Teesside band Motions explore addiction through metal music

A new album from Teesside metal band Motions has been constructed to explore themes of addiction, suicide and other mental health struggles.

Frontman Jonny Grant believes the metal genre lends itself well to heavy topics, and provides a way to navigate troublesome feelings and find a form of catharsis.

“A lot of the time, people who are going through a hard time aren’t able to talk about those issues,” he said.

The band has partnered with a PR manager, Jon Jones, who also works as an ambassador with Recovery Connections.

Jon is a recovered addict himself, having struggled with cocaine and alcohol misuse for 22 years until finally getting clean in April 2023.

“You only really know when it’s time to change, when it really is time to change,” he explained.

If you've been affected by issues in this report there is help and support at BBC Action Line.

Video produced by Alex Challies.

Follow BBC Tees on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

  • Tees