New York hardcore titans MADBALL have released their highly anticipated tenth studio album, "Not Your Kingdom," on July 24 via Nuclear Blast. In a recent interview with Emilee Capogni, vocalist Freddy Cricien offered a deep dive into the band’s creative journey, contrasting the arduous yet formative process behind their 1994 debut, "Set It Off," with the more streamlined and confident approach that shaped their latest offering. This comparison highlights not only the band’s musical evolution but also their personal growth and maturity over nearly three decades of consistent output in the aggressive music scene.
The Evolving Landscape of MADBALL’s Creative Process
Cricien articulated a significant shift in MADBALL’s songwriting and recording methodologies since the band first emerged from the underground with "Set It Off." While acknowledging that the core "angst and essence" of MADBALL remains an immutable constant, he stressed the dramatic musical divergence. "Musically, the album’s very different from ‘Set It Off’," Cricien stated. "Obviously, it’s an evolution of MADBALL. The angst and the essence of MADBALL is always there. But musically it’s obviously a different time and different version of us. Much, much different, much smoother, I would say."
He recalled the recording of "Set It Off" as a pivotal, albeit stressful, experience. The band was situated in Massachusetts, a departure from their urban roots, in a home studio that, while impressive for its time, presented a novel environment. "We were in Massachusetts. It was at least my first time going to kind of like a home studio, but it was fancy for me," Cricien reminisced. "And our accommodations were cool. We weren’t in the city. We all lived in the city, but we didn’t record in the city, so it was, like, we were out in Massachusetts somewhere, and it was just a different environment, different vibe. And not necessarily a bad vibe, but it was a lot of pressure, from what I remember, because it was our first LP, our first full-length."
This pressure stemmed from the inherent uncertainties of launching a full-length debut. "We were just figuring out who we are as a band, still growing as people. We were young – yeah, still figuring a lot of things out," Cricien explained. His personal development as a lyricist was also in its nascent stages: "And there was a lot of pressure. And I didn’t know how to write music that well. I was just starting to write my own lyrics and form my own ideas about structures. It was a cool experience, but it was a bit stressful."
Fast forward to "Not Your Kingdom," and the narrative shifts dramatically. The band’s extensive experience has fostered a profound sense of self-awareness and artistic assurance. "Going into ‘Not Your Kingdom,’ we’re coming from a place of more experience," Cricien asserted. "We know who we are as people, for better or worse. We know who we are as a band, for better or worse. I mean, we know now what this band is, what it represents and what it should sound like in 2026."
This heightened understanding translated into a more relaxed and confident studio environment. "And so the process just seemed a little more relaxed. There was a little more confidence, less pressure, for some weird reason, even though it was album number 10, and that’s a big deal. That’s a milestone record, at least for us." Cricien specifically highlighted the collaborative dynamic with guitarists Mike Gurnari and drummer Mike Justian, collectively referred to as "the Mikes." "The Mikes – I call them the Mikes; [MADBALL guitarist] Mike Gurnari [and MADBALL drummer] Mike Justian – the Mikes and I really had a good writing relationship, and so that just carried over to the recording process and everything else. It was just smooth, and we were on the same page with most things – music, structure, everything."
The involvement of co-producer Andrew Baylis further contributed to the positive atmosphere. "And working with [co-producer] Andrew] Baylis was great. And we did it in Nashville, and that was relaxing, because [it was] close proximity to where we need to be. And, yeah, it was a very different experience just based on where we are in our lives."
Crafting "Not Your Kingdom": A Fresh Beginning
Regarding the genesis of the songs on "Not Your Kingdom," which marks MADBALL’s first new album in eight years, Cricien confirmed that all tracks are original compositions, eschewing any previously unreleased material from earlier LPs. "Oh, it’s funny you say that. These are all brand-new songs," he stated. While the songs are new, some have been in development for a longer period due to the extended gap between releases.
"Some are older than others. Some were around for a couple of years because it was a long gap between records," Cricien explained. He elaborated on the factors contributing to the lengthy interval: "And technically we could have probably done a record earlier than eight years or whatever it was. But we just were… pandemic happened, and things surrounding that affected everyone in the world. And so it wasn’t time. And then finally when we felt it was time, this is when we made it happen."
The songwriting process for "Not Your Kingdom" exhibited a blend of pre-existing ideas and spontaneous creation. "But we had some songs lingering for a while, and then some were written on the spot. There were two – at least two – songs that were written in the studio. And so a bit of both. Yeah. But nothing super old that we redid."
This stands in stark contrast to "Set It Off," where a significant portion of the album comprised re-recorded older material. Cricien noted, "Which is funny, because on ‘Set It Off,’ to use that as a comparison like you did before, we did have old songs on ‘Set It Off.’ I was having this conversation with someone recently, off the record or whatever you wanna call it, and a lot of people don’t realize, and all respect to ‘Set It Off’ – I mean, that was our first full-length. That was the record that put us on the map, really, in a lot of ways, that sort of introduced us to a lot of different people, even though it wasn’t our first release. It was the record that kind of really brought a lot of attention to this band, and even stylistically it sort of cemented us. But there were a lot of old songs on ‘Set It Off.’ If you really look at it, there is songs from all our older releases just redone, because we didn’t have a lot of material."
