Mudvayne managed to crank out five full-length albums during their initial run in the 2000s, and then went on a 12-year hiatus (which ended when they returned to the stage in 2021, and have since been a fully-active band). Across those five records, the nu-metal mutans evolved from a proggy "math-metal" juggernaut into a much more streamlined hard-rock band with huge hooks and arena-sized riffs.
Now that Mudvayne are back in the zeitgeist again, touring the country and teasing new music, we asked our readers to pick the single greatest song in their whole catalog. There were a lot of deep cuts to choose from — and also some obvious ones that went untouched — but you can see the top five vote-getters ranked accordingly below.
5. "Scream With Me"
Mudvayne's final album (for now) isn't their most beloved, but the song "Scream With Me" made an impact on fans. The 2009 record's only single is one of the catchiest anthems the band ever wrote, zeroing in on Chad Gray's ability to carry a gritty hook with metallic power, and summoning all of the band's force without losing themselves in noodly madness. It's just a kickass rock song.
4. "Not Falling"
Mudvayne's second album, The End of All Things to Come, was somehow even mathier and weirder than their algebraic 2000 debut, L.D. 50. There are points where the band get a little lost in the sauce on that record, but "Not Falling" is a clear standout in their discography: a riotous, fist-raising banger that pushes and pulls between icy verses and an explosive chorus that sees Gray's screams in peak form.
3. "Death Blooms"
While Mudvayne's sound developed significantly after L.D. 50, the nu-metal landmark remains the fan-favorite LP. There're so many high points to choose from, but "Death Blooms" is an clear standout. Its main groove is simultaneously gnarly and technical. The speedy parts during the bridge are batshit wild. And Gray's voice fluctuates effortlessly between a tender sing-song and a demonic yowl. Riveting.
2. "Severed"
"Dig," "Nothing to Gein," "Internal Primates Forever" — so many L.D. 50 songs to choose from, but "Severed" ended up being the fan's top pick from that album. Arriving 11 songs deep, this is one of Mudvayne's chuggiest and downright heaviest songs — and also one of their longest at a hefty six-and-a-half minutes. Somehow, the track's many detours are all wrapped together with one conclusive climax, making for an undeniable highlight in their catalog.
1. "Happy?"
"Dig" or even "Determined" easily could have taken the No. 1 spot here, but "Happy?" is an unquestionably great choice. The main single from Mudvayne's 2005 album, Lost and Found, is indicative of their growing melodic chops. The crunching power chords, bouncy groove and straightforward structure suggest Mudvayne's twisted take on a Linkin Park jam.
Even so, despite its inherent catchiness, Mudvayne's decidedly un-commercial elements — Gray's haggard howls, bassist Ryan Martinie's proggy fretwork — put their signature stamp on it. It's a live staple. It's a workout playlist must. And yeah, it's Mudvayne's single greatest song, according to Revolver's readers.
