| For the Cause | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 15, 2018 | |||
| Genre | Hardcore | |||
| Length | 32:33 | |||
| Label | Nuclear Blast | |||
| Producer | Tim Armstrong | |||
| Madball chronology | ||||
| ||||
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.
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." [1]
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." [1]
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. [2] [3] An additional guest appearance comes from Body Count vocalist Ice-T also features on the song “Evil Ways” [4]
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. [1] [5]
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.” [5]
In an interview with Revolver Cricien commented on the record stating: [5]
We took more “chances” on this record than any previous one and can live with it because it’s still very much us. It’s real and honest. There’s plenty on there to satisfy the people that have supported us from every era of the band. How do you grow as a band or a person if you don’t take chances?
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metal Hammer |   [6] |
| Metal Injection | 7/10 [7] |
| Punknews | [8] |
| Distorted Sound | 8/10 [9] |
| Blabbermouth.net | 7/10 [10] |
| Exclaim! | positive [11] |
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.” [12] 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.” [13] Rich Webb of Distored Sound added “No bullshit. No theatrics or dramatic left turns. Just straight up, old fashioned hardcore music.” [14] Jay H. Gorania of Blabbermouth.net wrote "For The Cause" is yet another shining example proving that Cricien and MADBALL are kings of hardcore. [15]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Smile Now Pay Later" | 3:32 |
| 2. | "Rev. Up" | 2:21 |
| 3. | "Freight Train" | 2:39 |
| 4. | "Tempest" | 2:26 |
| 5. | "Old Fashioned" | 2:14 |
| 6. | "Evil Ways" | 1:47 |
| 7. | "Lone Wolf" | 2:38 |
| 8. | "Damaged Goods" | 2:20 |
| 9. | "The Frog" | 3:11 |
| 10. | "Es Tu Vida" | 2:28 |
| 11. | "For You" | 3:18 |
| 12. | "For the Cause" | 4:04 |
Madball
Additional musicians
Production
| Chart (2018) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Rock and Metal (Official Charts) [16] | 33 |
| UK Independent (Official Charts) [16] | 10 |