I have waited for a long time and this record fulfilled my expectations! After seeing them for two times live, this record is great and is standing in the tradition of the first three records Mark Cole participated. Paul and Lee are offering the pumping and steaming background for all the songs. Jim's guitar is different (based on expectations) but fits perfectly and it's a pleasure listening to his play. Mark's voice is still outstanding and with that sound he produced for this record, this platter could be released in 1988! I'm biased because i'm a fan of Mark works in the past. But this record is old school psychobilly (like me) and i'm sure everyone who loves his former work will love this record. After listening a few times i would recommend to listen to the following songs to get an impression but there's no real weak song: Jack Me up, MadDog's Back, Just Cos You Don't, Torched, Hell is What I'm Used To and Ultra Violence. This record will get 5 out of 5 from me and MMK should put this record onto his Psychobilly Essentials (psychobilly-online.de) list and i hope many will follow.

Twenty years after Into The Tomb Mark Cole has decided to add another brilliant instalment to the original krewmen psychobilly triology. Ultra Violence includes 12 brand new recordings, with 2/3rds penned by Mark Cole and lead guitarist Jim Jeffries themselves. All songs are old school psychobilly at its best, backed by the big fat slapped double bass of choppy and a clear guitar sound, without being a ordinary copy paste of the old Krewmen albums or any other 80s stuff. Mark Cole on vox is as awesome and powerful as 20 years ago. Some of the tracks like Ultra Violence (much better than the demo on MDC`s - myspace), Fuck your cadillac, Mad Dog´s back, Basket case or just cos you don´t, have the power to drive you mental. Among the cover versions i really enjoy their interpreatation of the Johnny Cash classic Walk The Line and Im in Pittsburgh, which was an original of The Outcasts. A lot of nonsense was said about the sleeve design as i can´t see nothing wrong with it and at least the CD includes a booklet with all the lyrics, which isnt still a standard these days. I think everybody who likes the old krewmen stuff or old school psycho will love this disc

This is wildhanks review on his website oldschoolpsychobilly.de:

Twenty years after the departure from his previous outfit, the original voice of the "Psychobilly" Krewmen, Mark " Mad Dog " Cole, is back again in the wrecking stratospheres of Rock and Roll. His new formed outfit, which includes best-known Jim Jeffries, "Choppy" Lambourne and Leo Barnett, produces a traditional Psychobilly sound with a clear guitar sound , a wild rocking rhythm section and the arguably the most talented voice in Psychobilly. The Crazy Love release includes eight self-penned tracks and a clever choice of cover versions. Awesome! Killer tracks are Ultra Violence, Fuck Your Cadillac, MadDog´s Back, Basket Case and the Outcasts / The Vibes cover I´m In Pittsburgh, a hangover from the old Krewmen live set.

I've just had the first listen, and I have to say it's great. Had it been recorded in 1986 it would be up there with the best of them. So on high speed catchy supurb musicianship merits alone, and I include Mr Cole's vocals in that, though they do seem a little too labourious in front of that frantic backing in places. It's a fantastic album. On the downside, I'm still not too comfortable with the 'reason' behind the album. The band are an established group of top class psychobilly stalwarts who do the buisness, and more. And Mark Cole is a much loved vocalist from the heyday of psychobilly. It all reminds me a bit of albums where old rockabilly stars were wheeled into a recording studio and backed up with a modern rockabilly band, the musicians, were great, the singer was great, but it's still more of a 'project' than a band. If this was recorded by a new band of teenaged kids with a 20 year old cross between Chuck and Pip ( little ginger dude from Gallows for example) as crazed frontman I'd hailing it the salvation of psychobilly. As it is I'm saying that the 'project' has resulted in a great album but can't see it being viewed as any more than that, though it is fantastic and way exceeded my expectations. Does that make sense while still sounding positve? What I really mean is, we'll all love it but the chances of it being embraced by a whole new generation of fans are slim, but maybe they aren't the target. All hate mail to be posted below.

This is Simon`s CD Review in the latest Big Cheese:

Mark Cole, legendary voice of The Krewmen has resurfaced after almost 20 years, teamed up with some of the best Psychobilly musicians in the UK and come up with a steaming hot album of classic old school rockin’ played at a breakneck pace in the spirit of the 1980s. Most of the songs are self-penned by Cole and guitarist Jim Jeffries and keep to the traditions of the decade from whence the music came. The musicianship is second to none and Cole’s voice has lost none of its richness in the decades he’s been in retirement. Mad Dog Cole are a band and not just a front man and have come up with the goods to back up the hype, they’ve already been headlining festivals and the bookings are hardly likely to dry up on the strength of this.

