MADBALL Sets It off!

The Kings of New York Hardcore played a mean set at The Studio at Webster Hall on December 19th. The Hardcore titans celebrated the release of their latest offering “Empire” (released on October 10th), as part of the "East Coast Empire tour". Joining Madball were openers Incendiary, Lionheart and Bitter End. This was the last show of the tour.

As soon as Freddy Cricien, Hoya Roc, Mitts, and fill-in drummer Ben Dussault (ex-Throwdown) stepped on stage, the crowd went wild. The "kids" were hungry for some Hardcore, the real deal Hardcore that has been Madball's trademark since 1988. Madball performed a devastating set that had the whole floor shaking like an earthquake.

Despite of flaws from the sound guy at the beginning of the set, the action was non-stop. From the moment they kicked off their set with their classic song "Set It Off" (which you can view below), all the way to their classic staple shout "Hardcore Still Lives", Madball brought the beat-down. Freddy Madball and company know their roots and their fan base, proof of this is when they sing in Spanish, these tracks always sound the hardest! Just saying.

The new tracks from "Empire" were very well-received and had the audience singing and swinging hard, specially to "All or Nothing" (the band recently recorded a video for this song in Brooklyn), and "R.A.H.C. (Real American Hardcore)": an instant anthem that hopefully will stick to their already violently classic setlist.

Madball have nothing to prove at this point in their career. Their music and legacy speaks for itself. The bruisers live, and they won’t go out without a fight.

We want to thank Madball for so many years of amazing music, and for supporting Horns Up Rocks since day 1! Huge shout-out to Cuz Joe from Black N Blue Productions for putting this epic show together! \m/



Related links:
Madball
Black N Blue Productions

INKED by Javier Samaniego

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Madball = HARDCORE EMPIRE

When Madball get in their zone, there are very few bands that can accomplish the pure display of honest music that this New York Hardcore band manages to display time after time. On their new album titled "Empire" their message is clear, concise and honest. Whoever knows the band personally has the most outmost respect for their work ethic and perseverance. Madball is a band that has never cracked under pressure. If anything they perform even better when that pressure element is in full effect.

For the recording of “Empire”, they stepped out of their comfort zone, drove down to Florida, and went into the studio with Erik Rutan. Rutan has produced albums for Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under and Goatwhore, among others. He was also part of legendary Death Metal band Morbid Angel and he is a current member of Hate Eternal. On “Empire” there is definitely a Thrash Metal vibe to the sound of the recording, but we wouldn’t go as far as saying that this is a crossover album. Madball delivers Hardcore music, because that is what they specialize in. Some may say that their musical style is generic Hardcore, but once you establish a signature sound, why on earth would you run away from what you stand for?

The record includes 18 tracks, with plenty of anthems that will definitely get the Madball heads all over the world into the pit! Overall we think that Madball did justice to their craft, and “Empire” should definitely be part of the music of collection of anyone who is into Hardcore music. And if you are not into Hardcore music, this is the record that might turn you into this awesome genre. Now Madball are ready to take their new songs too all their worldwide fans, and in the wise words of Freddy Madball (vocalist): "We are the REAL American Hardcore, you obviously don't care about us. You know who we are, but don't want to talk about us. Just so you know, we still run the show. We kept this thing alive you fucking assholes." - EMPIRE



Here is the track list:

1 - Invigorate
2 - Danger Zone
3 - Timeless
4 - All Or Nothing
5 - Glory Years
6 - Empire
7 - Shatterproof (feat. Roger Miret of Agnostic Front)
8 - The End
9 - Con Fuerza
10 - R.A.H.C.
11 - Hurt You
12 - Tough Guy
13 - Dark Horse
14 - Spider’s Web
15 - Delete
16 - Rebel4life18

You can pick up the new Madball across the country at Best Buy and FYE. You can also find "Empire" at your favorite local indie music retailer like Generation Records in New York City and Newbury Comics in the New England area. "Empire" can also be found at the following stores:

