"The recording process has gone smoothly. Hopefully I won't screw it up," jokes Madball vocalist Freddy Cricien. "I'm actually going in to track vocals today and I'm looking forward to it. And besides the interesting story of a manatee sitting by the place we stayed in, we've been dealing with the usual goofiness that comes with recording a record."

Madball are currently recording at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida. Behind the boards on Empire is producer Erik Rutan (Misery Index, Cannibal Corpse, Goatwhore). "Erik has been great to work with," states Cricien. "He's definitely a perfectionist, which I have no problem with. It's going to benefit us in the end! He's got his own techniques like everyone does, so he's going to bring a different dynamic into the sound/mix. I'm excited for people to hear the finish product. I predict it will be very HARD!"

MADBALL recently announced the addition of seasoned drummer Jay Weinberg to their line-up. "Playing with Madball for the past several months has been an incredibly rewarding experience, in terms of both the music and the friendship we've made," affirms Weinberg. "From the touring we've done so far in 2010, to writing and recording Empire, I couldn't be happier with the way things are going. I think it's safe to say we're all eagerly anticipating the release of the new album, and the touring we're going to be doing in support of it!"

MADBALL TOUR DATES
9/9 Victoria, BC @ Sugar
9/10 Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre
9/11 Kelowna, BC @ Habitat
9/12 Calgary, AB @ Republik
9/13 Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
9/14 Regina, SK @ The Exchange
9/17 Timmins, ON @ Club 147
9/18 Sudbury, ON @ Alder Hall
9/20 Guelph, ON @ Vinyl
9/21 St. Catharines, ON @ Level 3
9/22 London, ON @ Music Hall
9/23 Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
9/24 Ottawa, ON @ Ritual
9/25 Montreal, QC @ Le Studio
9/26 Jonquiere, QC @ Le Bunker
9/27 Quebec City, QC @ Dagobert