Mudvayne
By the people for the people

What a pity.

Maybe we will have to talk about them in the past tense.

We will remember them as that group that stood out for the heavy makeup of its members, that singer Chad Gray, who would soon become one of the most regarded in the nu-metal scene: Mudvayne.

Let's say they attracted critical attention also because of their image, an impactful image of these guys who took to the stage with makeup that painted masks on their faces using bright colors.

They were discovered by Shawn Crahan, the percussionist of Slipknot, and perhaps for this reason, they were immediately associated with the Des Moines group. But let's also say that they had very little to do with Slipknot, because although they were part of the nu-metal movement and emerged during the genre's peak, Mudvayne's music is slower, more rhythmic, melodic, and in some ways undoubtedly more technical, soon becoming a trademark. A characteristic sound.

Over time, the strong colors were set aside, and the makeup either melted away or was absorbed by the skin, and Mudvayne focused solely on the music.

But the story of Mudvayne outlines a strongly melodic trend, echoing the trajectory of most nu-metal bands, which start strong and aggressive, then bend their rise toward melody and money.

This anthology, "By the people for the people" is an album that absolutely does not deserve a purchase.

It would have been a good idea for the fans, to be attached (and given) along with some upcoming release, provided the anthology does not represent the conclusion and disbandment of the group.

The CD contains demo and live versions of some of their biggest hits, introduced directly with short intros by Chad who presents each track of the album.

Worth saving is "Forget to remember" (acoustic version) and the only unreleased track on the album, "Dull Boy".

Perhaps it was a record label's ploy to give hope to those Mudvayne fans who believed that the singer's involvement in Hellyeah with Vinnie Paul might lead to the band's dissolution. But I want to see another interpretation. Perhaps by offering us the raw and edgy sound of the demo, and the most famous tracks, they want to retrace the famous trajectory in reverse, returning to being raw, sick, and powerful as they once were.

But if the fan is not a cash cow to be milked without reason, it would be good to avoid such ideas. If Mudvayne still lives, it's better for them to give better signals.

The band is valid, but the work deserves nothing but a thumbs down.

What a pity.