This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Some things never change. Disaffected teen metalheads always proclaim their individuality by dressing identical to all their friends. And disaffected metal bands always proclaim their individuality by sounding identical to every other band on the scene.
Middle American alt-metallions Mudvayne are among the most blatant recent offenders. Start with the ridiculous names like Güüg and Spüg, the evil-clown outfits and the black-on-black album cover (Smell the Glove, anyone?). Factor in the thundering hip-hop beats, the groaning and grinding guitar shards, the haunting gothic passages that explode into ferocious onslaughts of punishing alt-metal. Then top it all off with the expected expletive-laced lyrics and blowtorch vocals and you’ve got an album as unoriginal and offputting as your typical disaffected teen.
