Mudvayne @ CMW 2001

Hometown: Peoria, IL

Background/Composition:
Korn-fed progressive metal madness from the U.S. Midwest. Mudvayne's disheveled appearance, makeup and mosh-friendly metal sound garners obvious comparisons to Slipknot, although the band's technical precision is a notch above that of their Iowa-based colleagues.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Band exceeds skill and knowledge expectations. Rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Band achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Band demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
Below 50: Band has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Grade: 84

Comment:
Mudvayne has made the bill for Ozzfest 2001 and will become one of the tour's breakthrough stories. The band's already established a loyal audience and lead singer Kud's fan-friendly attitude will make Mudvayne a tour favourite. The band's ear-bleeding intensity compensates for its slightly inaccessible sound.

Learning Skills:
E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: S
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There was clearly a heavy Mudvayne contingent in the packed Warehouse crowd, even though Disturbed was the headliner. The band came on to a swell of "Mudvayne!" chants, and Kud worked these fans like a seasoned pro, peppering his between-song banter with the f-word. A notable example went like this: "I want you fucking fans to get those fucking hands in the fucking air and make some fucking noise!" He flew around the stage like a rabid dog, nearly dropping his XXXL sized overalls on frequent occasions. The crowd, of course, ate up every minute of it.

Musical Analysis
Cooperation With Others: E
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving:E
Teamwork:E
Work Habits: E
Organization: S
Audience Participation: E
Sound: G
Composition: S
Songs: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
The band's technical chops lay it on a bit thick, particularly drummer sPaG's penchant to clutter his beats with excessive double-bass runs. The band also loves obtuse time signatures and tempo changes, but doesn't always make a smooth transition. That said, Mudvayne is as intense as any metal act touring today.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Sexiness: N
Haircut: N
Indie Rock Footwear: N
Nods To Disposible Fashion: N
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: 
Take Slipknot's apocalyptic appearance, throw it in a blender, set to puree and then open the lid. Position one's self to get splattered by the macabre mess. That, in a nutshell, describes Mudvayne's makeup. These guys are clearly as ugly as they wanna be.