Just two weeks on from the release of Mudvayne’s “HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE,” the veteran act’s first single in 16 years, the band have already cued up the follow-up. Broodingly melodic and introspectively-powered, their latest tune is titled “Sticks and Stones.”
While “HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE” was a furiously-heavy nu-metal beater, “Sticks and Stones” takes a slightly more pensive, yet nevertheless pounding approach. The songs is full of mud-murky guitar melodrama, while vocalist Chad Gray waxes a more melodic tone as he contemplates childhood trauma, name-calling and the power of people’s words.
“I was always told ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’… it’s a great nursery rhyme, but I couldn’t disagree more,” Mudvayne’s vocalist commented.
“I’ve carried a lot of words throughout my life as if they were just spoken to me. The reality is — they do hurt. I’ve tried my best to shed them, but when they come from dear friends, family — people that are supposed to love you — the words have teeth and they won’t let go. Blood doesn’t wash out; it stains.”
He continued of the lyrics: “I think I’m just trying to remind people to love their children. Don’t use them as a bullet to fire into your ex or whomever you’re with now. They’re innocent and they are impressionable. And trust me, as a child, that was used as a weapon, your words will hurt them… long after you say them.”
You can hear the broody, emotionally-resonant plea up above.
Additionally, it’s been revealed that “HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE” and “Sticks and Stones” will both appear on a new double A-side 7-inch release through Alchemy Records. The vinyl EP marks Mudvayne’s first new physical music release since their 2009 self-titled LP.
An exclusive variant on “clear with black splatter” vinyl is available for pre-order now in Revolver’s shop.
As previously reported, Mudvayne launch their “L.D. 50 25th Anniversary Tour” tonight (September 11th) at Dubuque, Iowa’s Q Casino. The trek, which also features Static-X and Vended, runs until the end of October. The date details are here.
