Age Of Fortune' tracks 'The Revenge Of Vera Gemini' and 'Debbie Denise' on 1976's 'Agents Of Fortune'. Lanier throughout this period was also sessioning for various artists including THE DICTATORS, SHAKIN' STREET and PAVLOV'S DOG although often under the pseudonym of Allen Glover.

The album cover to 'Secret Treaties' portrayed the band atop a world war II German M.E. 262 jet. Those who had no interest in delving deeper than the artwork were quick to brand the band as fascists. A bizarre accusation for a band fronted and managed by Jews. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT was by now on a seemingly endless bout of touring and the 1975 live double 'On Your Feet Or On Your Knees' plugged the gap between studio albums. The band's live schedule that year opened with support dates to THE FACES in February, a batch of March headliners opened by Welsh Acid Rockers MAN then package dates with the PRETTY THINGS and REO SPEEDWAGON. As the Spring drew on the group put in onstage alliances across the USA with TRAPEZE, STATUS QUO, TED NUGENT, PAVLOV'S DOG, JOURNEY, STYX, ZZ TOP and FOGHAT amongst others. By August they had formed a road partnership with URIAH HEEP. October and November witnessed European dates, closed off by UK gigs with German Progressive Rock outfit BIRTH CONTROL as support. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's 1975 finale would be a New Years Eve, Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale gig as guests to KISS.

'Agents Of Fortune' was to launch the song that would mark BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's card world-wide. 'Don't Fear The Reaper' rapidly began a radio and chart hit around the globe and its staying power has seen it almost an obligatory cut on any rock compilation album and a perennial on radio to this day.

1978 to 1981

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's 1978's 'Spectres' gave forth stage favourites 'Godzilla' and "I Love The Night' but in general was poorly received. On tour for much of the year the band accomodated the burgeoning New Wave movement of artists by awkwardly hosting support acts such as JAPAN in the UK and BE BOP DELUXE and THE JAM in North America. A further live album 'Some Enchanted Evening' was to feature rip-roaring covers of MC5's 'Kick Out The Jams' and THE ANIMALS 'We Gotta Get Out Of This Place'. Gigs in February of 1979 witnessed a rash of SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY shows plus an appearance at the New York Palladium 'Boat People Benefit'. Japanese headliners in May preceded further US touring lasting right through until late October.

Noted fantasy writer Michael Moorcock would become embroiled in the band's lore by contributing heavily to the June 1979 released, Tom Werman produced 'Mirrors' album. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT veered off in a direct attack on the charts with their most easy listening album to date. The gamble failed and the band now cite 'Mirrors' as the album they love to hate.

Support bands included West Coast partners ROADMASTER and PAT TRAVERS in August, IAN HUNTER in September then a lengthy alliance with RAINBOW. In November the band was back in the UK with opening act MAGNUM, including a four night stand at London's Hammersmith Odeon, before closing the year with solid US dates throughout December.

The same year saw the issue of an extra curricular curio as SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY vocalist LES BRAUNSTEIN issued a single on the Mega Toons label. The three tracks were actually recorded in 1973 and featured Dharma, Albert Bouchard and bassist John Thrivers. Bloom also gave fans further interest laying down vocals on two tracks on ex-MOTT THE HOOPLE vocalist IAN HUNTER's 'You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic' album.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's 1980 'Cultosaurus Erectus' album, again including Moorcock impressions, was produced by Martin Birch. The English producer's forte previously had been seminal works for major players such as DEEP PURPLE and BLACK SABBATH. The latter's involvement probably at the forefront of Pearlman's mind.

'Fire Of Unknown Origin' was to grant BLUE ÖYSTER CULT the unlikeliest of hits with 'Joan Crawford (Has Risen From The Grave)'. Ever an act to stoke controversy, nevertheless the band were surprised themselves to find the song a huge radio hit across America. Once more Patti Smith and Michael Moorcock contributed on 'Fire' and 'Veteran of the psychic wars' respectively.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT embarked on what was to be dubbed the 'Black n' Blue' tour of America in conjunction with co-headliners BLACK SABBATH and support act RIOT. Rumour has it that Pearlman used this extravaganza in an attempt to lure BLACK SABBATH into his management stable.

The band made a nothing short of horrendous appearance at the 1981 'Monsters Of Rock' event at Donington headlined by AC/DC. Eric Bloom went so far as to comment that BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's set was sabotaged by AC/DC as they bore a grudge about the treatment they'd received as a support band to the BLUE ÖYSTER CULT some years previously.