Zia Records Arizona / Nevada
Dimple Records California
Rasputins California
Independent Records Colorado
Bull Moose Music New England area
Hastings Texas
Silver Platters Washington (the State)
The Exclusive Wisconsin

You can also purchase a digital copy at: iTunes and Amazon (digital & physical product both available)

Related links:
Madball on MySpace
Madball on Good Fight Music

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MADBALL: Set off the EMPIRE

Today marks the release of Madball's 7th studio album. The album is titled "Empire" and it has all the elements that has kept Madball relevant since they came out in 1988. The band started when Freddy Cricien (vocalist), and the members of Agnostic Front Roger Miret (vocalist) and Vinny Stigma (guitarist), decided to form a band in order to let Freddy exploit his talent. Freddy was only twelve years old at the time.

Twenty-two years later and Madball is stronger than ever. When we saw them at the Black N Blue Bowl earlier this year, they sounded amazing. We have no doubt that "Empire" will infiltrate into every corner of the globe, and prove once again that New York Hardcore is as strong as ever. Today, Hardcore is a global force that can't be stopped. Not as long as Madball is in the game, as one of the flag holders of the genre. You can listen to some of their new songs on their MySpace page. Make sure you pick the record up, they need your support, and you will not regret it.


Here is the track list:

1 - Invigorate
2 - Danger Zone
3 - Timeless
4 - All Or Nothing
5 - Glory Years
6 - Empire
7 - Shatterproof (feat. Roger Miret of Agnostic Front)
8 - The End
9 - Con Fuerza
10 - R.A.H.C.
11 - Hurt You
12 - Tough Guy
13 - Dark Horse
14 - Spider’s Web
15 - Delete
16 - Rebel4life18

You can pick up the new Madball across the country at Best Buy and FYE. You can also find "Empire" at your favorite local indie music retailer like Generation Records in New York City and Newbury Comics in the New England area. "Empire" can also be found at the following stores:

Zia Records Arizona / Nevada
Dimple Records California
Rasputins California
Independent Records Colorado
Bull Moose Music New England area
Hastings Texas
Silver Platters Washington (the State)
The Exclusive Wisconsin

You can also purchase a digital copy at: iTunes and Amazon (digital & physical product both available)

Related links:
Madball on MySpace
Madball on Good Fight Music

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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MADBALL release Jay Weinberg

New York Hardcore legends Madball have released drummer Jay Weinberg in the middle of their tour in Canada. Apparently Weinberg, did not fit into the lifestyle that the band represents. When we saw them at the Black N Blue Bowl earlier this year, he did seem to be out of place. Here is the official statement from Madball's front-man Freddy Cricien:

"I'm letting Jay go in Canada because I just feel he doesn't represent this band well on a character level. It would go against my own code of ethics to keep him around. Not saying he's a bad drummer. I won't take that away from him. But the reality is - he has a lot to learn about paying dues, and about life in general. Granted, he is a kid, but I'm not sure that he'll ever be built for this particular lifestyle. I wish him the best of luck, but the MADBALL machine rolls on!"

Madball who are on tour with Comeback Kid on the "Through The Noise Tour", will continue the tour with a replacement drummer (who will be announced soon). The bands future plans, which include a European tour with NYHC legends Sick Of It All, and the release of their new album titled "Empire" (due October 12th), will remain on schedule.

Here is the title track for their upcoming album "Empire"!

REMAINING “THROUGH THE NOISE TOUR” DATES

- 9/22 London, ON @ Music Hall
- 9/23 Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
- 9/24 Ottawa, ON @ Ritual
- 9/25 Montreal, QC @ Le Studio
- 9/26 Jonquiere, QC @ Le Bunker
- 9/27 Quebec City, QC @ Dagobert

Related links:
Madball on MySpace
Madball on Good Fight Music

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)

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Madball: EMPIRE details

New York Hardcore titans Madball, will be releasing a new record on October 12th. The new record is titled EMPIRE and it will be out through Good Fight Records here in the USA and on Nuclear Blast Records in Europe.

