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If you haven't picked up your copy of "The Merciless Book Of Metal Lists". What are you waiting for? It is not a fine piece of literature by any means, but it is a very entertaining book that was put together by Howie Abrams and Sacha Jenkins.
One list that definitely caught our attention, was the list compiled by Hoya Roc from NYHC legends MADBALL. His list is called "10 Reasons Why ANTHRAX Should Never Be Associated With Hardcore" and he only needed eight reasons to prove his point. 1) Going to a (hardcore) show once every leap year doesn't make you part of a scene. 2) Going bald and then fronting like you shaved your head on purpose doesn't make you hardcore.
3) Synchronized stage moshing is corny!
4) The "NOT MAN"??? WEAK!!! 5) Destroying Public Enemy's "Fight The Power"
6) Never taking a hardcore band on tour!
7) Dissed hardcore until they figured out they would never be Metallica.
8, 9, AND 10) Attempting to trademark the NYHC symbol makes them officially the WACKest wannabe, never-was band to try and claim the glory of hardcore music!!!
New York Hardcore legends MADBALL have been forced to cancel their concert in Rhode Island due to the blizzard that is scheduled to arrive this Friday (February 8) morning. The concert was scheduled to take place on Friday night at Firehouse 13 in Providence, Rhode Island. Here is what the bands bassist Hoya Roc just posted on his Facebook page regarding the cancellation of the concert:
"Rhode island Show tomorrow cancelled !!!! Day off in long island ... Fuck you snow !!!"
MADBALL's upcoming concerts: 2-8-13 - Firehouse 13, Providence, RI 2-9-13 - The Championship Bar, Trenton, NJ 2-10-13 - The Chance, Eat Your Heart Out Fest, Poughkeepsie, NY
Facts about this storm:
- Blizzard Warning in effect from 6 am Friday to 1 pm EST Saturday.
- The National Weather Service in Upton has issued a Blizzard Warning, which is in effect from 6 am Friday to 1 pm EST Saturday.
Locations: New York City, Southern Westchester County, and coastal portions of Northeast New Jersey.
Hazard types: Heavy snow and strong winds.
Accumulations: snow accumulation of 10 to 14 inches, with localized higher amounts within developing snow bands.
Winds: north 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
Temperatures: falling into the 20s by Friday evening.
Visibilities: one quarter mile or less at times.
Timing: The strongest winds and heaviest snow will occur Friday evening into Saturday morning.
Impacts:
Heavy snow and winds will make for dangerous driving conditions with
visibilities near zero in White-out conditions. In addition, some tree
limbs will be downed, causing scattered power outages.
If you steal anything! You are a scumbag, period. Now that we got that out of our chests, our friends from MADBALL need your help. Please read carefully:
"We would like to reach out to you, our fans and supporters for your help right now. We had some band equipment stolen this past weekend, including some of our guitars which are irreplaceable. If you're a fan of Madball, or just someone who would like to help, please keep your eyes open for these guitars that we will post pictures of. Check your local guitar store, pawn shop, anywhere someone might look to turn these into cash. This happened in the NY area, so that's the focus of our attention, but New Jersey, Connecticut, anywhere is a possibility. If you come across these, please contact us ASAP so we can pursue further action. Thanks!"
Pictured here: Freddy Cricien (Madball) & John Hughes (RIP)
We just got word from the MADBALL camp, that their friend and crew member John "Vermont" Hughes passed away yesterday night (January 15) at the young age of 28. Here is a message that the band posted a few hours ago regarding this very sad news:
"R.I.P. Jonathan Richard Hughes
"It is with great sorrow that we say good bye to one of our own tonight - He was a little brother to us all, a hard working and loyal young man who unfortunately had his life cut short. I can't thank him enough for all is help over the years - He was not just our Merch guy. He handled many duties and was helpful with many aspects of our "business". His input creatively with merchandising was always welcomed and greatly appreciated. On the personal side - we broke bread more times than I can count and shared many tales and good times. There will forever be a void in our camp without "the kid". We send our condolences with much love out to: Barb, Jen, Lydia and the entire Hughes Family.
"To my fellow highway man, continue on your Journey friend, we'll see you again.......
"Love Always, Freddy, Hoya, Mitts and Mike" - Madball Our condolences go out to John's family, friends, and everyone at the MADBALL camp.
As previously reported, Freddy Cricien and company are releasing a NEW EP later this month! Entitled 'Rebellion', the band rejoined forces with producer Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL) and laid down the law at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida. The EP will be released through The BNB Label, a brand extension of frontman Freddy’s Black N Blue Productions group.
The 6-song EP features four NEW tracks and newly recorded versions of two cuts from the band's legendary 1989 7", 'Ball of Destruction'. "I was 12 when we did that original recording, and I don't have the best memory when it comes to a lot of things, but I do remember that session," commented Freddy Crician (vocals). "We recorded 'Ball of Destruction' at Don Fury's studio on 2-tracks, live, with no overdubs. You went there, paid him a few hundred dollars and bang everything out. That session had me, Vinnie Stigma (Agnostic Front) on guitars, my brother Roger (Miret, Agnostic Front) on bass and Will Shepler (ex-Agnostic Front) on drums. We also had Craig Setari (Sick of it All) and Mark Ryan (Supertouch) on backing vocals. As gritty as the original recording was, it was cool to be able to go in and re-record a couple of the tracks ("Get Out," "It's My Life") for this new EP," says Cricien.
'Rebellion' marks the first Madball recording with drummer Mike Justian (ex-UNEARTH & THE RED CHORD), who took over the drum throne following the departure of Jay Weinberg (who recorded Madball's latest recording 'Empire').