With the publication of Ultra Violence, the "voice of psychobilly" is back. Many of us were really anxious and waited a long time for the release date of this album when Mark Cole after 20 years announced his comeback . Even before the publication, lots of discussions took place, less around Cole's voice more around the band which he assembled around himself. Especilly Jim Jeffries was accused in various internet forums that he couldn't replace Tony McMillan. Would this album really come close to the quality of the first 3 Krewmen albums or would it become an "OK" number? I was not less curious on this issue than all the others. Now i'm holding it in my hands: I listened to the album, listened twice and a third and fourth time. No, no disappointment. It couldn't have been better. The voice of Mark "Mad Dog" Cole is unique as always... and Jeffries fulfills his job at the guitar more than perfectly. The music sounds different to that of the Krewmen, it has something of its own, but nevertheless styleful Oldschool Psycho. With "Fuck Your Cadillac", "Basket Case" and "Torched" it becomes clear fast that this CD is pure enjoyment. The critics who went on about Jeffries' style get an original Jeffries Oldschool Style which is harmoniously mixed with Mark Cole's singular voice. The question why there are calculated 4 Cover on a straight 12 strong record is unnecessary after listening to "Hell Is What I am Used to" which already is a small highlight. All in all the comeback album really succeeded and wakens desires for more of this fantastic stuff. Only those, who hoped for an album in the style of McMillan could be a bit disappointed, because here are the new Mad Dog Cole and band. This CD is an profitable investment for every Psycho.

OK. First of all I want to point out this is MY personal opinion, and not a neutral one. Second of all it isn't my intention to bring down the bandmembers, certainly not, they are all great guys, even someone I see as a good friend. Let me also point out that I always write down my honest opinion, as most people know. I'm straight forward what my view concerns, even if some close and good friends are involved on the recordings. I think it's constructive for a new band to have a straight forward review about a concert or album, instead of some asskissing. You can learn from honest reviews, even when there's some negativity in it. Or as a musician you just don't give a fuck about an opinion and you keep doing and playing the music you like as you want it. Anyway, now you might think I gonna critisize this album and only have negative things to say ... NOT at all!!! As the old Krewmen albums, with MadDog on vox, are among my favourites, I guess I just expected too much from this new album and that's why I'm a bit disappointed. Soundwise the album is just wonderfull, at least to my kinda taste. It sounds true oldskool. Great guitarplaying, perfect full ahead bass-slapping (maybe mixed a little bit too loud, as I expected), nice drumplaying and ofcourse MadDog's typical and powerfull singing. His voice isn't changed a bit since the first recordings in 1986. All perfect, nothing negative to say about that. But, after all it are the songs itselves that are most important, and that's the sad thing about the album. For me it sounds a bit boring, there isn't a single song that keeps sticking in my head, except the Lonesome Kings cover. And even when the sound is so great, it's sad to hear that the songs are ... well, sorry to say so, but ... boring, they don't keep sticking in my head. At least for my taste. Besides "Basked Case" all the other songs have as good as the same speed, the same rhythm, which makes me thinking that I'm listening to the same song all the time, only with different lyrics. For me there's not enough variety. You should know that I make my opinions about new releases one to two weeks after I got them. The first 2 days I listen to a new album several times in a row. Then I lay it down for a couple of days and after a week or so I ask myself the question: "What do I remember about the album?" And in this case it was nothing, besides that the sound was wonderfull and great. But song-wise I didn't remembered a lot. For me the songs are more important, no matter how their sound is. Maybe the band had too much pressure on their back to record an album too quickly and maybe focused too much on their "sound" instead of the songs ... well, I don't know, and it's also none of my bussiness, it's the band that chooses and makes the songs and not the fans or critics like me.Maybe the songs still have to grow on me, who knows. Maybe there was too much talking about the album, before it even was recorded, that I expected too much. I don't know. Anyway, I'm very sorry to Mark, Chops and Jim that I wasn't that blown away as I expected to be. But I know for sure that these talented guys keep on working like they did the last year, with the same true spirit, they will still might blow me away in the future. I'm sure better songs will get born. I'm 100% sure about it.

