Disco de Mudvayne: “L.D. 50”

To many people, progressive music and "numetal", as it is often called, are polar opposites, and could not possibly go together. One is a simple, brutish, and often sloppy form of music, while the other puts great emphasis on spot-on technical proficiency, and more sophisticated song structures. To mix them is nearly paradoxical. And yet, what we have here is just that, a hybrid of these two styles, and they go together so remarkably well that you wonder how you could have ever concluded otherwise.

I speak of course of Mudvayne, a band with a penchant for crushing, "aggro" riffs, combined with complexity and eclecticism that helps them to stand out from the herd. Perhaps referring to numetal as simple or sloppy music isn't so fair, especially when this band is so far from each of those things. Guitarist Greg Tribbet is a groove demon, full of powerful complex riffage, and some nice melodic arpeggios to mix it up. Bassist Ryan Martinie's gurgling basslines complement the heaviness perfectly, and add a nice funk flavor to it all. Combined with Matt McDonough's furious polyrhythmic drumming, you've got a rhythm section that's nothing short of lethal. Fronting it all is the psychotic Chad Gray. At first listen, he may seem like little more than your average angry numetal vocalist, but keep listening. His voice is constantly shifting in dynamics (not unlike the music itself), and there seems to be a kind of rhythmic precision to his delivery. He's not just barking at random. Sonically, he is equal parts Mike Patton and Phil Anselmo (with a bit of Maynard for good measure), but his style is all his own.

Many may know this band by the opening track, "Dig", and while it is a great opener, it's not at all a good indication of what this band sounds like. It is shorter, and more to the point than anything else on the album. Listen to the seamless heavy to soft dynamics of "Death Blooms" or "-1", or the wild rhythm changes of "Cradle", or the crazy funk-inspired interlude of "Nothing to Gein". "Severed" and "Prod" are a bit softer overall, but still have their fair share of heaviness and complexity. "Under My Skin" has a short rap interlude, which is very well done. It fits perfectly within the flow of the song, and Chad never misses a mark. Reminds me of Candiria, sort of.

For a long time, I debated whether or not to buy this album, because I wasn't sure whether or not it was worth it, and when I finally did get it, I hated myself for not buying it sooner. Anyone who dismisses this as simply a one-dimensional, run of the mill numetal band is really missing out on something great. Every track on this CD is exceptional, and highly addictive. This is one of those rare bands that both prog and numetal fans alike can enjoy (even Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci is a fan). If you approach this with an open mind, there's a very good chance you'll enjoy it, so give it a spin. And, if you like this, I also recommend Candiria's "300 Percent Density", to hear this sound taken one step further.

Also, ignore any and all comparisons to Slipknot. Not only do they make Slipknot look ridiculous in every way, but they don't really sound anything alike. Now stop reading and BUY, you fools!

Mudvayne are quickly boxed in with the likes of fellow metallers Slipknot, Disturbed, etc. In truth, Mudvayne can be compared to no one. The technical ability these musicians have with their instruments is nothing short of amazing. The drumming throughout the record is phenomenal...quick time and tempo changes, and crazy off the wall beats and fills flow through the album. The bass player is nothing short of brilliant. Picture a 1970's funk bass player crossed with the ecentricity of Les Claypool. The guitar riffs are heavy and percussive and really drive the song. And the lyrics and vocals are great. The singer really comes across as very personal in his lyrics and his vocal delivery is insane. His screams send chills down your spine, his singing is beautiful, and he spits out his lines in so many different tempos...you were to think they have 2 singers. Overall, the album is fantastic. While there are some songs that seem to be just album fillers (like the numerous interludes that occur between songs) it really doesnt soften the impact that this album has made. It is truly a remarkable record that cannot be defined into one category except for Undescribable Mayhem in Music.

They can't live up to this and thank God, for that. This album is a hallmark of an age. An age of metal, that will come in about 5 to 10 years. People will look back on this album and realize that this was the first of a new generation, and that it has been vastly under apprectiated. First of all, the Bass... Ryan Martinie is flawless... The bass actually serves a purpose in the songs... not just a walking backdrop. It acts as a second guitar, the way its supposed to be. Chad Gray, has written obviously superb lyrics, and he underscores his singing with some dramatic off center screaming. Every thing on this album serves a purpose. It is efficient and direct. If you listen closely enough you'll start to hear things that you never heard before either. Especially in the bass section. Don't let people fool you. Listen for yourself and decide. This is truly a masterpiece before its time.

