Madball - Hardcore Lives

Madball

Hardcore Lives

by Marcos "Big Daddy" Garcia at 29 June 2014, 6:42 PM

And one of the greatest HC names from New York is back!

After a hiatus of four years after “Empire”, MADBALL is back to spit on your grave and smash your face with the anthemic “Hadcore Lives”.

That strong, powerful, ferocious and nasty metalized HC from them is still here, more aggressive than before, spiting hatred to every side. And no, the band hasn’t sold their souls to a greater label, for their music is the same. Ferocious vocals, strong and “to the core” guitars, powerful rhythmic basis, so better take care with your ears and necks.

The album’s sonority is clear and strong, with tons of weight waiting to smash you against the walls, with some Beatdown HC aspects, but do not wait something on HATEBREED way. Clear and thunderous, and the sleeve is a statement: Hardcore is still alive!

And the guest appearances of Scott Vogel (from TERROR) on “True School”, Toby Morse (from H₂0), Chad Gilbert (of NEW FOUND GLORY) and CM Punk (a former wrestling fighter who used HC and Metal theme songs on his appearances on WWE) on “My Armor”, and from Candance Puopolo (from WALLS OF JERICHO) on “Born Strong” give a tasteful flavor to the album.

Their best moments: “Hardcore Lives” (a way down metalized HC, with great riffs and vocals), the pitting “The Balance”, the HC thunderbolt “True School” (a creative rhythmic basis is this song strong point), the powerful “My Armor” (great backing vocals, and a true HC song. But pay attention to bass work), and the destructive “Mi Palabra”. But the whole album is a lesson in NYHC.

Great to have these maniacs back!