Chicago-based industrial metal band DERISION CULT is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated new EP Mercenary Notes Pt 2, set to drop on March 14, 2025 via Glitch Mode Recordings. Leading the charge is their new single, “Radiation Blues,” a brooding, atmospheric track that blends heavy industrial beats with introspective lyrics and the distinctive guitar work of Reeves Gabrels (DAVID BOWIE, THE CURE).
“Radiation Blues” showcases DERISION CULT’s signature fusion of thrash-inspired guitar riffs and dark, industrial soundscapes, with influences drawn from artists like TOM WAITS and MINISTRY. The song captures a haunting reflection on the disorienting effects of living in a hyperconnected, media-driven world, where the relentless barrage of information often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and fatigued. Frontman Dave McAnally delivers a powerful vocal performance, reflecting on the existential toll of a society consumed by soundbytes and short-form communication. Gabrels’ masterful guitar solos cut through the track with unsettling intensity, adding to the sense of unease and tension.
Lyrically, “Radiation Blues” delves into themes of manipulation and distraction, examining how media and technology warp reality and impact human connection. The song’s line “The warning signs are by design and that’s gnawing on my mind” is a direct commentary on the deliberate distractions engineered by modern media, leaving listeners questioning the truth behind what they see. The track serves as a spiritual sequel to “Slaves Rebuild” from Mercenary Notes Pt 1, further exploring the band’s fascination with societal collapse and the anxieties of the digital age.
Produced by Sean Payne at Glitch Mode Studios, Mercenary Notes Pt 2 continues DERISION CULT’s journey through aggressive industrial metal, pulling influences from thrash, blues, and outlaw country. The EP features six tracks that tackle themes of survival, technology, and the power dynamics within media manipulation. Alongside Reeves Gabrels, the EP includes guest appearances from Pete Berwick and Ronaldo Rodriguez, with remixes contributed by Justin Broadrick (GODFLESH) and CYANOTIC.
Mercenary Notes Pt 2 will be available on all major streaming platforms on March 14, 2025, with “Radiation Blues” now streaming as a fresh taste of what’s to come. Fans can expect a continuation of the sharp social commentary and hard-hitting sound that have defined DERISION CULT’s evolution in the industrial metal scene.
About DERISION CULT:
Formed in 2014, DERISION CULT has carved out a space in the industrial metal genre with their hard-hitting fusion of thrash guitars, industrial rhythms, and provocative social commentary. Led by frontman Dave McAnally, the band’s music addresses themes of media manipulation, technology, and survival in a rapidly evolving world. Signed to Glitch Mode Recordings in 2021, DERISION CULT continues to push boundaries, collaborating with prominent names in industrial music such as Reeves Gabrels and Justin Broadrick.
DERISION CULT is:
- Dave McAnally – Vocals, Guitars, Programming
- Sean Payne – Production, Synths, Programming, Backing Vocals
- Brad Huston – Guitars, Programming
- Jesse Hunt – Percussion
Album Credits:
- Produced by: Sean Payne
- Recording Studio: Glitch Mode Recordings
- Engineered by: Brad Huston
- Mastered by: Sean Payne, Brad Huston
- Album Artwork: Jim Marcus
- Featured Guests:
- Reeves Gabrels (DAVID BOWIE, THE CURE) – Lead guitars on “Warning Signs” and “Radiation Blues”
- Pete Berwick – Vocals on “Joker’s Wild (And Kings Are Dead)” and “Influence”
- Ronaldo Rodriguez – Organ on “Joker’s Wild (And Kings Are Dead)”
- Justin Broadrick (GODFLESH, JESU) – Remix of “Warning Signs”
- Cyanotic – Remix of “Radiation Blues”
Tracklist:
“Where Are You Now?”
“Joker’s Wild (And Kings Are Dead)”
“Warning Signs”
“Radiation Blues”
“Influence”
“Abdication Day”
“Warning Signs (Justin Broadrick Mix)”
“Radiation Blues (Cyanotic Mix)”