Madball Albums (6)
'Infiltrate the System'
Release Date 8/21/2007
Tracks 13
Label Ferret
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Madball's first new album in seven years, Infiltrate the System poses many interesting questions about both the heritage and present state of hardcore -- merely by its very existence. After all, many purists would likely prefer that these NYHC veterans leave well enough alone, and sit home retired, content to let their original landmark albums perpetuate their legend, rather than endanger their reputation with new ones. Well, purists of such opinion have clearly forgotten their hardcore ethics, which, among many other things, state that action always speaks louder than words. And so here come Freddy Cricien and his crew, proving, much to everyone's relief, that Madball still represent classic hardcore at its best, with a set of 13 new songs as memorable as they are timeless. What's more, confrontational tracks like "We the People," "Revolt," "Takeover," and "Stand Up NY" sound and feel absolutely effortless in their execution, making it pretty much impossible (or at least pointless) to separate them from Madball's past triumphs. And how ironic is it that Infiltrate the System was produced by the ubiquitous Zeuss, whose career résumé has largely entailed helping younger bands replicate the Madball sound. Needless to say, his expertise in this discipline doesn't let the side down here, and even though it doesn't break significant new ground for either Madball or the hardcore genre, in general, Infiltrate the System ultimately succeeds because it doesn't disappoint when compared to the band's hefty legacy. Phew, what a relief! ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The 21st century version of Madball strays only a little on Hold It Down, the New York hardcore outfit's first release for Epitaph Records. In the many years since their inception, the band's sound managed to evolve a bit, and careful scrutiny of each disc leading to this 2000 offering will reveal increasingly modern aggro and even hip-hop influences. The caustic vocal approach of Freddy Cricien remained constant and threatening, especially with his updated urban inflections, and of course the music remained brutal, if just a little slower. On Hold It Down, the shorter-than-average song lengths maintain a little old-school tradition, but some '80s NY hardcore purists will definitely consider this a plodding effort. Each groove has a sticky nu-metal flavor that fortunately gets hardened properly by Cricien's pummeling vocal assaults. The he-man posturing goes over the top on a few tracks, like "Show No Fear," but considering this group's impressive track record, they have a right to boast a little. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
If you're searching for raw, real hardcore, Madball's third full-length, Look My Way, is the album for you. Similar to old Biohazard and their ancestors Agnostic Front, Madball repeatedly inform the listener of how hard it is nowadays on the streets, backed by brutally dense music. Singer Freddy Cricien screams/raps in the expected hardcore style, with lots of group-chanted vocals in place of choruses. The 12 songs that comprise the album are all similar in sound and execution, but the music's overall power is quite intriguing at times. Any cut will do, but highlights include the opening title track, "Waste of Time," "All I Can Take," and the 58-second "Walk Away." If you're not appreciative of hardcore music, chances are you'd find the style monotonous, but simplicity and straightforwardness was what the musical form was founded on. And with Look My Way, Madball have become the premier purveyors. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
'Demonstrating My Style'
Release Date 6/18/1996
Tracks 14
Label Roadrunner
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Droppin' Many Suckers'
Release Date 10/13/1995
Tracks 12
Label Wreckage
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
New York hardcore project Madball was first put together years before this debut EP hit record-store shelves, but it was still the first thing many heard from or about this Agnostic Front side project. Considering the group's close relation to one of hardcore's most essential artists, it is hardly a surprise that Droppin' Many Suckers packs a mean punch. The 1994 offering has all the force one would expect from an experienced, committed hardcore outfit. "Spit on Your Grave" starts things off on a high note with its heavy riffing and urgent vocals. Other standouts include "We Should Care," "Ready to Fight," and "Step on You," with its killer rock groove offsetting vocalist Freddy Cricien's gruff rasp. A solid first outing, Droppin' Many Suckers is vintage hardcore delivered straight from musicians who know exactly what the genre is (and was) about. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The first Madball release for Roadrunner Records, Set It Off is a document of this hardcore outfit at their most menacing, both musically and lyrically. With Freddy Cricien on vocals, Vinnie Stigma and Matt Henderson on guitar, Will Shepler on drums, and bassist Hoya rounding out the rhythm section, these NY hardcore specialists made a huge sound that was undeniably loud, rude, and confrontational. The music underground praised Madball for the unforgiving brutality and skill displayed on this 1994 offering that includes standouts like the bone-crunching "Face to Face," "Never Had It," and "Across Your Face." Slower than many familiar hardcore standards, the songs on Set It Off maintain a bruising standard with their raw lyrics and thick guitar grooves. Just another in a long list of quality Madball offerings, Set It Off should satisfy even casual fans of New York hardcore. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
