MADBALL Unleashes 'Not Your Kingdom': A Testament to Evolution
In a gritty exchange with Emilee Capogni, Freddy Cricien, the fierce frontman of New York hardcore legends MADBALL, delved into the band's latest opus, 'Not Your Kingdom', which stormed the metal scene on July 24 via Nuclear Blast. The vocalist passionately articulated how the creative process has evolved since the chaotic birth of their debut album, 'Set It Off', back in '94. 'Musically, it’s a different beast,' he declared, emphasizing the band’s evolution while maintaining their raw, unfiltered essence.
Cricien reflected on the pressure they faced during the recording of 'Set It Off'. 'We were young and lost in the whirlwind of our first full-length,' he recalled, detailing the intense atmosphere of their Massachusetts recording sessions. 'It was a fancy home studio for me back then, but the pressure was palpable. We were figuring out who we were, both as musicians and as individuals.' Fast forward to 2023, and the band approaches their tenth studio record with a newfound confidence and clarity, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that once loomed over them.
With 'Not Your Kingdom', MADBALL is not just marking a milestone; they are articulating their identity as a band that has weathered the storm. Cricien shared that the songwriting process this time around was far more relaxed and in sync. 'It was cool; we were on the same page,' he noted, referring to the crucial collaboration with guitarist Mike Gurnari and drummer Mike Justian. The band worked closely with co-producer Andrew Baylis in Nashville, creating an environment that fostered creativity and cohesion, resulting in a fluid recording experience.
When asked about the origins of the tracks on 'Not Your Kingdom', Cricien confirmed that every song is fresh off the assembly line of creativity. 'These are all brand-new songs,' he stated, acknowledging that while some tracks had been simmering for a couple of years, there was no recycling of old material. He further compared this release to 'Set It Off', highlighting how their early days were marked by a necessity to revisit older tracks due to a lack of material. 'This time, we have an arsenal of new songs, and they reflect where we are now as a band,' he added, emphasizing the importance of their growth.
As MADBALL stands poised to unleash 'Not Your Kingdom' upon an eager fanbase, it is evident that this record is more than just another addition to their discography. It is a declaration of their resilience, evolution, and unwavering commitment to hardcore. With the Mikes and bassist Paul Delaney contributing to the sonic tapestry, fans can expect a visceral experience that encapsulates the essence of MADBALL. Prepare yourselves, metal warriors—this is the sound of a band reborn.