Artist: Kontrust
Title: Madworld
Label: Napalm Records
Cat #: NPR1212DP
Release Year: 2023
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Digipak

Madworld is the fifth full-length studio album from the Austrian nu metal/crossover/folk metal band Kontrust.

Formed in 2001 the band is famous for wearing lederhosen and their lyrics are predominantly in English, though German and Slavic languages have also been incorporated into some songs.

On the successor to the unit’s previous masterpiece, Explositive (2014), KONTRUST also introduced their new vocalist Julia Ivanova and drummer Joey Sebald on record. In 2022, both presented their eruptive live potential on the main stages of some of the biggest European festivals – like the Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest Open Air, Barcelona Rockfest or Resurrection Fest. In addition, vocalist Julia is already known for her frenetically celebrated performance at the Ukrainian TV show “X-Factor” and is now presenting her matchless talent on the new 11-track offering.                                
                                
On Madworld, the chart-storming unit sticks to its lively, playful and experimental signature style, ready to entertain old and new audiences alike. Rousing album opener “i physically like you” kicks the riot right off, followed by extremely danceable “madhouse” and “rock to outer space”, which feature heavy riffs and party pop vocals. The latter showcases that, despite the overall positive attitude and party mentality, KONTRUST don’t shy away from focusing on serious themes, like escaping the devastation of earth to aim for a new beginning possibly. That feeling goes on with the standout track “the end”, slowing it down halfway through madworld, while still providing massive rhythms and a sing-along chorus. With heavy and catchy “lederhosen overkill” the Austrians tap into their well-known stage attire. Electronic influences on closing track “i can’t control it” absorb the listener before the album fades out.                                                  
Without a shadow of a doubt, KONTRUST are one of the most extravagant and exciting acts on the scene and have enthralled fans and critics alike with an inimitable sense of fusing various genres like reggae, pop and dance with heavy hard rock riffs, spliced with their very own way of representing the roots of their home country. This synthesis of styles has brought them not only notable chart entries for several releases, but also high recognition in the form of the “Austrian Newcomer Award” for their debut album, as well as the “AMADEUS Austrian Music Award” - Austria’s biggest and most important prize for national bands and artists – for their second album “Time To Tango”. Throughout their career spanning more than two decades, the Austrian-based outfit has gained millions and millions of views on their exciting music videos on YouTube, with over 15 million video views on the electrifying hits “Hey DJ!” and “Bomba” alone. With their new album, madworld, KONTRUST prove their standing as an unpredictable force in the scene – always hungry, wild and full of surprises, and ready to exceed everything they have achieved so far!

Recommended if you like: Korpiklaani, Russkaja, Turisas, Van Canto, Equilibrium, Trollfest, Heidevolk, Eluveitie, Finntroll, Alestorm

Track Listing:
1. I Physically Like You
2. Madhouse
3. Rock To Outer Space
4. Black Soul
5. Criminal
6. The End
7. Pulling
8. Lederhosen Overkill
9. Masterpiece Of A Monster
10. U.F.I.U
11. I Can't Control It