MÄDHOUSE – Plead the Fifth

Mädhouse are an Austrian glam metal band that formed in 2017 after performing together at a Hard N’ Heavy tribute show in their hometown of Vienna. They started out doing cover songs and slowly made the transition towards writing their own material. Influenced by ‘80s sleaze rock artists such as Poison, Ratt, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N’ Roses, Mädhouse are a wild party band that do whatever they want whenever they want. They’ve released three studio albums, so far: Money Talks Bullsh*t Walks (2019), Bad Habits (2021), and Down ‘n’ Dirty (2022). Soon, they’ll have a new record added to their repertoire titled Plead the Fifth (2025), which is just as gritty, dirty, sleazy, and heavy as their previous releases. Produced by guitarist Mikky Stixx (if that’s not an obvious reference to Mötley Crüe, then who knows what is), Plead the Fifth is the first studio album with drummer Bobby B. Bastard, who replaced previous drummer Casey Jean Eiszenman.

A Heavier Version of Mötley Crüe

“Midnite Fever” is a barnstorming album opener with pounding drums, adrenaline rushing verses, and an irresistible chorus. Right away, it sounds like a heavier version of Mötley Crüe. Vocalist Tommy Lovelace even sounds like Vince Neil, when the latter could still sing, of course. Complementing the band’s no-nonsense attitude, “We Run Riot” pokes fun at the government and politicians for their need to be in control of everything. The band delivers a wicked guitar riff and a gritty groove while running wild with their fists held high! “Shotgun Rider” is one of those songs that’ll cause listeners to get a speeding ticket. It’s also worth mentioning that the band has an incredible gift for melody; listen to the chorus for “Shotgun Rider,” as an example. “Wicked Hearts” gives off Bon Jovi’s “Bad Medicine” vibes, lyrically not musically, because both songs are about toxic relationships. Oh, and instead of moping around waiting for their former lover, the protagonist gets revenge by writing a catchy song about their experience.

“Live and Tease” is a slow headbanger with so much attitude and swagger. Going back to the band’s gift for melody, the “woah” parts in the chorus are absolutely genius! For the most part, Mädhouse are a straight-forward party band, but sometimes they like to change it up with tracks like “Loveplace,” a partially acoustic number that shows a more sensitive side to the band. It’s so different from everything else on the album and it works! The album closes with “You Got the Tail Down,” which is an absolute blast! The chorus is memorable, the guitar playing is tasteful, and the bass line is juicy as heck.

Final Assessment

Plead the Fifth is an excellent hard rock album that’ll make listeners forget their troubles in the world because they’ll be too busy headbanging to the core! To be more specific, they’ll transport back to the ‘80s hair metal scene, thanks to the glossy, ‘80s production. There’s not a bad track on the album, for the most part. Their decision to cover Giant’s power ballad titled, “I’ll See You in My Dreams” is questionable, but it’s not a terrible cover, it’s just surprising. Still, that doesn’t hinder the overall listening experience, so if interested, give Mädhouse’s Plead the Fifth a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Midnite Fever
2. We Run Riot
3. Bring On the Night
4. Shotgun Rider
5. Wicked Hearts
6. Get a Grip
7. Live and Tease
8. It’s a Monster in My Head
9. I’ll See You in My Dreams (Giant cover)
10. Mad to the Bone
11. Loveplace
12. I Die Alone
13. You Got the Tail Down

Band Lineup

Tommy Lovelace – lead vocals
Mikky Stixx – guitars
Thommy Black – guitars
Rickey Dee – bass guitar
Bobby B. Bastard – drums

Check out the music video for “Midnite Fever” from Mädhouse’s Plead the Fifth!