1982 to 1984

Although 1982's live album had Bouchard behind the drum stool he was no longer officially a member of the band by the time it saw release. Bouchard believed that his departure to work on his solo project 'Imaginos' was merely temporary and that he was still a fully paid-up member of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. The band felt otherwise and saw fit to bring in long-time band roadie Rick Downey as substitute. Downey had previously stepped into the breach when Bouchard had been late for shows. The same year Dharma issued his solo album 'Flat Out'. Bloom also undertook outside ventures appearing on KASIM SULTAN's 1982 'Kasim' album.

Touring in North America during 1983 witnessed dates supported by BLOTTO throughout February and March upfront of September gigs in Germany with THIN LIZZY. In November, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT was to release their first studio album for two years in the form of the Bruce Fairbairn produced 'The Revolution By Night', marking the recording debut of Rick Downey, although the record's material was 70% written by or in collaboration with Albert Bouchard.

The album featured a couple of interesting co-writes with other artists. For instance, 'Take Me Away' was originally called 'Psycho Ward' and intended for use by its writer, ALDO NOVA, on his first album. It never made the record, so Nova gave the record to management stable mates BLUE ÖYSTER CULT and Eric Bloom re-wrote the song and added its new title. Other co-writes included songs penned with Michael Moorcock, Ian Hunter, Helen Wheels (of HELEN WHEELS BAND fame) and manager Sandy Pearlman. Indeed, the co-write with Ian Hunter, 'Let Go', was originally titled 'B.O.C.', but some members of the band felt that it dragged the level of the band down to that of Pop bands with a title like that.

'The Revolution By Night' was also to merit a re-acquaintance with PATTI SMITH as she added 'Shooting Shark' to the record, the track immediately being released as a single in America where the band lost no time in touring. As BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's career looked increasingly shaky, Bloom invested time in the B.C. project recording demos with RICHIE CANNATA.

US dates to promote the record in November had RAINBOW as support along the West Coast with ALDO NOVA taking over opening duties in December.

1985 to 1987

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT soldiered on although Lanier lost his place in mid 1985 to former ALDO NOVA man Tony Zvonchek. However, caught in a jam with tour commitments Bouchard was reinstated for a two week tour of California. The drum stool was then taken by Jimmy Wilcox. Thommy Price, previously a member of BILLY IDOL's band and SCANDAL, sessioned on drums for 'Club Ninja'. The resulting album did little to fire fans enthusiasm and many critics pointed out that the incorporation of outside songwriters, such as BOB HALLIGAN JR., had watered down the record. The group toured the UK and Europe promoting the record but after completion of German dates Joe Bouchard threw in the towel, leaving just Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma as sole surviving founder members.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT effectively disbanded during 1986. A tour of Greece gelled the band back together with Lanier rejoining the fold along with bassist Jon Rogers. 1987 saw another Greek tour, now with Ron Riddle on drums.

Bloom was still hedging his bets and in 1987 formulated THE ERIC BLOOM BAND together with BALANCE and MEAT LOAF guitarist Bob Kulick, HEAVEN's Dennis Feldman on bass and ex-RAINBOW, BALANCE and MEAT LOAF drummer Chuck Burgi. When Bloom decided perseverance with BLUE ÖYSTER CULT was his best option the band he left behind evolved into SKULL issuing the 'No Bones About It' album.

Out In The cold Albert Bouchard had been keeping busy with KING FLUX, a band featuring ex PLASMATICS members Chris Romanelli and Richie Stotts. KING FLUX issued a single 'The Man With X Ray Eyes'. Both Bouchard siblings also had a spell with SPENCER DAVIS GROUP. They remained together in the aptly titled BOUCHARD BROS., Which minus Joe became THE CULT BROTHERS with former KING FLUX members guitarist Billy Hilfiger, brother Andy Hilfiger on bass and Jimmy Cacala on drums. This unit also operated the clubs with Joe Tag on vocals as a tribute band to THE DOORS titled CRYSTAL SHIP. Albert Bouchard then announced he was working on solo material but within months had found himself re-instated into the BLUE ÖYSTER CULT family.

1988 to 1994

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT returned in 1988 with the ambitious 'Imaginos' outing. The album displayed some of the dexterity and majesty of earlier works but this renaissance was marred by Bouchard, who had once more been ejected, claiming that the entire inspiration for the record was his alone and merely a revamp of his projected solo album. Bouchard sued the band and the record company.

The 'Imaginos' project had been originally submitted to the record company as an Albert Bouchard solo venture with Bouchard himself on lead vocals. Seeing that Dharma had already contributed the label insisted it be re-recorded with Bloom on vocals and released as the next BLUE ÖYSTER CULT outing. Bouchard responded by scrubbing his vocal and utilising SILVER CONDOR's Joey Cerisano to transpose his considerable talents to the whole affair. Columbia remained unmoved and the album became a BLUE ÖYSTER CULT record. However, this was not before the project had been effectively cut in half as many of the songs laid down for the original double album concept were shelved.

