Derision Cult’s latest single, “Radiation Blues,” from their upcoming EP, Mercenary Notes Pt 2 (March 14, 2025), is a striking blend of industrial metal intensity and thought-provoking commentary. The track unfolds with deep, thrash-inspired riffs and brooding synths, providing a backdrop for frontman Dave McAnally’s gravelly vocals. His delivery is sharp and charged and carries an underlying sense of frustration that perfectly mirrors the song’s message.
Reeves Gabrels, known for his work with David Bowie and The Cure, infuses the song with an eerie brilliance, slicing through the relentless beats with his signature guitar work. His contribution elevates the track from a fierce industrial assault to a complex, multi-layered experience, drawing one into its tense atmosphere.
“Radiation Blues” is not just noise for noise’s sake; it’s a thoughtful examination of the disconnection wrought by an over-saturated media landscape. Dave’s lyrics peel back the curtain on a world so drowned in curated chaos that it blurs the line between reality and manipulation.
Derision Cult prompts one to question their trust in an age of endless notifications and offers a stark reflection on digital dread. “Radiation Blues” is an unflinching highlight of Derision Cult’s ongoing exploration of modern anxiety and a powerful reminder that behind the noise, a raw truth still demands to be heard.
