When you talk about top of the line hardcore coming from the seedy streets of New York City, it would be foolish not to include the name MADBALL. With all the rumors and legends surrounding this band, they feel “why talk?” when their unique brand of music does more than speak for itself. And after 11 years of brutally energetic live shows and twice as lethal recordings, MADBALL has finally got their hybrid of new-school Hardcore & Hip-Hop style sharpened to an edge as no one before them has ever dared bring it. And all that we at Epitaph can say is that we are proud to be the ones to give it to you…firsthand!!!

Agnostic Front members Roger Miret, Vinny Stigma, and Will Shepler started MADBALL so that Roger’s little brother (Freddy Cricien) could have a band of his own. Freddy started doing hardcore vocals in 1983 when he was 7 years old, joining his big brother on stage at several AF shows around NYC. Roger, Vinny, and Will started MADBALL by utilizing the long list of virtually un-used Agnostic Front songs. Matt Henderson joined MADBALL just in time to record Droppin’ Many Suckas, making MADBALL a 5-piece threat to society. A year later, when Roger left MADBALL, he was replaced by Hoya (ex-DMIZE) who came in to fill the bass duties. This lineup was solid through the recording of 3 more records, when John LaFatta temporarily replaced Will Shepler on drums for the recording of Look My Way.

In their current lineup with Beto (ex-25 Ta Life) taking over for Matt Henderson on guitar, they have taken Hardcore from one level to the next, with no compromise offered whatsoever. To lay down the hard beat for the new album MADBALL looked no further than the local NY scene. Based on a strong recommendation from Will Shepler, Darren Morgenthaler (ex-Maximum Penalty) was soon recruited to complete the MADBALL machine. Darren said, “I wanted to play hardcore again and in my opinion MADBALL is the only band left that is playing true, by the book NY Hardcore.”

Hold It Down is the bands next step towards showing the world what time it really is. A heartfelt streetwise effort from a band that doesn't know the meaning of giving up or giving in, Hold It Down serves as a sonic slap in the face that is a wake up call for all those who still don't know the deal about this 4 man demolition crew.

So, you wanna find out what it's like to have your ass kicked while in the comfort of your own home, New York City style?? Slip in a copy of Hold it Down and find out once and for all. Might be the only time in your life that you'll wanna come back for a second beatdown!!

Sat Oct 17th - Adelaide, Adelaide University Bar
Sun Oct 18th - Melbourne, Punters Club
Tue Oct 20th - Sydney, Iron Duke Hotel
Wed Oct 21st - Sydney, Iron Duke Hotel
Fri Oct 23rd - Brisbane, Chelsea Bar
Sat Oct 24th - Gold Coast, Playroom
Sun Oct 25th - Maroochydore, Surf Air

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