Mädhouse – Plead The Fifth

Mädhouse
Plead The Fifth
Label: ROAR
Out: July 11^th, 2025
Playing time: 50:57

The Glam Metal band Mädhouse from the Austrian capital Vienna was founded in 2017 by guitarist and songwriter Mikky Stixx. The trigger for this was probably a spontaneous Hard N’ Heavy show, where eighteen rock musicians stood on stage. The band is inspired by legendary acts such as Mötley Crüe, Skid Row and Ratt. That probably explains the more or less silly stage names. But don’t let that put you off. According to the press release, the sound is a mixture of the raw energy of Classic Glam Metal and modern Hard Rock, characterised by powerful riffs and anthemic refrains. The debut album ‘Money Talks Bullshit Walks’ was released in 2019. Further albums followed in quick succession. ‘Plead The Fifth’ is now the fourth album.

In ‘Midnite Fever,’ you hear relatively harsh vocals, banging riffs and thunderous drums right from the start. The refrain later on, however, is melodic. Keys introduce ‘We Run Riot’. It’s a little quieter and very rhythmic. The following songs ‘Bring On The Night’, ‘Shotgun Rider’, ‘Wicked Hearts’, ‘It’s A Monster In My Head’ and ‘Mad To The Bone’ also blast off. However, they no longer have the uncompromising rawness of the opener. Hard riffs and driving drums are the band’s trademark. Above all, the refrains are always melodic and invite you to sing along. In addition, there are some very good guitar solos to be heard. In between, ‘Get A Grip’ switches to high speed. This is followed by ‘Live And Tease’, which is characterised by rhythmic guitar and drumming. With a catchy refrain. With ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’, a very contemplative ballad has also made it onto the album. Acoustic guitars and keyboard tapestries dominate at first. Later, the rhythm section provides a grandiose power ballad. ‘Loveplace’ also starts like a ballad, but later we hear a great Metal anthem. In contrast, the guitars fry on ‘I Die Alone’. On the finale ‘You Got The Tail Down’, the guitar riffs stomp along.

So, the album is much better than the artist names. The references mentioned at the beginning resonate in every note. The album could actually be from the discography of the above-mentioned bands from the eighties. And yes, the category ‘Glam Metal’ perfectly describes what you hear for well over fifty minutes. Hard riffs and powerful guitar solos define the sound. Thunderous drums and a heavy bass provide the low-frequency and rhythmic foundation. Tommy Lovelace’s raspy voice is the crowning glory of it all.

Mädhouse – Midnite Fever: https://youtu.be/oZb93QBlNM8?si=BQmLXHWGg_BSS9ee

Lineup:

Tommy Lovelace – Vocals
Mikky Stixx – Guitars
Thommy Black – Guitars
Rickey Dee – Bass
Bobby B. Bastard – Drums

Track list:

• Midnite Fever
• We Run Riot
• Bring On The Night
• Shotgun Rider
• Wicked Hearts
• Get A Grip
• Live And Tease
• It’s A Monster In My Head
• I’ll See You In My Dreams
• Mad To The Bone
• Loveplace
• I Die Alone
• You Got The Tail Down