Last Monday, the legendary Madball landed at Espaço Usine for an exclusive performance celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic album Set It Off . Even though it was a Monday, the venue welcomed an excellent crowd, proving that hardcore still beats strong in São Paulo. The opening act was the band Paura , one of the most respected in Brazilian hardcore, who warmed up the audience with their contagious energy.
Paura's opening act was delayed due to problems encountered at Chilean customs, as reported by vocalist Fábio Prandini . However, the delay only increased the fans' anticipation, who were rewarded with an intense performance. Opening with the powerful "Karmic Punishment," the group showed why they are one of the most respected names in Brazilian hardcore, delivering heavy riffs and ferocious vocals that ignited the crowd.
In an overwhelming sequence, songs like "Urban Decay" and "Reverse the Flow" made clear the band's commitment to sharp lyrics and hard-hitting social criticism. The most visceral moment came with "No Hard Feelings!? Fuck You!", which set the venue ablaze with several mosh pits and plenty of stage diving . Paura maintained their connection with the audience in tracks like "The City is Ours" and "Level of Maturity," reaffirming their dominance on stage. Closing with the impactful “History Bleeds”, the band delivered a memorable performance, showing that, even with setbacks, hardcore always prevails with strength, attitude and unity.
Madball show was a true celebration of hardcore culture. The band, an icon of the genre, delivered a memorable performance that combined raw energy, connection with the fans, and moments of pure collective catharsis. With a setlist full of classics and memorable tracks, the audience was taken on an intense journey that made it clear why Madball is one of the most respected bands in the scene.
Formed by Freddy Cricien (vocals), Mike Justain (drums), Mike Gurnari (guitar), and Brendan Porray (bass), the group showed why they are considered pillars of the world hardcore scene. They started with the classic "Set It Off," and the audience's response was immediate: mosh pits opened up all over the dance floor, and madness took over the place. The sequence with "Smell the Bacon" and "Lockdown" maintained the frenetic pace. It was impossible not to notice the audience's enthusiasm, who sang every verse and threw themselves fervently into the mosh pits, something only hardcore can provide.
Between those first songs, there was a short break while Johnny Cash played over the PA system. With everything sorted out, they played “Never Had It,” with Freddy screaming and running from one side of the stage to the other with enviable energy. The vocalist commented that doing this show was like a mission, since they faced some problems in Chile, which delayed the start in Brazil by almost half an hour. Despite it being a Monday, nobody cared.
The setlist was carefully thought out to please both longtime fans and newcomers. Classics like “Across Your Face” and “For My Enemies” ignited the crowd, while tracks like “Doc Marten Stomp” and “Rev Up” brought a more contemporary atmosphere without losing the essence of Madball. The inclusion of a cover of The Animals was a welcome surprise, showcasing the band's versatility and their ability to authentically pay homage to their influences.
One of the most memorable moments of the night happened during “Look My Way,” when an Argentinian fan went on stage to sing along with Freddy Cricien. The scene was emotional and represented the spirit of hardcore: inclusion, unity, and mutual respect. Later, the same fan returned to the stage during “Born Strong,” drawing applause and approval from the audience. These moments of interaction gave the show an even more intimate atmosphere, despite the characteristic intensity of the genre. Freddy emphasized: “We don’t have a barrier, the stage is yours!” The fans partied, went on stage, and danced wildly at every moment; some even sang along to verses in a true communion.
In “Pride,” Freddy took the opportunity to dedicate the song to Sepultura and Questions ; in fact, the vocalist wore the São Paulo hardcore band's t-shirt throughout the entire show. The closing track, “100%,” was the perfect climax. The song, a true hardcore anthem, was sung at the top of their lungs by everyone present. It was hard to tell who was more excited: the band, playing with incredible intensity, or the audience, who seemed to have saved their last bit of energy for that moment. The venue floor seemed to tremble with the jumps and screams of the fans, creating an almost tribal atmosphere.
The Madball show in São Paulo was more than just a musical event – it was a ritual of unity and resistance, where band and audience became one. The impeccable performance, the powerful setlist, and the contagious energy of the fans made this an unforgettable night in the history of hardcore in the city.
The São Paulo audience once again demonstrated why the city is considered one of the best places in the world for hardcore shows. Their enthusiasm was total: from the intense mosh pits at the beginning to the most emotional moments, such as fans stage diving and even singing along with the band. It was clear that the night was special not only for the fans but also for the band, who repeatedly thanked them for the warm reception and the overwhelming energy they provided.