Sauce

7/10

New York hardcore outfit Madball must have something good going since they have been driving the hardcore genre since 1988.

The roaring voice of vocalist Freddy Cricien, who helped form the band at the young age of twelve, has really matured over the years. The instrumental side of the band is a continuation of the sound Madball fans have come to like, keeping their distinct hardcore approach with long-time guitarist Mitt’s groove-chugging guitar riffs and Rigg Ross’s hard-hitting drumming giving all the songs an anthemic feel.

The only downfall for some listeners is that there are no solos, just heavy guitar breakdowns. The band’s lyrical content over the entire fourteen tracks looks at street-life, world-views and taking action on law and justice.  While most of the tracks are all worthy head-banging songs, I found myself repeating tracks Revolt and No Escape. Even though you’ve heard the sound in other bands you can’t surpass their powerful energy.

With all the inspiration that has fuelled the band over their career they have definitely made an enormous contribution to the sounds of most modern-day metal/hardcore bands of today. Producer, Zeuss (who brought you Shadows Fall, Hatebreed, Throwdown etc.), has really pushed Madball’s sound to heavier territory.

This is an album that most people can relate to which confronts the ethics of fighting for expression of opinion and truth-telling honesty. Whether you like It comes down to wether you can handle the vicious sound of Madball.

DAVID WALKER