Profane Rituals on Utah Soil
Arsenic Addiction fuses gothic atmosphere, blackened metal, and immersive theatrics into a sound that is both punishing and hypnotic. Built on story, ritual, and raw intensity, their music is designed to be felt as much as heard.
Who is Arsenic Addiction?
Arsenic Addiction is a Salt Lake City–based gothic metal band formed in 2006 by Haley Grow and James Kessler, built around a theatrical, lore-driven universe steeped in darkness and atmosphere. Originally rooted in Victorian aesthetics, the band evolved dramatically over time—most notably during a seven-year live hiatus—emerging with a heavier, more expansive sound on their 2019 album XIX.
Blending blackened metal, gothic melody, and progressive intensity, their sound channels influences ranging from Opeth and Alcest to Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir while remaining unmistakably their own. With major festival appearances and support slots for Lamb of God, Sepultura, and Nile behind them, Arsenic Addiction are now pushing forward into a new era of ritualistic, progressive black metal.
“It is mournfully violent metal that has the chameleon-like ability to interest fans of different genres.”
– SLUG Magazine
“Their stage show is an intriguing mix of melodic metal and amazing theatrics that seduces your senses.”
– Metal Underground
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