We are joined by BAD OMENS guitarist Joakim “Jolly” Karlsson and DERISION CULT mainman Dave MCANALLY on this week’s edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, BAD OMENS emerged onto the American rock scene in 2015, founded by the trio of vocalist and producer Noah Sebastian, guitarist Nicholas Ruffilo, and bassist Vincent Riquier. The band expanded its lineup with the addition of guitarist Joakim “Jolly” Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio. Their inaugural self-titled album, released in 2016 under Sumerian Records, garnered critical acclaim, setting the stage for their musical journey.
BAD OMENS would continue their sonic exploration with the release of “Finding God Before God Finds Me” in 2019, accompanied by a deluxe version in 2020. The momentum surged with their third album, “The Death of Peace of Mind,” unleashed in 2022. This release featured the sleeper hit “Just Pretend,” marking a significant milestone in BAD OMENS‘ career as their biggest hit to date.
In the podcast, “Jolly” discusses the band’s creative process, the upcoming tour with BRING ME THE HORIZON and much more.
On a contrasting note, DERISION CULT emerges as an industrial metal project hailing from Chicago, Illinois. Propelled by caustic lyrics and thrash guitars immersed in a dystopian soundscape, their albums serve as poignant reflections of contemporary societal challenges.
Fronted by Dave McAnally, DERISION CULT‘s lyrical focus delves into themes of manipulation and media influence perpetuated upon the public. In an age where news and discourse aim more to evoke emotions than stimulate critical thinking, DERISION CULT takes a stand.
Th second portion of the podcast features DERISION CULT mastermind Dave McAnally who discusses the outfit’s latest LP, “Mercenary Notes Pt 1“.
Exploring the ongoing narrative of “Mercenary Notes Pt 1“, DERISION CULT delves into the pervasive themes of overstimulation and corporate-driven manipulation within the public sphere, all aimed at boosting product sales. With an extensive background in the advertising industry, mainman Dave McAnally draws upon decades of firsthand experiences to craft a collection of tracks that serves as a survival guide for navigating the challenges of maintaining mental health in a media-saturated world intent on stirring hysteria and sensationalism among the masses.
Joining forces with producer Sean Payne, who contributes the classic Glitch Mode Chicago Industrial sound to the tracks, Dave McAnally shares his vision for pushing the boundaries of production quality.
“Mercenary Notes Pt 1” boasts a star-studded lineup of guest contributors, including Chris Connelly (MINISTRY, PIGFACE), Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie, THE CURE), and Justin Broadrick (GODFLESH). Chris Connelly takes the lead vocals on one of the album’s standout singles, “Deaf Blood,” a track accompanied by an animated video crafted by Empire Animate based in Vancouver. The infusion of diverse talents further enriches DERISION CULT‘s sonic landscape, elevating the project to new heights within the industrial metal genre.
In a musical landscape marked by both the dynamic rock soundscapes of BAD OMENS and the industrial metal resonance of DERISION CULT, these two projects offer contrasting yet equally impactful perspectives on the contemporary challenges facing society. While BAD OMENS reaches new heights with their melodic prowess, DERISION CULT digs deep into the gritty complexities of modern existence, creating a unique dichotomy within the realm of American rock and metal.
You can listen to the podcast in the player below or wherever you get your podcasts.