The Cult release Sonic Temple

Sonic Temple is the fourth album by The Cult, released in 1989.

In addition to being a continuation of the band's hard rock sound that was introduced on their previous album, Electric, Sonic Temple features some of the band's most popular songs, "Fire Woman", "Sun King", "Edie (Ciao Baby)" and "Sweet Soul Sister". With this album, The Cult obtained critical and commercial success with a ranking of #10 on the Billboard 200. Sonic Temple was also the last album recorded with long time bassist Jamie Stewart, who left in 1990. After his departure, the band's music would take a different direction on their next album, 1991's Ceremony.

Sonic Temple follows The Cult's critically acclaimed 1987 album Electric. The album marked the first time Bob Rock produced an album by the band (he would later produce the band's 1994 self-titled album and its 2001 follow up Beyond Good and Evil). The album got The Cult's highest chart position in the U.S., peaking at #10 on the Billboard 200 charts and was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1993.

In Argentina the record was released as Templo Sonico, and with the titles translated into Spanish on the jacket sleeve and record labels. In Taiwan, it was released with a pink cover, and reportedly some of these were also distributed in mainland China.

The album cover features guitarist Billy Duffy with his Gibson Les Paul and in the background features vocalist Ian Astbury. An additional illustration in the CD booklet and cassette insert features bassist Jamie Stewart.