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rayray’s Fever is a captivating shoegaze track drenched in swirling reverb, dense distortion, and immersive atmosphere. Blurring the line between melody and texture, the song creates a hazy sonic landscape where emotion emerges through layers of sound rather than direct expression. Its wall-of-sound approach evokes the genre’s classic foundations while maintaining a fresh and contemporary edge. Beneath the fuzz and dreamlike haze lies a strong melodic core that keeps the track engaging from start to finish. Fever succeeds in capturing the hypnotic beauty and emotional weight that define great shoegaze, making it a rewarding listen for fans of lush, guitar-driven soundscapes.

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Howdy, friends. Welcome to another edition of Staff Infections, wherein we, the cultured and erudite Last Rites staff, share our recent listening habits with you, our equally cultured and erudite readership. Also, I sometimes complain about the weather or current events. Speaking of which: I thought after a pretty long and cold spring, it would take a little longer for me to start complaining about the heat, but we’re hitting over ninety degrees here with a regularity that is rather disturbing considering it isn’t even officially summer yet. Living through a climate apocalypse was never on my bucket list, but it’s hard not to think there might be one coming. I’m old, but I have longevity in my family, so I can’t necessarily plan on checking out that soon. Maybe we’ll all get nuked first. That probably wouldn’t be so bad if you’re close to the blast. It’s something to hope for, anyway. I guess I could hope for peace and a more environmentally friendly future, but I don’t think I have that kind of hope in my anymore. I’ll leave that to the young folks. Anyway, let’s see what we’ve been listening to.

There was not a large convergence of listening habits this month, but we have a few common threads. First, our second-place finisher is the venerable and reliable Darkthrone with umpteenth full-length album, Prehistoric Metal. Our pal Jozzsh has an insightful review for you right here. Now for the albums of the month. You read that right; it’s a tie for first place. Our winners include Swedish progressive power metal trio Dimah with it’s sophomore album Ondine, and Effluence with Anticholinergic Derangement. Resident power metal expert, Captain has you covered on Ondine right here, and Spencer relates his harrowing experience with Anticholinergic Derangement here.

For our group discussion this month, let us know in the comments, how do you feel about Darkthrone’s career? Do you pretend they broke up after Panzerfaust or are you able to appreciate the band’s later work? Black metal doesn’t mean much to me, but riffs do, and because throughout all its eras Darkthrone never really abandoned the riff, I can find something to appreciate on almost any Darkthrone album, but I generally listen to the band’s later work more than the classics.

Before we wrap up, be sure to listen to the staff-curated Spotify playlist below, and share your own playlist in the comments. Until next time, you all take care of yourselves.

Zach Duvall
Dimhav – Ondine
Deafkids – Cicatrizes Do Futuro
Darkthrone – Pre-Historic Metal
Cryptworm – Infectious Pathological Waste
The Dillinger Escape Plan – Calculating Infinity
Blut Aus Nord – Ethereal Horizons

Wolf Rambatz
Effluence – Anticholinergic Derangement
Nedgravd – Ascension
Cosey Mueller – Embodiment of Denial
JC Thomaz and the Missing Slippers – s/t
Fake Dust – Decrepitizing Din Of The Cerebral Psyopticon

Spencer Hotz
Swans – Filth
Hällas – Panorama
Effluence – Anticholinergic Derangement
Tomeka Reid – dance! skip! hop!
Gadget – Coerced
Melting Rot – Infatuation With Premeditation

Lone Watie
Dimhav – Ondine
Dangerous Thing – Dormant Spore
Carpe Diem – En Regardent Passer Le Temps
Edera – Mindquake
Fabio Do Nascimento – Villa
Moses Yoofee Trio – Chasing Lights

Danhammer Obstkrieg
35007 – Liquid
Effluence – Anticholinergic Derangement
Cable.Percussion – LP3
Degenerate Synapse – Battle for the Mind
Monster Magnet – Spine of God
Alan Braufman – Anthem for Peace

David Fonseca
Dimhav – Ondine
Drawn and Quartered – Hail Infernal Darkness
Kreator – Terrible Certainty
Deeds of Flesh – Path of the Weakening
Elder – Reflections of a Dying World
Hrob – Brána Chladu

Jeremy Morse
Exhumed – Necrocracy
Sinister – Diabolical Summoning
Darkthrone – Prehistoric Metal
Impaled – Death After Life
Chainsword – Chapter XII
Whitesnake – Live… In the Heart of the City

Andrew Edmunds
Focus – Focus 3
Fake Dust – Decrepitizing Din Of The Cerebral Psyopticon
White Lion – Pride
Soilent Green – Sewn Mouth Secrets
Dokken – Under Lock And Key
Hawkwind – Warrior On The Edge Of Time

Isaac Hams
Vince Staples – Cry Baby
OK Goodnight – stop/go
Edge Of Sanity – Crimson II
Blind Guardian – Battalions Of Fear
Fires In The Distance – Circadian Promise
Kaatayra – Caminhos de Agua

The post Staff Infections – June 2026 appeared first on Last Rites.

