When I was christened Knight Critic of the Order of Mass Movement by His Illustrious Excellence Lord T, I swore an oath to uphold my integrity as a music critic and always approach every release with an open, unbiased mind. 

So naturally, as every self-respecting Greek does, I’m going to disregard any deals with Northern Europeans when it comes to this review. Why? Because it’s freaking Madball baby, that’s why. 

Madball are Hardcore royalty, and True to the Game – Roadrunner Years, is a box set featuring their first three iconic albums: Set It Off (1994), Demonstrating My Style (1996), and Look My Way (1998), that charts the bands early evolution and cemented their place at the forefront of scene history. 

Set It Off (1994): Raw and unapologetic, this debut paved the way for the band’s explosive rise in the hardcore scene. It’s fast, intense, and sets the tone for everything Madball would become. 

Demonstrating My Style (1996): Madball refined their sound on this record, with tighter riffs and more focused songwriting. It’s a leaner follow-up that added a level of complexity to their songwriting without losing any of the raw energy.

Look My Way (1998). By album three, Madball had fully hit their stride. Combining grit with sophistication, it’s a more polished and well-thought-out version of their previous work, and perfectly encapsulates the band’s growth. 

The box set also includes a booklet with in-depth interviews, providing insight into the band’s journey. New conversations with Freddy Cricien, Matt Henderson, Will Shepler, and other key members offer fans a closer look at the band’s journey, making this a must-have for both hardcore veterans and newcomers alike.

I had a little peek and boy oh boy, the booklet alone is worth the asking price. This isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a testament to Madball’s enduring energy and lasting influence. If you’re a fan, this is essential listening. And if you’re not, an hour alone with this release might just change your mind and make you a Madball devotee…  Georgios Vee

If you like what we do and want to help us keep the lights on and the podcasting mics warm, we’d appreciate it if you bought us a cup of coffee