Cruel Hope

Silence is violence.


These three words, emblazoned on frontman Liam Horrigan’s guitar in red and white electrical tape, describe the essential principle underpinning Cruel Hope as a band. Self-styled as “political alt punk”, the Toronto-based power trio swept onto the Canadian music scene in early 2022 with a clear mission: to advocate for a fairer and more sustainable world through music. Instrumentals inspired by artists new and old, such as Rise Against, Billy Talent, Cleopatrick, and Don Broco, complement their boldly unflinching lyrics on subjects including environmental sustainability, worker’s rights, mental health, and anti-colonialism.


Since their debut performance in February of 2022, Cruel Hope has played dozens of shows across Southern Ontario and Quebec. Their recorded music has been warmly received by global audiences since the release of their debut EP “I’m Not Sick” in March of 2022. Cruel Hope has also been fortunate enough to share the stage with bands including Single Mothers, The Anti-Queens, Fortunate Losers, Divide the Fall, Napoleon, and Joshanda, and has had tracks featured on Exclaim!’s “The Eh! List” Spotify playlist.