The Cult to play SXSW

The Cult will headline the SXSW Auditorium Shores Stage on Saturday, March 17.

The Cult will be showcasing 'Choice of Weapons', their first album in five years.

'Choice of Weapons' was written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy and produced by Chis Coss (Queens of the Stone Age) and Bob Rock (Metallica).

"The title of the record reflects the fact that here we are, we have a choice to make right now," Astbury recently told Rolling Stone. "In a metaphorical sense, a weapon can be a camera, a weapon can be a pen, a weapon can be a statement, a verbal statement, a weapon can be an article of clothing. I think what needs to be said is that we have to start looking inward. Our spiritual lives are almost bankrupt. The material systems are not going to fix where we are."

"SXSW is thrilled that The Cult is returning to play our biggest stage at Auditorium Shores," said Darin Klein, SXSW Festival Producer. "We're excited to hear their new tunes and their classic hits. The show is free and open to the public, so everyone in Austin should get fired up for a great night of music."

'Choice of Weapons' will be released in May.

SXSW Music is on in Austin, Texas from March 12-17, 2012.