Regardless of internal ructions 'Imaginos', still penned in the main by Pearlman, seemingly put the band back on track. Included as musical extras were bassist Kenny Aaronson, drummer Thommy Price, guitarists Tommy Moringello (of HELEN WHEELS BAND) and Jack Rigg. Joey Cerisano's vocals did remain on one track and other featured singers were Jon Rogers and the mysterious Jack Secret. The title track featured a veritable arsenal of guitarists including ALDO NOVA; BLIND ILLUSION's Marc Biedermann, Kevin Carlson and even JOE SATRIANI. However, despite receiving generous praise from the media the 'Imaginos' album was barely promoted and inexplicably sank without trace.

Joe Bouchard formed DEADRINGER together with erstwhile ALICE COOPER man Neal Smith, ex-VICTORY and TED NUGENT vocalist Charlie Huhn, Dennis Dunaway and Jay Johnson releasing the 'Electrocution Of The Heart' album. Dharma contributed one track to the record with 'Summa Cum Lord'.

Meanwhile brother Albert founded IMAGINARY PLAYMATES with his wife and ex FLAMING YOUTH drummer Deborah Frost on vocals. Frost's previous band had inspired the BLUE OYSTER CULT tune of the same name. This evolved into the BRAIN SURGEONS with KING FLUX / HELEN WHEELS BAND guitarist Billy Hilfiger. BRAIN SURGEONS released a string of albums beginning with 1994's 'Eponymous'.

1990 found Dharma keeping his hand in with New York club gigs billed as THE RED AND THE BLACK. Joining the guitarist was BLUE ÖYSTER CULT men Rogers and Riddle. By May of 1991 Riddle quit BLUE ÖYSTER CULT to join the STUART HAMM BAND. Former ERIC BLOOM BAND cohort Chuck Burgi took the role before another MEAT LOAF man Jon Miceli stepped into the position.

During 1992 BLUE ÖYSTER CULT performed the soundtrack to the movie 'Bad Channels'. Albert Bouchard renewed the BLUE ÖYSTER CULT connection in 1994 by appearing on a version of 'Dominance And Submission by ex MINUTEMEN vocalist MIKE WATT. The track featured as the B side to his 'E Ticket Ride' single.

1995 to 1997

In early 1995 Rogers bailed out and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT drafted ex-ALICE COOPER and TONTO TONTO man Greg Smith. Before long though Smith was back in the employ of ALICE COOPER so the four string tasks were handed to Danny Miranda. By September of the same year Burgi was back on drums. Typically this liaison was not without problems though as Burgi departed to work on rehearsals for Richie Blackmore's RAINBOW reformation (which by now was also including Greg Smith). John O'Reilly became BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's sticksman but he in turn did a straight swop as Burgi rejoined and O'Reilly became part of RAINBOW (and later WESTWORLD). Later touring found the RAINBOW connection in evidence again as Bobby Rondinelli, most recently with BLACK SABBATH, came in on drums in February of 1997.

Touring with FOGHAT and STEPPENWOLF the band had two live tracks and a new composition 'Power Underbearable Despair' included on the C.M.C. compilation album 'Summerdaze'.

1998 to 2007

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's 1998's comeback record, 'Heaven Forbid', was found to have the real cover artwork hidden behind a depiction of an angelic Jane Fonda lookalike. It was certainly a good deal more wholesome than the more sinister image it disguised. The album was cut by an assembled line-up of Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma and Allen Lanier alongside bassist Danny Miranda and drummer Chuck Burgi. Rondinelli played on 'Live For Me' with bassist Jon Rogers supplying four string duties to three tracks. George Cintron, ex of CINTRON and part of Rondinelli and Miranda's side project PYRAMID was also credited for 'additional vocals'. Lanier bowed out again in 1998 and ex-UTOPIA and MEAT LOAF man Kasim Sultan filled the gap.

The band also proved they still retained their wry sense of humour too. The 1998 movie blockbuster remake of 'Godzilla' confounded many by not including the renowned BLUE ÖYSTER CULT tune of the same name in the soundtrack. Undaunted the band re-recorded the song with sarcastic lyrics as a radio promo re-christened 'No-Zilla'.

Throughout the early part of 1999 SAVATAGE guitarist Al Pitrelli joined the band for live work. Lanier returned as Pitrelli joined MEGADETH.

Many cover versions of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT can be found amongst some of the more radical names in Rock. The SMASHING PUMPKINs are known to have played 'Godzilla' live. FU MANCHU have also recorded 'Godzilla'. METALLICA have famously covered 'Astronomy' and THANATOS, BIG COUNTRY and the GOO GOO DOLLS have all attempted '(Don't Fear) The Reaper'. British Metal band GRIM REAPER also recorded a version but this has never seen the light of day.