The collaborative songwriting for "Not Your Kingdom" was primarily a joint effort between Cricien and "the Mikes," with a contribution from bassist Paul Delaney. "But, yeah, this new record is all new stuff and all written by the Mikes and myself and a little bit of [MADBALL bassist] Paul [Delaney] sprinkled in there."
The Production and Personnel Behind "Not Your Kingdom"
"Not Your Kingdom" was meticulously crafted at The Boneyard Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Additional interludes were recorded by Jeff "Stress" Davis and Chuck Treece at Chop Shop Studios, further enriching the sonic tapestry of the album. The production team comprised Andrew Baylis, Aiden Thompson, and Grady Saxman, with the final mixing and mastering duties handled by Lee Rouse. The album’s striking cover art features photography by the renowned Cornell Capa, a testament to the band’s commitment to visual artistry, with imagery sourced from Magnum Photos and the Cornell Capa Estate.
The current lineup of MADBALL, as credited for "Not Your Kingdom," features:
- Vocals: Freddy Cricien
- Guitar: Mike Gurnari
- Drums: Mike Justian
- Bass: Paul Delaney
This lineup reflects a recent change within the band’s history. In August 2023, longtime bassist Jorge "Hoya Roc" Guerra announced his departure. Cricien addressed the situation, emphasizing a lack of animosity: "there was ‘no bad blood or animosity’ between him and Guerra, explaining that they were ‘simply moving in different directions’." This transition has seen Paul Delaney assume bass duties for the new album.
A Legacy Forged in Hardcore: The MADBALL Chronicle
MADBALL’s origins trace back to the late 1980s, emerging as a potent offshoot of the influential hardcore punk band AGNOSTIC FRONT. The band’s genesis is intrinsically linked to AGNOSTIC FRONT frontman Roger Miret, who provided his younger half-brother, Freddy Cricien, with opportunities to perform lead vocals during AGNOSTIC FRONT shows. This early exposure laid the groundwork for Cricien’s own vocal prowess and the eventual formation of MADBALL, a project that would go on to define a significant chapter in the New York hardcore scene.
The band’s previous album, "For The Cause," released in June 2018, also via Nuclear Blast, garnered critical acclaim. It was mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studios in Denmark and co-produced by Tim Armstrong of Rancid, who also contributed to the album. This collaboration underscored MADBALL’s enduring relevance and their ability to connect with other established figures in the punk and hardcore landscape.
Analysis of MADBALL’s Enduring Appeal and Future Trajectory
The release of "Not Your Kingdom" represents more than just another album for MADBALL; it is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to their genre. The band’s ability to evolve musically while retaining their core identity is a rare feat in the music industry, particularly in a genre as demanding and often insular as hardcore.
Cricien’s reflections on the contrast between "Set It Off" and "Not Your Kingdom" provide a compelling narrative of artistic maturation. The transition from a pressured, experimental phase to a confident, collaborative approach signifies a band that has not only weathered the storms of the music industry but has also learned to harness their experience to their creative advantage. The "smoother" sound he describes is not indicative of a watering down of their intensity, but rather a refinement of their craft, a more polished delivery of their signature aggression.
The impact of external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on the album’s release timeline also highlights the challenges faced by musicians in the contemporary landscape. The fact that songs were written "on the spot" in the studio speaks to the dynamic and improvisational spirit that still permeates MADBALL’s creative process, even with decades of experience.
The longevity of MADBALL can be attributed to several key factors:
- Authenticity: The band has consistently stayed true to the ethos of hardcore, a genre deeply rooted in social commentary, personal struggle, and unyielding energy.
- Evolution: While remaining authentic, they have demonstrated a capacity for musical growth, incorporating new influences and refining their sound without alienating their fanbase.
- Strong Collaborative Relationships: As highlighted by Cricien’s comments about "the Mikes," cohesive working relationships within the band are crucial for sustained creative output.
- Connection with Fans: MADBALL has cultivated a loyal following through consistent touring, impactful releases, and a genuine connection with their audience.
The implications of "Not Your Kingdom" extend beyond a simple album release. It solidifies MADBALL’s position as elder statesmen of hardcore, capable of producing vital and relevant music well into their career. Their continued output serves as an inspiration to younger bands and a reassurance to long-time fans that the spirit of hardcore remains vibrant and dynamic. The album’s success will likely be measured not only by sales and chart performance but by its continued influence on the genre and its ability to resonate with listeners seeking raw, honest, and powerful music. As MADBALL looks towards the future, their journey from the raw intensity of "Set It Off" to the refined power of "Not Your Kingdom" offers a compelling case study in enduring artistic relevance.