Here is what Cricien had to say about "The Beast," one of the four NEW tracks Madball recorded for 'Rebellion': "That one is about going through the trauma of an anxiety attack. It's something a lot of us have unfortunately have had to deal with, me included. It's a different kind of song, lyrically, for Madball, but it's just like anything else we've written about... it's very real." Click here to listen to "My Blood" (courtesy of Mass Appeal)
Track listing:
1. "Reap What You Sow"
2. "The Beast"
3. "Get Out" (Ball of Destruction re-recording)
4. "Rebellion"
5. "My Blood"
6. "It's My Life" (Ball of Destruction re-recording)
In other Madball news, the band will be performing at the CBGB Festival with NYHC legends AGNOSTIC FRONT! The event will take place on Thursday, July 5th at Webster Hall in New York City! Tickets are on sale on now, click HERE to get yours while supplies last. Please check back then.
As previously reported, Freddy Cricien and company are releasing a NEW EP later this month! Entitled 'Rebellion', the band rejoined forces with producer Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL) and laid down the law at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida. The EP will be released through The BNB Label, a brand extension of frontman Freddy’s Black N Blue Productions group.
The 6-song EP features four NEW tracks and newly recorded versions of two cuts from the band's legendary 1989 7", 'Ball of Destruction'. "I was 12 when we did that original recording, and I don't have the best memory when it comes to a lot of things, but I do remember that session," commented Freddy Crician (vocals). "We recorded 'Ball of Destruction' at Don Fury's studio on 2-tracks, live, with no overdubs. You went there, paid him a few hundred dollars and bang everything out. That session had me, Vinnie Stigma (Agnostic Front) on guitars, my brother Roger (Miret, Agnostic Front) on bass and Will Shepler (ex-Agnostic Front) on drums. We also had Craig Setari (Sick of it All) and Mark Ryan (Supertouch) on backing vocals. As gritty as the original recording was, it was cool to be able to go in and re-record a couple of the tracks ("Get Out," "It's My Life") for this new EP," says Cricien.
'Rebellion' marks the first Madball recording with drummer Mike Justian (ex-UNEARTH & THE RED CHORD), who took over the drum throne following the departure of Jay Weinberg (who recorded Madball's latest recording 'Empire').
Here is what Cricien had to say about "The Beast," one of the four NEW tracks Madball recorded for 'Rebellion': "That one is about going through the trauma of an anxiety attack. It's something a lot of us have unfortunately have had to deal with, me included. It's a different kind of song, lyrically, for Madball, but it's just like anything else we've written about... it's very real." Click here to listen to "The Beast" (courtesy of Noisecreep.com)
Track listing:
1. "Reap What You Sow"
2. "The Beast"
3. "Get Out" (Ball of Destruction re-recording)
4. "Rebellion"
5. "My Blood"
6. "It's My Life" (Ball of Destruction re-recording)
In other Madball news, the band will be performing at the CBGB Festival with NYHC legends AGNOSTIC FRONT! The event will take place on Thursday, July 5th at Webster Hall in New York City! Tickets are on sale on now, click HERE to get yours while supplies last. Please check back then.
It is no secret or surprise that as soon as Madball steps on any stage, the crowd goes ape shit. The NYHC legends ALWAYS performs a devastating set that makes the whole floor shaking like an earthquake, a hurricane, and a monsoon, all mixed into one. The hungry Hardcore "kids" know that the real deal Hardcore that has been Madball's trademark since 1988, still has plenty of creative juices left.
As previously reported, Freddy Cricien and company are releasing a NEW EP this year! Entitled 'Rebellion', the band rejoined forces with producer Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL) and laid down the law at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida. The EP will be released through The BNB Label, a brand extension of frontman Freddy’s Black N Blue Productions group.
'Rebellion' marks the first Madball recording with drummer Mike Justian (ex-UNEARTH & THE RED CHORD), who took over the drum throne following the departure of Jay Weinberg (who recorded Madball's latest recording 'Empire').
Some of the song titles are:
- Ball Of Destruction (re-recording)
- Reap What You Sow
- The Beast
- Rebellion
- My Blood
The Kings of New York Hardcore played a mean set at The Gramercy Theatre on Friday, January 20th in their hometown of New York City (presented by Black N Blue Productions). The Hardcore titans celebrated the NEW year in style, as they are gearing up for another year of Hardcore domination. Joining Madball were openers Maximum Penalty, Dead End Path, Suburban Scum, and The Last Stand.
As soon as Madball 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, a hurricane, and a monsoon, all mixed into one.
Madball Set List - New York City, January 20, 2012:
1. Can’t Stop Won’t Stop
2. Hold It Down
3. For My Enemies
4. We The People
5. Get Out
6. NYC
7. R.A.H.C.
8. Down By Law
9. 100%
10. Empire
11. It’s My Life
12. Smell The Bacon
13. Heaven Hell
14. Infiltrate The System
15. Demonstrate My Style
16. All Or Nothing
17. Look My Way
18. Set It Off
19. Hardcore Pride
20. Pride
21. Hardcore Still Lives
Right after Madball finished demonstrating their Hardcore style, we headed backstage to chat with Hoya Roc, the legendary bassist of Madball! During the conversation we chatted about Madball's plans in 2012, as well as why the Hardcore movement is still so alive and well! If you think Hoya is entertaining on stage, you have seen nothing yet! Check out this exclusive interview, and remember that HARDCORE STILL LIVES!
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/
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)
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)
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.
- 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
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
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
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
