Madball "Legacy" CD
[Ferret]
There's a funny thing about Madball: The definitive NYHC band, they've been doing the exact same thing for something like 15 years now. They know it, they cling to it, they love it, and people love 'em because of it. The interesting part's that despite all of the classic songs and albums in their back catalog, they still never miss. If there's one thing that can be said about this band it's that every Madball record is a great record. Somehow, it never gets old, it never gets stale. They're not washed up, and it doesn't seem like their best years are behind them... and you just can't say that about many bands who've been around as long as these cats have. On record they're more or less the same band as they were in the early-90's when "Set it Off" hit the streets - just with better recording quality and a hint more diversity and experience. I mean, what needs to be said here, you know? It's fuckin' Madball! We're tlakin' heavy, pissed off, genuine hardcore that set the blueprint for the contemporary NYHC groove without actually sounding like metal or abandoning the roots of the genre. "Adapt and Overcome" is the perfect opener and sets the pace for the bulk of the record with a powerful shot of timeless Madball action, "Behind These Walls" is among the angrier tracks and actually has a little bit more of a metallic crunch to the picking patterns during the verse parts (and the breakdown, which totally crushes), "Darkest Days" actually introduces some very subtle melodic energy from time to time, "Until Then" is a little faster and more in your face despite its heartfelt lyrics calling out to friends who've passed away, etc. Later in the disc they change things up real quick with "100%", which has lyrics in Spanish, and then the 15-second blast of "Hardcore Pride", with lead vocals by Mitts and Hoya; and there's also a re-recording of "For My Enemies" from the "NYHC" EP, which is textbook Madball and easily stands up right alongside the staples of the band's early years. The production sounds pretty damn good. The vocals are dead on, the guitars are heavy but ultra crisp and clear, the bass is back there thickening up the heart of the mix, and for the most part the percussion's on point. I'd like to hear a little more definition to the bass parts and some added warmth padding out the drums, but when all is said and done this fucker sounds totally pro. The layout keeps it pretty straightforward with tons of photos of the band and their friends taken from over the course of the years, etc. The lyrics are dealing with the usual Madball fare as far as staying true to the roots of the hardcore scene, having pride in yourself, rising above adversity and enduring hardships, etc. The content's actually a little longer than you'd expect for a bunch of two-minute songs, though: "I'm only telling you one time. Still living the lie, your bitter cries and words are getting tired. How can you talk with that closed mind? You passed judgment, you crossed the line, and you'll never confront me. 'Cause we're all in this game, but don't believe that loyalty comes for free. You only get respect when it's given out..." Also included is an awesome bonus DVD that includes interviews and behind the scenes footage/outtakes about the recording of the record, in addition to live performance videos of "For My Enemies" and the absolute classic "Pride (Times Are Changing)". The only thing that stinks about the DVD is that it's only like 15 minutes long, because it's entertaining as hell and really shows how down to earth these guys are, so I really wish it was longer and tacked on more outtakes or whatnot! But hey, that's nothing, hopefully the band will do a full-length DVD at some point. As for "Legacy"? Two thumbs up, no question. You know what to expect and the band delivers in full. If you're a Madball fan you can't lose. Ever. I fuckin' love these guys. (8/10)
Running time - 33:33, Tracks: 16
[Notable tracks: Adapt and Overcome, Behind These Walls, Darkest Days, Damned, For My Enemies]
Madball - http://www.madballnyhc.com

This review has been displayed 4251 times.