L7 revised 'This Ain't The Summer Of Love' for a movie soundtrack. Swedish Punks THE NOMADS have released a single version of 'This Ain't The Summer Of Love' under their BLUE ÖYSTER CULT inspired pseudonym THE SCREAMING DIZBUSTERS.

MIKE WATT is obviously a big fan having released the aforementioned 'Dominance And Submission' as a solo artist, 'The Red And The Black' with FIREHOSE and 'I'm On The Lamb But I Ain't No Sheep' and 'She's As Beautiful As A Foot' with his C.H.O.P. project.

Acoustic trio TOO HIP FOR THE ROOM released a whole album of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT covers entitled wittily 'Don't Fear The Remake'. Bloom, Dharma and Miranda all make appearances. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT themselves would busy themselves on a brand new 2001 album 'Curse Of The Hidden Mirror'.

Meantime, Sony would bow to demand and in the summer re-issue a batch of classic archive albums. Fortunately for fans these releases all came with a whole crop of extra tracks. 'Blue Oyster Cult' added 'What is Quicksand', ' A Fact About Sneakers', ' Donovan's Monkey' and ' Betty Lou Got A New Pair Of Shoes' from their first Columbia demo.

'Tyranny & Mutation' had three live cuts 'Cities On Flame With Rock & Roll' from the original 'Bootleg' EP, '7 Screaming Diz-Busters' and 'O.D.'d On Life Itself' both taken from 'BOC Live In The West 1975' as well as a 1973 studio take of 'Buck's Boogie'.

'Secret Treaties' came with the 'Born To Be Wild' single and rare tracks 'Mommy' , 'Boorman The Chauffeur' and 'Madame Serrat' whilst 'Agents Of Fortune' offered up the original home demo of '(Don't Fear) The Reaper', a demo of 'Dance The Night Away' with vocals from Allen Lanier, a pre-production of 'Sally' and 'Fire Of Unknown Origin'.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT would record a June 21st show at Navy Pier venue in Chicago for a live DVD release. In early 2003 bass player Danny Miranda teamed up with RIOT frontman Tony Moore and guitarist Mike Flyntz along with the RAINBOW and MEAT LOAF credited drummer John Miceli to found a new band project billed as FAITH AND FIRE.

The band closed out 2003 by uniting with fellow Rock veterans URIAH HEEP and upcoming Stoners FIREBALL MINISTRY for German gigs in December. That same year Rondinelli took time out to tour with THE LIZARDS, a band mentored by guitarist Randy Pratt and including SIR LORD BALTIMOORE drummer John Garner. Meantime, over in Sweden, Heavy Metal band WOLF dusted off '(Don't Fear) The Reaper' as a cover version for their 'Evil Star' album. In 2004 former member Joe Bouchard would be traversing the North American club circuit with the band BDS, also featuring erstwhile ALICE COOPER band members Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT singer Eric Bloom put in a guest appearance on the track 'On The Way To Moonstone' for the MOONSTONE PROJECT debut album 'Time To Take A Stand', an all star project of Italian guitarist Matteo Filippini. Bobby Rondinelli quit the group in August of 2004 order to pursue his work with Rock ensemble THE LIZARDS. Danny Miranda followed suit in September, the bassist joining QUEEN in early 2005.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT toured the UK in July 2005.

In May 2006 high profile Finnish Heavy Metal band TAROT put BLUE ÖYSTER CULT at the top of the Finnish single charts with a double A side single which featured their cover version of "Veteran of the Psychic Wars'.

In February 2007 'Legacy' re-issues of classic albums gave fans a host of extra tracks. The updated 1978 live album 'Some Enchanted Evening' doubled from seven to 14 tracks, with previously unreleased performances of 'ME 262', 'Harvester Of Eyes', 'Hot Rails To Hell', 'Summer Of Love', '5 Guitars', a cover of STEPPENWOLF's 'Born To Be Wild' and an alternate version of the ANIMALS' 'We Gotta Get Out Of This Place'. The album also came with a bonus 11-track DVD recorded in 1978 at the Capitol Center in Landover, Maryland. The re-issued 1977 album 'Spectres' received four bonus tracks from the recording sessions, including the originals 'Night Flyer', 'M For Murder', 'Please Hold' and a cover rendition of the RONETTES' 'Be My Baby'.

For the band's April 28th 2007 concert at the Hawgs of Texas motorcycle rally in Lake Somerville, Texas BLUE ÖYSTER CULT employed the services of ex-OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, DIO and QUIET RIOT bassist Rudy Sarzo.

It was learned in 2009 that BLUE ÖYSTER CULT lead singer Eric Bloom and guitarist Richie Castellano had collaborated with Mythic Entertainment to write and record the Dwarf Slayer anthem 'Kiss My Axe (While I Drink My Beer)' for the online fantasy MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) 'Warhammer Online: Age Of Reckoning' game.