New York hardcore veterans, Madball have finished recording their upcoming album, ‘For the Cause,’ which will feature a guest appearance from rapper/Body Count frontman, Ice-T. About being featured on the record, Ice-T commented, “It‘s an honor to record with the legendary Madball. Body Count draws its closest similarities to NY Hardcore. This is a natural.” Singer, Freddy Cricien added, “It’s truly an honor to have Ice-T on our record! I grew up on his music from his early hip hop stuff till now. He’s an iconic figure but also a ‘class act’, you don’t always get both at once. Ice has a great respect for NYHC and Madball, means the world. This was meant to happen…. real recognizes real.”
Currently the album is being mixed and mastered by Danish producer, Tue Madsen (Meshuggah, Sick of it All) at Antfarm Studios in Denmark. Tim Armstrong (Rancid) co-produced and is also featured on one song. Cricien commented, “Tim and us go way back. He‘s an old friend and super talented guy… across the board! A legend in his own right. He invited us to come record with him and it all fell into place very organically. He‘s respected our band from day one and was excited to be a part of this. We‘re honored to have him on board.”
Bassist Hoya Roc states, “We got a real good album. It feels like the movie Pulp Fiction. We’ve got every style of hardcore in there. It feels like we’ve got something special!”
Madball recently released the ‘Family Biz’ split 7″ vinyl single with ‘Wisdom of Chains,’ featuring an early version of the upcoming album’s title track. Regarding the single, Cricien said “it’s about staying the course and fighting for what you love and are passionate about. It’s a theme that you’ll hear a lot throughout our next album. Utilizing negativity and the obstacles you face as inspiration. ‘Say I can’t, say I won’t again… Give me the fuel that I need to ascend!”
Order ‘Family Biz’ here via Nuclear Blast Records.
Look forward to more Madball news coming soon and keep an eye out for their upcoming album, ‘For the Cause’ – no official release date yet.
