Music fans and curious listeners, brace yourselves—here's a story about artists redoing their work after initial release, which might stir some debate. Mudvayne, a renowned nü-metal band known for their intense sound and loyal following, are apparently re-mixing their 2025 comeback singles after expressing dissatisfaction with the original versions. But here's where it gets controversial... did the band make the right call, and what does this mean for fans eager for the official release?
Recently, Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services have shown subtle yet noticeable updates to two of Mudvayne's comeback singles—"Sticks And Stones" and "Hurt People Hurt People"—which were initially released in August and September of last year. These tracks marked the band's return after a 16-year hiatus and were highly anticipated. However, many listeners criticized the initial mix and mastering, describing the sound as muddled or amateurish enough to make some believe they were demo recordings. Thankfully, that misconception was later debunked.
The original mixes were crafted by respected producer and mixer Josh Wilbur, known for his work with giants like Lamb of God, Korn, and Avenged Sevenfold. Yet, the newly uploaded versions on streaming platforms, with minimal fanfare, seem to have been overseen by Dave Fortman, a notable producer who previously collaborated with Mudvayne on their albums "Lost And Found" and "The New Game." Fortman also has credits with bands like Evanescence and Slipknot.
In an unexpected reveal shared on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Mudvayne/comments/1qb0bw6/comment/o05sl6d/), Fortman explained that the band wasn't satisfied with the original mixes and requested a remix—an effort that aimed to enhance the overall sound quality. Fortman mentioned he approached the remixes with the same approach he used for "Lost And Found," adding his own creative touches like piano notes and strings to sections of the songs, especially noticeable in Sticks And Stones. Importantly, he clarified that no parts had been re-recorded—they were simply remixed, with some additional electronic 'tickles' added for texture.
While the YouTube uploads haven't yet reflected these new mixes, fans can stream the updated versions elsewhere. The band also shared that the decision to remix the singles has caused a delay in the release of the 7-inch vinyl edition of these songs. Their recent statement indicates they want the audio to meet their standards, which resulted in extending the timeline. The vinyl, initially expected earlier, is now scheduled for release in early April 2026, with fans being reassured that their orders are safe and will be shipped upon availability.
This situation raises interesting questions about artistic control and fan expectations. Is remixing after release common practice, or does it risk alienating listeners who purchased or streamed the original versions? Are bands justified in reworking their tracks if initial releases are criticized—even if it means delays? What are your thoughts—should artists prioritize perfecting their work even after it hits the shelves, or should they stand by their initial presentation? Share your opinions—do you think Mudvayne made the right choice, or do you believe fans deserved the original versions as initially released?
