When Mudvayne returned, there were many who raised their horns high in the sky and proclaimed “FINALLY!!” The band wasn’t here too long back in the early 2000s. They graced us for a decade and then went on hiatus for what seemed like forever. In that decade, they gave us five studio albums that were this insane combination of nu-metal, prog-metal, alt-metal, progressive metal and even more. I don’t think they really get credit for doing what they did in that short amount of time. They didn’t create the wheel, but they did deliver to us something that was incredibly and couldn’t really be defined and put in a box.
After going on hiatus in 2010, the band finally reunited in 2021 for their first shows in 12 years. The band then resumed their reunion in 2022 for Rockfest and Upheaval Fest and then their first tour in 13 years. The guys have definitely been keeping busy. They are currently out on the road with Megadeth and All That Remains. This would be my first Mudvayne show and I had to remind myself that I was there to work. I had the first three songs to hopefully capture some cool pix. I didn’t have time to stand there in awe of not only being that close to Chad Grey but something so freaking amazing to my eyes and ears. The tour made a stop in Raleigh, NC on September 7, 2024 with Megadeth and All That Remains. They stopped at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.
The band kicked off their set with “Not Falling” followed by “Silenced,” both from their solid 2002 album ‘The End of All Things to Come.’ The band had their makeup and costumes on and looked like something in the freak show part of a circus. The energy on stage was crazy! Bassist Ryan Martinie was a beast on that bass slapping it like it owed him money or something. He moved all around that stage playing some insane grooves on that bass. I think the only time he slowed down was between songs. Lead guitarist Greg Tribbett looked like a demented character from McDonalds. He layed down some sick and complex riffs that blew me away. The bulk of the setlist came from their debut album L.D. 50. I have to give some major props to the ringleader of this machine, Mr. Chad Gray. First off, his look was absolutely crazy! He had had bandages around his head with tiny slits that somehow allowed him to see. Midway through the second song “Silenced,” he pulled them off to see. His face was done up in black & white makeup and he had a bullet hole on his forehead. He would leave the stage several times and step out onto the speakers and sing. He’s another one with an insane amount of energy from beginning to end! The guy’s gutteral growls are unreal! How he can do that and then switch to a regular singing or speaking voice is amazing. I also want to add that he is in amazing shape and looks like he’s been working out. Overall, their set blew my mind! Hearing “Dig” and “Happy” played live was an amazing thing for all of us. Hearing other cuts like “Death Blooms” and “-1” was like icing on top of the cake. They by far surpassed what I was thinking the show was going to be like. You really need to see this show if they come anywhere near you.
Review & pix by I’m Music Magazine Owner/Editor Johnny Price