Canadian rock force Dali Van Gogh continue the rollout of their upcoming live album ‘Roadkill’ with the release of ‘Boneyard (Live at Tide & Boar, Moncton)‘, available now on all streaming platforms. Following the successful release of ‘Wicked Way‘ in May, ‘Boneyard‘ delivers an unfiltered, high-octane performance that showcases the band at their most visceral. […]

The post Dali van Gogh Release New Live Single ‘Boneyard (Live At Tide & Boar, Moncton)’ appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.

BRIA is a hard‑rock power trio fronted by Angelo Bria, proof that surviving the Sunset Strip in the ’80s leaves you with character, hearing loss, or both. As the former voice of Aaronsrod, he helped create the 1986 cult metal album Illusions Kill before the band became a staple at Gazzarri’s, The Troubadour, Whisky a Go Go, and countless other stages fueled by cheap beer and no backing tracks.

After decades on the road, Angelo settled in the Pacific Northwest and joined Earth To Ashes as bassist and co‑vocalist. BRIA released Target Audience in 2022, Stop Quality in 2023, and in 2026 dropped Optimus Masochist, the first single from their upcoming EP produced by Lowell George Granath.

The track bursts with energy, attitude, and pure rock spirit, featuring stellar production, inspired riffs, and catchy yet powerful vocals, with a chorus that will get stuck in your head, powerful bass lines, and some guitar vibes from Angus Young, Slash, and Eddie Van Halen in some details. It’s a song worth spinning and following if it hits the right chords.

Willy Margo’s Planned It is a heartfelt indie rock song that transforms everyday milestones into something deeply meaningful and emotionally resonant. Built around warm guitar-driven arrangements and sincere storytelling, the track reflects on love, family, and the quiet beauty of growing through life alongside another person. Its strength lies in its authenticity, capturing personal experiences with a level of honesty that feels both intimate and universally relatable. The melodic songwriting and understated production allow the emotional core of the song to shine naturally. Planned It is a touching celebration of commitment, growth, and gratitude, showcasing Willy Margo’s ability to find profound meaning in life’s most human moments.

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MEGAS’ Stellaire is a beautifully crafted synthwave journey that captures the wonder and optimism of classic science-fiction adventures. Combining nostalgic analogue textures with modern electronic production, the track creates a rich and immersive atmosphere filled with warmth, movement, and cinematic scope. Its driving rhythms and memorable basslines provide a strong foundation, while shimmering synth melodies and expansive pads evoke images of distant galaxies and limitless exploration. The composition balances energy and emotion with remarkable ease, maintaining a sense of momentum throughout. Stellaire showcases MEGAS’ talent for creating evocative instrumental music that feels both dreamlike and uplifting, making it a rewarding listen for synthwave enthusiasts and beyond.

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Breaches’ Wellington Is Dead is a compelling electro post-punk statement that transforms frustration and uncertainty into something vibrant, urgent, and deeply human. Driven by dark, danceable rhythms, sharp instrumentation, and a strong sense of purpose, the track balances melancholy with resilience in a way that feels both personal and universal. Its fusion of post-punk intensity and electronic energy creates a powerful momentum, while the songwriting captures the spirit of communities determined to endure despite adversity. Equal parts protest song and celebration of creative survival, Wellington Is Dead showcases Breaches’ ability to channel social observation into an engaging and emotionally charged listening experience.

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Cactus Flowers’ Sun Kitty is a delightfully infectious alt punk-rock tune bursting with charm, energy, and personality. Built around driving rhythms, catchy melodies, and a carefree spirit, the track embraces a playful concept without sacrificing musical substance. The band’s fuzz-infused sound and vibrant performance create an uplifting atmosphere that is impossible to resist, while the lighthearted lyrical theme adds an extra layer of fun. Beneath its playful exterior lies a well-crafted song that balances punk attitude with melodic accessibility. Sun Kitty is a joyful celebration of feline greatness and a reminder that sometimes the most memorable songs are the ones that simply make listeners smile.

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