Lyrics to the lead-off track "Career of Evil" were written by future punk poetess Patti Smith, a longtime contributor to the band (and, at the time, the girlfriend of BÖC keyboardist and rhythm guitarist Allen Lanier). Smith co-wrote tracks for at least five other BÖC albums.

They have sold over 24 million albums worldwide - including 7 million in the US.

The name "Blue Öyster Cult" came from a 1960's poem written by manager Sandy Pearlman. It was part of his "Imaginos" poetry, later used more extensively in their 1988 album Imaginos.