The original line-up consisted of Agnostic Front members Roger Miret (bass), Vinnie Stigma (guitar), Will Shepler (drums) and Miret’s half-brother Freddy Circien (vocals). Early releases from the band began with old unused Agnostic Front demos.
In 1989 the band released their debut EP “Ball of Destruction” which the band would tour locally building up a solid following. In 1992 after releasing their second EP “Droppin’ Many Suckers” via Wreckage Records, Madball added a second guitarist in the form of Matt Henderson. The following year Miret announced his departure and was replaced by Jorge Guerra.
In 1994 Madball signed with Roadrunner Records to release their debut full length “Set It Off” featuring the title track amongst “Spit on Your Grave” and “New York City”. Two years later came the album “Demonstrating My Style” and as Madball continued touring relentlessly, the built a strong following outside their hometown as they rapidly developed a name for themselves on the hardcore scene.
Subject to a few line-up changes including the addition of drummer John Lafata, the band released their third album “Look My Way” in 1998 with familiar themes of the hardships of street life combined with their distinctive sound.
In 2000 Circien was charged with attempted criminal possession of weaponry and was given a six month sentence. Whilst serving his term, Madball announced their split in 2001 but the following year the band were back with new additions Bryan Daniels on guitar and Rigg Ross on drums. Madball resumed touring followed by a series of releases.
In 2010 the band signed with Nuclear Blast for future European releases and introduced new drummer Max Weinberg. His time in the band would be short-lived as they cited personality clashes and he was swiftly replaced by Mike Justian.
Madball released their eighth studio album “Hardcore Lives” in 2014 which featured guest vocals from CM Punk, H20’s Toby Morse and New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert. As well as touring across the globe, the band have also played Resurrection Fest, Brutal Assault and Rock Fest.
There is an expected level of aggressive energy when it comes to a Madball show and it is refreshing to see every audience member 100% invested in the vibe the performer is attempting to achieve. The New York hardcore punk outfit Madball have been active on the circuit since 1988 and since then they have amassed a great reputation and an even larger fanbase.
The band has seen very little chart placements on the British isles yet the fans are still ready to cheer along and chant the lyrics in force before the swirling mosh pits break out during the crunching instrumentals of 'Can't Stop, Won't Stop'. Despite being battered and bruised, the crowd jumps and jostles through a fifteen song set under the command of intimidating frontman Freddy Cricien. It builds to a deafening punk crescendo of 'Hardcore Still Lives' which is a battle cry as much as it is a song and ends the aggressive, energetic live show in the perfect way.
sean-ward
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