Information/Write-up
The Mad (originally M.A.D. – Mutually Assured Destruction) were a crossover punk/thrash band formed in Chatham, Ontario in the late 1980s. Emerging from Southwestern Ontario’s underground scene, the group built a reputation for aggressive, politically charged material that bridged hardcore punk and thrash metal at a time when few regional bands were breaking beyond local circuits.
The band’s early recordings appeared under the M.A.D. name, including the Generation Zero cassette (1989), which helped establish them within Canada’s national underground network. A deal with Toronto’s Fringe Records followed, leading to their first full-length album, Taboo of the Western World (1991), which documented a key lineup shift and marked their move toward wider national distribution.
By the early 1990s, the band shortened their name to The Mad and released their final full-length, Songs for the Ugly, recorded in Montréal in 1992. The album reflected a tighter, more refined lineup and expanded their sound while maintaining the band’s confrontational edge. A final 7-inch single, Albino (1993), followed, recorded at dB Studios in London, Ontario.
The Mad shared stages with bands including SNFU, Dayglo Abortions, NOFX, Death Angel, The Accused, and Armed & Hammered, and were among a small number of Chatham-area bands to achieve national distribution. Their recorded output documents a brief but active period in Canada’s late-1980s and early-1990s crossover underground.
-Robert Williston
Musicians
Rob Johnston: vocals, guitar
Mat Davis: guitar
Mike Krestel: bass
Terry Hart: drums
Additional musicians
Gille: harmonica on ‘Songs for the Ugly’
Wayne Fraleigh: lead on ‘Stroll Minds’
Morris Apelbaum: narration on ‘Me, the Asylum and I’
Songwriting
All songs written, arranged and performed by The Mad
Narration on ‘Me, the Asylum and I’ taken from Lunacy's Alibi (Monologue from the Moon) written by Ted Hart
‘Lonely Head’ bass intro written by Jeff McFadden
Production
Produced by Ben Burton and The Mad
Engineered by Morris Apelbaum
Recorded and mixed at Silent Sound Studios, Montreal, Quebec, July 1992
Glass mastered at Disque Americ
Concept by Brian SNAFU Int. and The Mad
Layout by John Teeter and Ron S
Narration by Morris Apelbaum (track 3)
Artwork
Layout by John Teeter
Booking and Management
PANICK PRODUCTIONS
2112 Prudhomme, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3H2 Canada (514) 489-0755
To Contact THE MAD
1920 Ellesmere Rd. #104-363 Scarborough, Ontario M1H 2W7 Canada
Thanks to our families, Paget & Nick (Panick Productions), Ron & Al at Epidemic Records, Brian Taylor, Shawn McDonald, Jill Heath at Lone Wolf, Ben Burton, Morris Apelbaum, Damian & Call The Office, James Maclean, The Garys, king Nik & Tony, Neil (ABC No Rio), Elliott Lefco, Joel Wick, Ross, Wayne, Steve Scott, Beth, John and Brookes, Naz, Tanya, Shawn Bouleau, Jen, Derek Willis (Anti-Poser Fanzine), Andy & Tim, John Teeter, Shawn Bentley, Malhavoc, MDC, Lice of the Dead, The Accused, The Satanatras, Grasshopper, NOFX, U.K. Subs, Spudmonsters, Dayglo Abortions, Wool, Hypnotic Bidets, Tankhog, SNFU, Jivaro Fracus, Bad Religion, Lizard, CJ Ramone, Joe from Boston & anyone else who helped us on our tour, Brain SNAFU Int, Dean Yundt 93.3, Phil Saunders CHRW, Anuscha at CRSG in Montreal, John Tennant CJSB-54, CKLN, MRR, Drew Masters & M.E.A.T., Herbie at the Tattoo shop in Chatham, Gavin Swift, Jay, Derek, Paul & Roagie for their tolerance, Strings & Things, Soundtrax & anyone else we might have forgotten.
No Comments