"Maddest Hatter" comes from the album Erase the Slate, which featured former Winger guitarist Reb Beach filling the lead guitar slot previously held by George Lynch. This era of Dokken retained their melodic hard rock foundation but injected a slightly heavier, more contemporary edge for the late 1990s. The song is a solid, mid-tempo rocker that showcases the new lineup's sound. The title, a clear reference to the character from Alice in Wonderland, likely alludes to themes of madness, nonconformity, or a chaotic personality. Reb Beach's guitar work is prominent, maintaining the virtuosic, flashy solo style expected in Dokken but with his own distinct tone and phrasing. The track fits within the band's traditional style of blending heavy riffing with Don Dokken's signature melodic vocals and harmonies, proving that even with a lineup change, the Dokken sound continued to focus on structure, melody, and strong guitar solos.