Mudvayne’s Long Life in Heavy Metal Was Celebrated Loudly at 25th Anniversary Show

What made it possible for metal group Mudvayne to disband in 2010 and return in 2021 to a fiercely loyal fanbase?  With hundreds of bands in the heavy metal music scene and thousands of songs available to stream in an instant, why would anybody wait 16 years for new music to be released from one particular artist? Mudvayne’s unique blend of visual theatrics, impressive compositions and raw vulnerability provided a stunning answer at their Dallas show at South Side Ballroom on Saturday.

Mudvayne’s complex time signatures, along with the intricate nature of beats and sounds, earned them the label “math metal.” L.D. 50 was executive produced by Steve Richards and Slipknot member Shawn “Clown” Crahan. This tour is in celebration of the 25th anniversary of L.D. 50, with Static-X and Vended on the bill. Static-X blends electronica, industrial and thrash into their flavor of metal. Many fans describe their vibe as “evil disco.” Vended was formed in 2018 and features two sons of Slipknot members, although the band strives to create its own heavy metal sound. Their most recent album, released in September 2024, received critical acclaim.

The evening began with a brief set from opening band Vended, known for songs “Asylum”, “Nihilism” and “Ded to Me.” Next up was Static-X, who injected the night with energy from their very danceable style of industrial metal. Smoke bubbles, balloons and even snow accompanying “Cold” delighted the audience. Two large theatrical creatures, one resembling an electrified hockey puck and the other similar to Frankenstein, also accompanied the band on stage. Xer0, the vocalist, performed in a mask with glowing eyes and hair standing on end. Static-X ended their set with a tribute to the late frontman Wayne Static, who passed away in 2014. We were impressed by their ability to honor their past while musically evolving and moving ahead.  

With an immediate command of the vast stage, their gory and creepy costumes adding to the effect, Mudvayne launched into their hit “Dig” to kick off their set. A huge screen featuring the cover of the album L.D. 50 was behind them, and the intricate and powerful rhythm took hold of everyone. Mudvayne has been widely praised for their innovative style, utilizing heavy syncopation and complex riffs to achieve their signature sound.

At several points between songs, vocalist Chad Gray stopped to speak about how the metal music community had saved his life. He explained that at the age of 13, someone gave him a cassette of metal music, which started him on his journey into artistic expression and a new understanding of the world. Charismatic yet humble, Gray’s vulnerability resonates deeply with Mudvayne’s fans. He thanked the audience more than once for being present and for looking out for each other in the pit. Gray later encouraged everyone to turn around and high-five a stranger. These genuine points of connection helped create a memorable performance.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fiercely loyal fans, many wearing face paint or T-shirts emblazoned with L.D. 50 references, we overheard people stating this was their fifth time seeing Mudvayne in concert, or singing along with every word as though the lyrics were engraved on their hearts. A particularly moving moment occurred when Gray leaned far into the crowd, and a young fan crowd-surfed her way to him. Incredibly, they screamed the lyrics face-to-face into the microphone and embraced at the conclusion of this emotional and unforgettable interaction.

During “Happy?”, the final song of the night, fans sang along word-for-word, and it was clear how much the raw pain in the lyrics “Now that I’m lost, left with nothing / Does it make you happy?” had hit home for so many. Even through this sadness, knowing you’re not alone in your struggles can be comforting. Developing compassion for others who have also had to bravely persevere creates a real bond in the heavy metal community.

Underneath their spooky face paint lies an authentic persona that Gray referred to as “heavy metal kids,” and he included the audience in that categorization. Their dedicated fan base clearly feels that a powerful bond exists, and this is a testament to Mudvayne’s efforts to connect with them. Mudvayne’s distinctive sound, theatrical brand and emotional depth have enabled them to endure.