MADBALL „Legacy”

Music: Hardcore
Country: USA
Website: http://www.madballnyhc.com
Duration: 33:41


Cool Songs: Adapt and Overcome, Heavenhell, The Crown, Behind These Walls, Darkest Days, Damned, For My Enemies

I listen to a lot of new music that comes my way while I’m in the gym. There’s nothing quite like pushing out those final gut wrenching reps whilst being blasted by hard pounding metal! Some bands are more motivating than others, but this morning I listened to Madball’s new one, ‘Legacy’. Talk about throw the iron around. Intensity is the key in the weight room and fortunately, that’s pretty much all that Madball deals in.

It’s hard to deny the attitude and aggression of Madball, even if they’ve been doing the same thing for the past decade and a half. Yeah, they had a couple of years in the wilderness prior to reforming in 2004 for the N.Y.H.C EP, however for all intents and purposes they’ve never really been off the radar. ‘Legacy’ is the result of a band coming full circle – not only are they back with their former label ‘Roadrunner’, but they’ve also maintained that essential Madball hardcore ethic; just like they’ve always done. Don’t ever expect things to change in the Madball camp – musically this sounds just like their previous albums (albeit with a heavier riff element and a tad more diversity). Nothing much really needs to be said. It’s freaking Madball ferchristsake! – Pissed off, in your face, karate chop, pit inducing New York City Hardcore. If you liked Madball’s previous efforts, then you like this. It’s a given.

The most amazing thing about Madball is that they refuse to tinker with their sound and style. Artistic integrity is paramount. The stay true to yourself hardcore ethic if you will. And that is perhaps the reason why they are so respected. Madball never make it hard for their fans, you know exactly what you are getting. Incredibly, as much as they stick steadfast to their old-school hardcore template, ‘Legacy’ doesn’t sound the least bit stale. Somehow the riffs seem just as fresh and despite the old themes of hardcore pride and unity, Freddy Ciricen’s vocals as imposing as they were on 1994’s debut ‘Set it Off’. That takes some talent.

With a beefed up production courtesy of the hands of Zeuss and Alan Douches (at Planet Z Studios) ‘Legacy’ smacks up you upside the skull with 16 tracks (over a short 33 minutes) of hard, fast groove oriented hardcore. Expect nothing less than a totally professional presentation. After all, Madball are old hands at this shit. They deliver every time. Roadrunner must be stoked to have them back on the roster – they’ll never be their highest selling artist but they do know that Madball’s fanatical fan base will ensure ‘Legacy’ gains strong support.

At the time of writing, I am yet to see the full finished version of this new disc. But hopefully the local Australian release sees the bonus DVD tagged on to it. Including interviews and behind the scenes footage/outtakes about the recording of ‘Legacy’ in addition to live performance videos of “For My Enemies” and “Pride (Times Are Changing)”, it should well worth checking out.

note: 8/10

Tracklist

Adapt and Overcome
Heavenhell
Behind These Walls
Legacy
Timebomb
Darkest Days
The Crown
War and Hate
Until Then
Final Round
Damned
For My Enemies
100%
Hardcore Pride
H.C United
Worldwide