Addict.: The Industrial Metal Prodigy

Addict. is the industrial metal and electronic rock project of French musician and producer Julien Marchal. Emerging from the underground scene in the late 2010s, the project gained international traction through strategic online releases and a fiercely independent ethos.

Early career

Julien Marchal formed Addict. as a solo endeavor in Lyon, France around 2017. Initially experimenting with blending aggressive metal guitar work and programmed electronic beats, he self-released his first tracks directly to online platforms. This DIY approach allowed him to cultivate a dedicated following without early label support, focusing on a raw, synth-laden sound.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived in 2020 with the viral spread of the single Disease across social media and niche playlists. The track's combination of crushing riffs and infectious electronic hooks captured the mood of the period, leading to significant streaming numbers. This success paved the way for the debut album Asphalt, released independently in 2021, which charted on several international rock and alternative digital sales charts.

Key tracks

Disease — This breakthrough single defined the Addict. sound with its industrial energy and became a streaming milestone.

Asphalt — The title track from the debut album showcases the project's skill at building atmospheric, heavy soundscapes.

Neon Ghosts — A later single that incorporated more melodic vocals while retaining the signature distorted electronic backbone.

Zero Signal — Known for its use in competitive gaming highlight reels, expanding the project's audience beyond traditional metal circles.

The momentum from the debut led to a signing with the independent metal label Blood Blast Distribution in 2022 for the release of the sophomore album Digital Noise. This release saw Marchal collaborating with several guest vocalists from the European metal scene, adding new dimensions to his production. Addict. continues to operate from Lyon, focusing on studio production and occasional live performances at European alternative festivals.

Fans of the intense, electronic-infused style of Addict. often also appreciate the work of Celldweller for a similar fusion of genres. The aggressive electronic production finds parallels in 3Teeth and their modern industrial approach. Listeners drawn to the French alternative metal angle should explore The Algorithm and their complex, digitally-driven instrumentals.

The music of Addict. is a staple on industrial and modern metal radio stations featured on this website. Tracks like Disease and Neon Ghosts receive regular airplay on specialist alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online metal streams, reflecting the project's strong connection with its core audience.

Listeners can discover the powerful industrial metal of Addict. through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear his key tracks and latest releases featured across our network of independent music radio stations.