Here's the beauty of the difference of opinions: Just 1 spin has most the album stuck in my noggin'! Stand out tracks fer moi = "Basket Case" & "Torched". "I'm in Pittsburgh" is an amazing cover; Nice to have some good Garage Punk on the album! Every member of the band is a genius. Mark Cole has still GOT IT! The mix was quite enjoyable on my little 50's rekkid player. I'm not effected in the slightest by "hype"... especially when it comes to Psychobilly. The cover art is just fine by me. I've been a KREWMEN fan for a million years, and got exactly what I was hoping for! Cheers Mark. Cheers Guido. Only complaint: The record jacket is too thin & flimsy... I'll let that slide this time.

I can't stop listening to the album! Damn good musicianship, great voice and, yes, great songs! Absolutely brilliant album, which meets, if not exceeds, my epectations. Some criticized the strong bass / drum mix, but being a "rhythm man", I had already loved that about the first Krewmen albums. I just love those pounding drums! I had been waiting for this to happen for so long and now I am absolutely happy and love every second of that album. Great job!!!

It has been one year now since I saw a post from Jim Jeffries on psychobilly-online about musicans who left the scene due to unknown reasons. He also asked if anyone knows whatever happened to Mad Dog Cole, the legendary singer from the first three Krewmen albums. I was the first one who replied to Jims post saying : "Mark Cole is back, here take a look at this vw video clip on YouTube. Released by a person called Mad Dog Cole." Jim replied : "Those vw`s looked really great". I really thought it would be someone else who posted the video on YouTube. So I was just kidding to Jim. But as we all know it was him, and Lohmax (Thank You) showed him the way to psychobilly online. The fucking Mad Dog was finally back. After twenty years. I thought he was gone for good. There hasn`t been any vital signs of him in all those years. Nor in fanzines neither in the world wide web, only the bad mouthing on several Krewmen pages. As luck would have it Jim became his new guitar player and I had the pleasure to create the official band website. A big thanks to Mark for letting me be the one to do this job. Now to the comeback album. The album starts with the title track "Ultra Violence". If you take a closer listen to the guitar riff you will hear similarities to the Wrecking Crew riff from the Meteors. A great way to start a oldschool psychobilly album. Mark`s voice hasn`t changed a lot since the Krewmen albums, he only sings a little bit more relaxed on these tracks. The drums and the bass sound like they should on a true psychobilly record. On the title track I only have to critize the barkings in the refrains but it`s still a fucking great opener for the album. 9 out of 10. The next song "Jack me up" is getting better and better after each listen. Another nice psycho riff by Jim Jeffries. I have to admit that I was little bit doubtful about how the guitar playing would sound like before the album was released. But there was no need for that because all selfpenned songs by Mark and Jim contain fantastic and fitting guitar riffs. I haven`t excepted it to be honest. Wonderful. To all the people who still criticize his guitar work on MDC : "Sorry guys. You`re totally wrong or you don`t know much about psychobilly." Jack me up is a 10 out of 10 song for me. Great sound, great refrain and interesting middle parts. Followed by another killer track. Fuck your cadillac. The refrain keeps staying in your and head and you`ll have to sing it along automatically when you listen to it. Another 10 out 10 song. I especially love the parts when the Mad Dog is singing a little bit higher. What`s next? The hooligan song. As I am a big football supporter (Ipswich Town FC) there`s no question that I like this song, too. Merely the samples needs getting used to. 7 out of 10. Track five is the first cover on "Ultra Violence" penned by Michael Hansen from Cosmic Voodoo. From what I have heard (reactions, reviews) so far not many people like this cover version too much, but I do. A very nice melodic song. I also like the original version a lot. Another 7 out of 10 from me. Hell is what I am used to - a song composed by Lonesome Greg. I still haven`t seen anyone complaining about that track. Everyone likes it and so do I. The only bothersome thing about is that it is Anni`s mobile ringtone. Just kidding. 9 out of 10. Halftime. Let`s change to the B-Side. The Mad Dog`s back! yeah it was the first official recording (Demo on MySpace) after his long awaited return. What can I say? Perfect. 10 out of 10. Now we come to a song which already the Krewmen featuring Mad Dog Cole played on their gigs more than 20 years ago. Mark`s voice sounds a little bit different than on the other tracks. Very aggressive. I love it. Especially the end part when it comes to Well can’t stop now cos it feels so bad, can’t stop now cos it feels so bad, can’t stop now cos it feels so bad, can’t stop now cos it feels so bad. 9 out of 10 and my favourite cover song on the album. Now it`s time for some tribal beat, Mr. Barnett. This song won`t leave your head for a very long time for sure. Jim Jeffries playing some Dick Dale styled guitar and the whole song sounds very gloomy. If there will be a video clip from the Ultra Violence album someday it has to be Basket Case! 10 out of 10 and my favourite song so far. Scary lyrics. Just Cos You Don`t look like me is another oldschool psychobilly highlight. "I wanna stand out from the crowd, not be another voice." Mark stands out of the crowd for sure. 9 out of 10. Sorry but I can`t comment the song "I walk the line", because I don`t like it who ever performs it. So no rating, too. Torched has been chosen to finish up Mad Dog Cole`s comeback album "Ultra Violence". Another oldschool psychobilly styled song with great side parts (guitar, drums, bass), especially the first one. Unfortunately there`s only bass and drums doing the second and third side part without the guitar. But still a great song to finish up the album. 8 out of 10. The bottom line is : An amazing comeback by the Mad Dog with great musicans by his side. This album has been worth waiting for. 9 out of 10. Why only 9? Because I already know that the next one will be better and because there`s no "LET`S ROCK" scream on it.

