For the Cause is the ninth studio album by New York City hardcore punk band Madball. It is the last album to feature longtime bass player Jorge "Hoya Roc" Guerra.
Background On April 11, 2018, Madball announced For the Cause would be released on June 15, of that year. Lead singer Freddy Cricien stated
"We are beyond excited to finally drop 'For The Cause'. To say we're happy with the end result of all that we put into this is an understatement. This record accurately defines the current state of our band... our sound, our state of mind, our ambitions, our flaws and our attitude."
In addition Jorge Guerra added "We got a real good album. It feels like the movie 'Pulp Fiction'. We've got every style of hardcore in there. It feels like we've got something special."
The album of produced by Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong who also features on the song “The Fog”. A music video was later released for the song which he also appears in. An additional guest appearance comes from Body Count vocalist Ice-T also features on the song “Evil Ways” Additional music videos were made for the songs "Freight Train" and "Rev Up", a lyric video was also made for the song "Old Fashioned".
The album also seen the return on former guitarist Matt Henderson who had not been in the band to replace Brian "Mitts" Daniels who was dismissed from the band in October 2017. Henderson however did not join the band for their tour in support of the album.
In an interview with Revolver Cricien commented on the record stating:
Lyrics Lyrically the album touches upon "living a genuine life", perseverance, the hypocrisy of authority and the evils of mankind to love and respect for lost friends and loved ones.
In an interview with Distorted Sound Magazine Cricien commented on what inspired him to write lyrics for the album:
Critical reception For the Cause received positive reviews from critics, Nik Young of Metal Hammer wrote “Freddy Cricien’s vocals are on point, the basslines are heavy, the trademark Spanish track doesn’t let them down and there isn’t a filler track to be found.” Eric Rosso of Punknews stated “If For the Cause gives Madball a reason to keep the torch burning nearly 25 years after their first full-length, then it’s a worthwhile contribution to their catalogue. If you like Madball, you’ll likely enjoy this.” Rich Webb of Distored Sound added “No bullshit. No theatrics or dramatic left turns. Just straight up, old fashioned hardcore music.” Jay H. Gorania of Blabbermouth.net wrote "For The Cause" is yet another shining example proving that Cricien and MADBALL are kings of hardcore.
Howie Abram’s of No Echo dubbed it the best hardcore album of 2018 stating "Very few bands who’ve been doing it as long as Madball has continue to expand their horizons, as well as the horizons of hardcore itself. The group takes some well calculated risks on For the Cause, yet still manage to deliver an LP chock full of gritty, groove-heavy street level hardcore. Not your older sibling’s Madball".
Track listing
Personnel Madball
Freddy Cricien — vocals Jorge "Hoya Roc" Guerra — bass Mike Justian — drums
Additional musicians
Matt Henderson — guitars Tim Armstrong — “The Frog” Ice-T — “Evil Ways”
Production
Tim Armstrong — production Freddy Cricien — executive production Tue Madsen — mixing, mastering Kevin Bivona — engineering Jesse Bivona, Justin Bivona — assistant engineering
Charts Chart (2018)Peak positionBelgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)77Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)175German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)28Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)29UK Rock and Metal (Official Charts)33UK Independent Album Breakers (Official Charts)10US Heatseekers (Billboard)6US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)50US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard)14
References