Addictive (Australian band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 in Blacktown, Australia |
| Founder | Greg Smith, Joe Buttigieg, Matt Coffey |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Blacktown , Australia |
| Products | Music albums |
Addictive was a thrash metal group originating from Australia, established in 1987 in Blacktown by Greg Smith (vocals, bass), Joe Buttigieg (guitar), and Matt Coffey (drums). In February 1988, Mick Sultana joined as the lead guitarist. The band produced two full-length albums: Pity of Man released in November 1989 and Kick 'Em Hard in January 1993. Drummer Steve Moore, formerly of Enticer, took over from Coffey in July 1990. Drawing inspiration from bands like Metallica, Sacred Reich, and Nuclear Assault, Addictive ceased activities in 1996. Later, in 2004, Buttigieg and Sultana became part of a reassembled lineup of fellow thrash act Mortal Sin.
History
In 1987, Addictive was formed by Greg Smith, Joe Buttigieg, and Matt Coffey. The addition of Mick Sultana in early 1988 expanded the band to four members. By the end of that year, they released a five-track EP titled Ward 74 and performed live shows across Sydney, Newcastle, and Canberra.
Their first album, Pity of Man, came out in November 1989 under the Survival label. Reviews highlighted its intense energy and noted influences from bands such as Kreator, Testament, Metallica, Flotsam & Jetsam, and Sacred Reich. In July 1990, Steve Moore replaced Coffey on drums. By September of the same year, the band secured European distribution through Rattlesnake/Normal Records. In June 1991, Addictive supported Motörhead during a performance at the Hordern Pavilion.
The follow-up album, Kick 'Em Hard, was recorded in 1991 with producer Bob Daisley but faced an over 18-month delay due to lost master tapes; it eventually released in February 1993 despite waning public interest. This record showcased a refined thrash metal style amidst changing musical landscapes. Both albums were remastered and combined into a two-CD set titled Kick 'Em Hard (Rebooted Edition) released by Divebomb Records in 2015; this compilation earned a spot among Hardrock Haven’s top ten albums that year.
Addictive continued occasional live performances before disbanding in 1996. Afterward, Moore became a member of Dungeon. In 2004, Buttigieg and Sultana joined Mortal Sin’s reformation; however, Buttigieg departed soon after.
Media
- Official Video Clip: "Crazy Train" (featuring Bob Daisley), recorded on 18 November 1991
Studio albums
- Pity of Man (Survival, November 1989)
- Kick 'Em Hard (Survival, February 1993)
Compilation album
- Kick 'Em Hard (Rebooted Edition) (Divebomb, 2015)