:Draft:Cruel Addiction

Cruel Addiction emerged from the Manchester underground scene, drawing influence from bands such as W.A.S.P., Mötley Crüe, and KISS. Their visual style and lyrical themes focus on addiction, compulsion, death, and escapism.

In September 2023, the band released a music video for their single "Hot Skin" on YouTube.

In January 2025, the band self-released its debut album, Confess, via DistroKid. The album was reviewed positively in several publications, including Electric Flare Magazine{{Cite web|url=https://electricflaremagazineofficial.com/volume-two-2024-2025|title=Electric Flare Magazine - Volume Two 2024-2025|website=electricflaremagazine.com}}, All About The Rock{{Cite web|url=https://allabouttherock.co.uk/cruel-addiction-confess-album-review/|title=Cruel Addiction: CONFESS - Album Review|first=Oli|last=Gonzalez|date=December 30, 2024}}, and Powerplay Magazine (Issue 280).

The album Confess garnered attention for its throwback sound and thematic boldness. All About The Rock described it as "a raw and unapologetic dive into glam metal excess"., while Electric Flare Magazine praised its "relentless energy and stylized decadence"

The band has also been featured in the regional newspaper The Oldham Times{{Cite web|url=https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/local-events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/105305451n-cruel-addiction|title=Local Events in Oldham | The Oldham Times|website=www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk}} and received mentions in other independent outlets.

Cruel Addiction has been featured on various independent and online radio stations, including Radio Castor, Metal Devastation Radio, Riggster's Metal Bar Radio, Voodoo Radio, and Raised On Rock Radio 105.3FM.

As of June 2025, their debut album has surpassed 31,000 streams on Spotify, appearing on over 330 curated playlists. Tracks from the album have also been featured on Spotify Radio and Release Radar, with over 17,000 combined streams from those placements.

Cruel Addiction is scheduled to perform at the Glaston-BURY Festival in August 2025. The band has previously played at several well-known UK rock venues, including The Cavern Club in Liverpool, Corporation in Sheffield, Rebellion and Satan's Hollow in Manchester, and Vinyl Tap in Preston.

They have twice competed in the Manchester heats of the Metal 2 The Masses competition (2024 and 2025), which serves as a qualifying event for Bloodstock Open Air.

Cruel Addiction's live performances are known for incorporating theatrical shock rock elements. Shows have included the lead vocalist vomiting fake blood or briefly setting himself on fire, as well as the bassist burning Bibles on stage. These acts are part of the band’s visual and thematic focus on taboo, vice, and rebellion.

• Vince Lightborn – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar (2022–present)
• Mike Grave – bass, backing vocals (2022–present)
• Ozzy Foxx – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2024–present)
• Mitch Levy – drums (2025–present)

• Kálló-Helmeczi Ferenc – lead guitar (2022–2023)
• Heather Berry - drums (2023)
• Dann M. Silva - drums (2023-2024)

Albums

• Confess (2025)

• Hot Skin (2023)

{{Reflist}}

• {{URL|https://www.crueladdiction.co.uk}}
• [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0j1eiofWW9ayThaAbkfSjP?si=Nox7CIjvRdOFxE29fRdIcA Cruel Addiction on Spotify]