Growing up on Long Island, in the shadows of the New York Hardcore scene, I maintained a distant relationship with the music of MADBALL as a teen. To the suburban kid living the semi-sheltered life, MADBALL seemed like a band existing in an alternative reality. Just like how I’ve changed, MADBALL has evolved and grown too, and the band’s latest full-length, Infiltrate The System, is by far, their most developed and broadly based album to date. I caught up with lead singer, Freddy “Madball” Cricien, a few days ago to talk about the band as they approach their second decade together.

Pastepunk: There is much to be said about a band crafting a signature sound of sorts, and MADBALL in many ways continues to help represent the sound and spirit of NYHC. As an artist, how do you balance this “representative” role with wanting to avoid stagnation?

Freddy: Well, first off… thanks for the compliment. I think we definitely have a signature sound. As an “artist” it is hard to continue to represent a certain style/genre while trying to evolve at the same time. We know what’s expected of us but we are also creative individuals with varying taste in music. But, I think so far we’ve managed to pull it off with Madball. I think every record so far has been an evolution in the right direction; we push it just enough but still maintain the integrity of this band and our style. The best example being our newest release, Infiltrate the System.

Pastepunk: The “mythology” of MADBALL still carries out a reputation of being a bunch of tough guys, but as the lyrics on Legacy and Infiltrate The System, point out, elements of compassion, and personal strength dominate over any themes of violence. Do you think the band will ever shake that characterization?

Freddy: Honestly, I think we’ve grown above the “tough guy” thing. I mean we’ll always be considered street guys… because we are. But, we are also a lot of other things and I think people are starting to notice that. Legacy and Infiltrate are definitely more mature lyrically and musically. So are we! Funny thing is, that whole “tough guy” thing was a label put on us by everyone else. We never considered ourselves as tough guys… just stand up guys who speak the truth.

Pastepunk: MADBALL did a run of shows in June with TERROR, HAVE HEART, and 100 DEMONS. What hardcore bands from the “new guard” do you see leaving a lasting impression on the genre?

Pastepunk: Yeah that was a great run. All those bands are great in there own way in my opinion. But if I had to pick one out of the bunch that will make a lasting impression it has to be Terror. But they are all relevant and you never know…

Pastepunk: HAZEN STREET wasn’t exactly received with open arms from the press. Was that a new experience for you, with having people you didn’t know question your credibility or judgment in what simply appeared to be a musical project among friends?

Pastepunk: I never felt like it wasn’t received with open arms. I mean, a few die-hard HC kids didn’t like it or get it? But, the problem wasn’t the music or the people making it. It was the corporate shit surrounding it… specifically Sony. They didn’t do what they should have, or were supposed to do with this project unfortunately. I am very proud of this project and always will be. It’s another side of me and the other guys involved. And, I have many sides. I’m not just a HC kid, sorry. Everywhere I go now I’m asked when we’ll release another album, tour, etc., etc. And these are questions coming from HC kids. People telling me how much they love it… I think that answers the question.

Pastepunk: What do you do to decompress from the music business? How do you spend time as Freddy Cricien, versus being Freddy Madball?

Freddy: I spend time with my family, wife, etc. That is what’s most important to me.

link: myspace.com/madball