Here is the track list:

1 - Invigorate
2 - Danger Zone
3 - Timeless
4 - All Or Nothing
5 - Glory Years
6 - Empire
7 - Shatterproof (feat. Roger Miret of Agnostic Front)
8 - The End
9 - Con Fuerza
10 - R.A.H.C.
11 - Hurt You
12 - Tough Guy
13 - Dark Horse
14 - Spider’s Web
15 - Delete
16 - Rebel4life18

Make sure you pick it up!

Related links:
Madball on MySpace

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MADBALL: R.A.H.C.

New York Hardcore titans Madball, will be releasing a new record on October 12th. The new record is titled Empire and it will be out through Good Fight Records here in the USA and on Nuclear Blast Records in Europe. Make sure you pick it up!

Here is the first song to be released by the band via theirMySpace page, its titled R.A.H.C. The songs message is very clear and is dedicated to all those who claim that Hardcore music is dead and gone. The reality is that Hardcore is a musical genre that has expanded beyond the horizon and today it is a worldwide movement, thanks to bands like Madball. Check this awesome song out!

Here is what Freddy and Hoya had to say about Empire:

“Erik has been great to work with,” states Cricien. “He’s definitely a perfectionist, which I have no problem with. It’s going to benefit us in the end! He’s got his own techniques like everyone does, so he’s going to bring a different dynamic into the sound/mix. I’m excited for people to hear the finish product. I predict it will be very HARD!” - Freddy Cricien

"The new record is groovy and hard, full of good Madball songs about life! It reminds me of Demonstrating My Style and Hold It Down, but the songs are definitely up to date.
We can't wait for people to hear it." - Hoya Roc

Related links:
Madball on MySpace

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MADBALL: Empire

The legendary New York Hardcore band Madball has been around since 1988. The band was started by Freddy Cricien (A.K.A. Freddy Madball), Roger Miret and Vinny Stigma from Agnostic Front, and Will Shepler. Freddy is Roger's little brother, at a young age Freddy would go on tour with Hardcore titans Agnostic Front and would often get on stage and sing with the band. Roger and Vinny saw potential in Freddy's stage performance and decided to start Madball.

Fast forward to 2010 and Madball is one of the hardest working bands in the music industry. Even when they are not on tour all over the world, the Madball crew is working on pushing the Hardcore scene to new levels. Freddy is one of the main guys behind Black N Blue Productions (the Hardcore production company). Recently, they hosted the Black N Blue Bowl (formerly the Superbowl of Hardcore) to a sold out audience at Webster Hall in New York City. Madball performed that night and they took over the stage full of fire and conviction!


At that time we spoke with both Freddy and Madball about the future of the band, and both of them mentioned how excited they were of the songs they were writing for the new record. They recently completed the tracking process at Mana Recording studio in St. Petersburg Florida studio with Producer Erik Rutan (Cannibal Corpse, Misery Index and Goatwhore) and are very happy with the results.

The band who also features Mitts on guitar, has added prodigy drummer Jay Weinberg, who is the son of Max Weinberg from the E Street Band and the Conan O'Brien show. Jay is only 19 but is definitely one of the best drummers in Rock music today. Seeing him play live up close on stage was mind blowing, and he made Madball an even tighter gripped band.

The new record is titled Empire and it will be out this October on Good Fight Records here in the USA and on Nuclear Blast Records in Europe. Make sure you pick it up!

Here is what Freddy and Hoya had to say about it:

“Erik has been great to work with,” states Cricien. “He’s definitely a perfectionist, which I have no problem with. It’s going to benefit us in the end! He’s got his own techniques like everyone does, so he’s going to bring a different dynamic into the sound/mix. I’m excited for people to hear the finish product. I predict it will be very HARD!” - Freddy Cricien


"The new record is groovy and hard, full of good Madball songs about life! It reminds me of Demonstrating My Style and Hold It Down, but the songs are definitely up to date.
We can't wait for people to hear it." - Hoya Roc

We want to thank Hoya for the pictures! \m/

Related links:
Madball on My Space
Madball on Good Fight Records

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