by Vincent JeffriesThe first Madball release for Roadrunner Records, Set It Off is a document of this hardcore outfit at their most menacing, both musically and lyrically. With Freddy Cricien on vocals, Vinnie Stigma and Matt Henderson on guitar, Will Shepler on drums, and bassist Hoya rounding out the rhythm section, these NY hardcore specialists made a huge sound that was undeniably loud, rude, and confrontational. The music underground praised Madball for the unforgiving brutality and skill displayed on this 1994 offering that includes standouts like the bone-crunching "Face to Face," "Never Had It," and "Across Your Face." Slower than many familiar hardcore standards, the songs on Set It Off maintain a bruising standard with their raw lyrics and thick guitar grooves. Just another in a long list of quality Madball offerings, Set It Off should satisfy even casual fans of New York hardcore.