From C Squared Music, “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.”

The album has six songs, and “Where Are You Now?” is first. It features a mix of electronic elements with Thrashy, sometimes Nu Metal influenced, sounds. I also hear a little ROB ZOMBIE from the vocals. “Joker’s Wild (And Kings Are Dead)” has an energetic and somewhat fun sound out of the gates, accentuated by the vocals that are sung in “hill-billiy” fashion for lack of a better term, and among the heavy bottom end and steel strikes, the band also flirts with southern rock. The 70s keyboards add to their strange and diverse repertoire.

“Radiation Blues” is the first single from the album, and we have a bit of a more jovial sound here. The vocals are still done with a cadenced rhythm, and they are playful at times, matter-of-fact at others. That southern rock sound is still there as well. By contrast, “Warning Signs” takes us back to the sturdy world of Thrash and Metal. The vocals are still fun to listen to, in a House of 1,000 Corpses sort way, like getting your kicks off of gutting people and laughing the entire time. They must have a twisted sense of humor, and I like that. “Influence” has a darker edge to it, and there is a good deal of tension present as the bass thumps in. It carries a cloudy set of electronic elements, along with a few bloody body parts.

“Abdication Day” closes the album. It flows freely between hardened Metal and jolly good fun, and it’s a strange combination, but it just works. Remember the first time you heard ROB ZOMBIE? I do, and I found his sound to be simple, but totally innovative. That was 25+ years ago, and I have that same sense of creativity from DERISION CULT. One thing that struck me from the start of the album is that some of the music is tongue-in-cheek, while other parts are stone sober. It’s like a new wave of refreshing music that will make you think all over again.