Draft:Derision Cult

Derision Cult
Derision Cult performing live in 2024
Derision Cult performing live in 2024
Background information
OriginChicago, Illinois, U.S.
GenresIndustrial rock, industrial metal, electronic rock
Years active2014–present
LabelsGlitch Mode Recordings
Members
Websitederisioncult.com

History

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Formation and Early Years (2014–2020)

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Derision Cult was founded by Dave McAnally in 2014 as a solo project in Chicago, Illinois. After a hiatus from music, McAnally returned to industrial rock, influenced by a conversation with the frontman of Die Warzau. The project's name, "Derision Cult," was inspired by a review of the cult film The Room, where the term "cult of derision" was used to describe how media attention can shape cultural perception.[1]

Expansion, Collaborations, and Glitch Mode Recordings (2021–Present)

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In 2021, Derision Cult signed with Glitch Mode Recordings, an independent label known for fostering industrial and electronic artists. This marked the transition from a solo project to a full band. The current lineup includes:

  • Dave McAnally – Vocals, guitars
  • Sean Payne – Synths, programming, production
  • Brad Huston – Guitars, programming
  • Jesse Hunt – Percussion

Derision Cult has collaborated with prominent figures in industrial and alternative rock, including:

The band gained attention for its collaborative efforts, particularly on the 2022 single "Deaf Blood." The track marked a first-time performance with Chris Connelly and Reeves Gabrels, combining industrial and alternative rock elements. Additionally, Martin Atkins contributed live drums and remixed the track, reuniting him with Connelly after their tenure in Ministry and Pigface. The collaboration was covered by music publications for its significance within the industrial rock scene.[2]

Connection to Cyanotic and Glitch Mode Collective

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Beyond Derision Cult, members **Sean Payne, Brad Huston, and Jesse Hunt** are also members of Cyanotic, a Chicago-based industrial rock band. The band is part of the Glitch Mode Chicago collective, a network of industrial and electronic artists that includes Conformco, Vampyre Anvil, Rabbit Junk, and Acumen Nation.

Musical Style and Influences

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Derision Cult's music is characterized by a fusion of **industrial rock, electronic textures, and heavy metal guitars**, drawing comparisons to **Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, and Fear Factory**.[3] Their songs feature mechanized rhythms, aggressive guitars, and cyberpunk influences.

Lyrically, the band explores themes of **media control, consumerism, and societal unrest**, inspired by McAnally’s observations of information manipulation in digital and mainstream media.[1]

Critical Reception

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Derision Cult has received coverage in **major industrial and metal publications**, including:

  • Louder Sound included *Bastards of the World* in its **"Best New Metal Songs"** feature.[4]
  • ReGen Magazine reviewed *The Mercenary Notes* series, describing it as **"gritty and raw industrial energy."**[1]
  • Metal Temple called *The Mercenary Notes Pt. 2* **"a brutal yet hypnotic experience."**[5]
  • Loudwire included *The Mercenary Notes Pt. 2* in its **2025 Hard Rock & Metal Album Release Calendar**, highlighting it among anticipated releases.[6]

Discography

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Studio Albums

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  • *Man Alive Vol 4* (2020)
  • *Charlatans Inc* (2021)
  • *The Mercenary Mixes* (2023)

EPs and Notable Releases

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  • *The Mercenary Notes Pt. 1* (2022)
  • *The Mercenary Notes Pt. 2* (2025)

Singles

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  • "Bastards of the World" (2022)
  • "Deal Blood" (2022)
  • "Year Hope Failed" (2022)
  • "Slaves Rebuild" (2022)
  • "Warning Signs" (2024)
  • "Radiation Blues" (2024)
  • "Abdication Day" (2025)
  • "Joker’s Wild and Kings Are Dead" (2025)

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Interview: Derision Cult". ReGen Magazine. 2023-09-14. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  2. ^ "Derision Cult Teams with Chris Connelly (Ministry) and Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie, The Cure) on "Deaf Blood"". ZRock. 2023-10-28. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  3. ^ "Industrial Metal Band Derision Cult Releases New Single". Brutal Resonance. 2023-08-05. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  4. ^ "Best New Metal Songs: Derision Cult". Louder Sound. 2023-12-05. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  5. ^ "Review: The Mercenary Notes Pt. 2". Metal Temple. 2023-11-15. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  6. ^ "2025 Hard Rock & Metal Album Release Calendar". Loudwire. 2024-02-20. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
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