Well i've listened to the record not much so just first impressions and first try. I've to tell that the album is really powerful and has really good sounds. The whole thing moves through fast rythms; fat doublebass (i love the strenght of it), clean guitar that reminds the 80's lost sound with fast and catchy riffs in every song and obviously the special unique voice of mark cole that doesn't feel the years make the album THE examle of what psychobilly should be. top album for sure, only a spot, in my honest opinion as first krewmen devoted fan, i've liked some blues thing like on the three top album ever, but this is just my opinion. By the way great great album, pure power! Sure MDC is back strong!

I bought this expecting to hear a Krewmen "tribute" band, but I was wrong! These guys really ROCK. The Mad Dog still has everything he had back in the 80s', and it is a fantastic album! Well done guys. Its one you can play continually, and I recommend the MDC to everybody.

Mark „Mad Dog“Cole is back! And he does not present a half-hearted live comeback as some of his colleagues but hits the jackpot with the immediate release of a new album. For that alone I pay him my greatest respect. It is not easy for the frontman to please the expectations of his many fans that are based on old days. In some Psychobilly chat rooms you can find some critical comments about Jim Jeffries guitar play, that it does not meet the old sound. But who says that he wants that. Mad Dog Cole is not Krewmen. It is a project by 2 songwriters Cole and Jeffries. "Ultra Violence" is an outstanding oldschool Psychobilly Album, which will prove even to the last critics, to be on the same level as the first 3 Krewmen albums. What applies for wine is equally true for Psychobilly: the older the better. I am glad to see one of the best Psychobilly singers active again and that on the highest level. With the exception of the cover version of Cash’s "Walk The Line", the album is perfect.

by norman, original in german, translated into english by Moni aka Mrs. Lunatic, taken from Psychomania Fanzine No.4

For many it might have been the “Comeback” of the year, when it was announced that the singer of the first 3 Krewmen albums would arise from the crypt and enter the stage with a new line-up. I could not wait for the album and counted the days for it’s release, especially after listening to some samples on myspace. When the record was finally spinning on my record player I was a bit disappointed. First of all the yapping on “Ultra Violence” reminds me more of a small pinscher than a "Mad Dog". What I really like is "Fuck Your Cadillac" and "Basket Case", those are cool songs, nothing to complain. Just want to know what they were thinking when they did the Cover version of "walk the line". I don’t have any words for this rambling piece. And why always Cash? I can’t stand any more covers of him. It might have been a good idea to invest a little bit more time in the studios to add an own style. Maybe use another guitar, it is thin in some parts and could have been more distinguished. Or change the sound of the drums here and there. The bass could have been tougher, too. The demo versions consistently had a bit more bite to them, were unfinished, just tougher. It could be that the expectations were too high, that it would sound like the Krewmen. I have no idea.

by bennyzin, original in german, translated into english by Moni aka Mrs. Lunatic, taken from Psychomania Fanzine No.4

Krewmen Mark Cole returns, so we revisit one of English psycho's distinctive yowls. Spartan, fevered beats urge on splenetic paeans to de-faced basket cases, soccer hooligans, recreational scofflaws and assorted hyper misfits. Ripsaw guitar loosed by Jim Jeffries. Jagged kicks. Recommended Tracks "Fuck Your Cadillac," "Hell Is What I'm Used To". 5 STARS out of 5 possible

by DCLarson, taken from Rockabilly Magazine No.40