At first listen, you may think your listening to Slipknot. The bands sound very much alike, but I have to say Mudvayne is better. When I got this CD today, I put it in my CD player and listened to the whole album all the way through. This CD is simply awesome. They sound like Slipknot, but not enough to turn you off from them. The best songs on the CD, my personal favorites, are "Dig", "Internal Primates Forever", "-1", and my favorite song by them, "Death Blooms". Every song is so angry and filled with such emotion it is unfathomable. The music grabs you and beats you to a bloody mess and doesn't let go. It is an adrenaline rush that is only second to the debut CD from the Deftones, "Adrenaline". You don't even need to like the Aggro genre to like this band. The lead singer, Kud, can have a voice as soft as Maynard James Keenan of Tool one second, and be screaming like Corey Taylor of Slipknot the next. Buy this album and you will not be dissapointed. Mudvayne is THE Aggro band for the new year. Buy the CD now so you don't have to lie about being "into them" first.

This cd is unbelievable and the perfect introduction to any new Mudvayne fans! This is the first time I'm giving a song-by-song review so check it out! Note: I'm not including the interludes although they are a good break in between songs allowing you to digest a bit and breathe and so on..!

2. Dig: The heaviest, fastest and shortest song on the album! Matts double-bass kicks your ... on this one!

3. Internal Primates Forever: Also heavy and the unconventional parts and unexpected changes prove why Mudvayne is simply the best!

4. Negative 1: All my odes go to this song! Absolutely breathtaking and shows Chads ability to sing really well! Awesome lyrics!

5. Death Blooms: There are no words to describe this song but I'll try... To me it's about making the most of your life while you still here and asking the question, Why can't life be simple and easy and fun?"I just want to run and hide!" , some might argue... Musically,lyrically,vocally(if you will): Outstanding! Doesn't describe how good this song is! No more words, check it out for yourself..!

7. Cradle: My favourite song at the moment and one that took fairly long to grow on me! I've always loved the opening verse! Deep lyrics about Chads father!

8. Nothing To Gein: Also one that took long to grow on me! The opening is too beautiful to comprehend! A song about serial killer Ed Gein and it has some sad but brutal lyrics!

10. Everything And Nothing: A lot of people overlook this track and some might even call it filler(Forgive my APC 13Th Step review)! I for one think it's an absolute gem! It's quite heavy and the lyrics... Well it's Mudvayne, need I say more?!

11. Severed: A fan favourite and I'm no different! One of the best songs you'll ever hear in your life! A perfect showcase of Mudvaynes musical ability! This is them at their very best! Kudos

13. Prod: Oh my... All I can say is 100/10! Let the music do the talking... Some guy said you might get bored, must be prozac! Reminiscent of Tool and not just in length! "Drain us of life and cleanse the mess!"

14. Pharmaecopia: As the name would tell you, it has something to do with drugs but goes beyond just that! The bridge and closing to this song is surreal! It's also quite heavy, Chad rules, enough said!

15. Under My Skin: I'm running out of things to say..! An immediate favourite along with "Dig" but the ones that take you the longest to get used to are the ones that probably would be your favourites to listen to! And Mudvayne are identical to Tool in this way making both bands the best in the business and placing them in their own league! It's about people sticking their noses into your business where it doesn't belong! A great song to relate to! I love the rapping part! Chad can do everything!

16. (K)now (F)orever: Wow, wow and wow again! I love Mudvayne and Tool so much more for this particular reason: Their ability to write good long songs that will never get tedious or monotonous or anything to that effect! Tied with "Cradle" as my favourite at the moment! I can't get enough of this song! Once again the lyrics are unbelievable and I think it's about wanting change in how the slow decay of time will eventually destroy all! It can be interpreted in different ways... Perfect ending to a perfect album!

A must get for people looking for something different and heavy but at the same time meaningful and beautiful! I know I tend to focus more on vocals but don't let that fool you for one second! It's probably because I myself pretend to be a vocalist! When(I'm not gonna say "if") you get the album you'll see just why Ryan, Matt and Greg are the best in their profession! I could go on (F)orever rambling about thier abilities but my adjectives will never do them justice so I won't! I've been listening to this album for the past two years and never has it sounded so great as it does now! Why are you still reading this? Go buy it now! ...