There are times when you just can’t beat some dirty sleazy hard and heavy Rock and Roll. ‘Hell’s Addiction’ is that band, but hopefully also a name that you’ll be familiar with, having two fine albums under their collective belts in ‘Raise Your Glass’ (2013) and ‘Broken’ (2016) and an opening slot at Download (UK) in that same year.
Hailing from Leicester, UK, the band has been called “the bastard child of a illicit three-way between Skid Row, early-Guns N’ Roses & AC/DC” and whilst that is obviously hallowed territory indeed it does come across in their music.
Current EP ‘V1.0’ was tracked at Axis Studios in Doncaster, England and recorded by Matt Elliss and weighs in at just four tracks but it’s a great calling card for those no already on board with the band.
First up ‘Free your Mind’ let’s you know what Hell’s Addiction do best, foot to the floor Hard Rock, full of fury and fast as a shark. That’s followed by ‘Masking the Pain’ which the band cite as their favourite track on the EP and one that is already being cited as a fan favourite. You can see why too as it begins slowly and smoothly to a huge climax along the way really highlighting the great guitar-work and vocals.
The interesting song here for fans of course is the first ballad the band has ever written in ‘If Time Stood Still’ it’s a killer track and one which shows that despite all the power and bluster these guys can do ‘subtle’ rather well. It’s a song that’s heart-felt and passionate but carefully crafted and certainly something that you feel would add a little extra depth to a live set.
Closer ‘Running Away’ might even be the best here a real rocker with one of the best hard rock vocal performances I’ve heard in a while. It’s certainly something that with the twin guitars and ‘solid as a rock’ rhythm section make these guys a band you need to listen to.
If you’ve not heard of Hell’s Addiction before get on board now!