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Upcoming Release Calendar
67
Trace Adkins Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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The New Game
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The fourth album for the metal band from Illinois was produced by Dave Fortman.
| LABEL: | Epic |
| RELEASE DATE: | 18 November 2008 |
| DISCS: | 1 disc |
| GENRE(S): | Rock, Metal |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this album is 7.7 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Frank Z. gave it a0:
Back when Mudvayne first came out they weren't the best band ever, just got another metal band, but they were okay. As time goes by and music evolves, music like this has become so dull and boring. Its hard rock (which isnt even good) they play on radio stations and in movie trailers. What is this band trying to do anyways? This record is weak compared to their previous which were also weak. Theyre obviously doing this to make money so they can... Honestly this album is horrible and I don't see this band ever progressing. So don't waste your money. Because you mine as well as listening to Disturbed. Theres better music out there.
Mislav F gave it a7:
First, it should be said that anybody who enjoyed Lost and Found will probably enjoy this album. Also, this should be listened to in context, preferably right after listening to previous Mudvayne albums, at least for the first listen. This album is not a large departure from their old sound, but it adds a few new elements to it. First, and most noticeably, is the addition of guitar solos. Those who shudder at that thought should not worry - there are not a lot of guitar solos, and those which are to be found aren't excessive (try Disturbed's latest album, Indestructible, for an example of overdoing it). Also, there are more layers of guitar in many songs which adds an entirely new melodic sound that previous Mudvayne songs didn't have. Some might say this is the beginning of them selling out to the mainstream or something, but it can also be seen as simple musical progression. The rhythm section is excellent as usual, the guitar riffs satisfyingly, and... Chad probably has the least inspired performance out of any of the members. Sure, he sounds good, he's definitely capable, but he lacks the emotion that most of his earlier work had (whether Hellyeah had any effect on his singing now is up to the listener). "Dull Boy" is probably the least interesting song on this album, closely resembling "IMN" from Lost and Found, and it was also released on their fan-inspired album. The first four tracks or so are quality Mudvayne material - "Fish Out of Water", "Do What You Do", "A New Game", and "Have It Your Way". "Fish Out of Water" is a strong opener, but it doesn't quite live up to "Silenced" and "Determined" from Mudvayne's previous two albums. "Do What You Do" sounds like a familiar mix of Lost and Found and The End of All Things to Come, and its accessibility makes it an obvious prime choice for a single. "A New Game" has a strong enough opening two minutes that it seems like it might have been a good opener, but then it slows down, featuring a guitar solo. It takes so long to fade out that it seems like it would have been an appropriate end to the album since "We The People" ends rather abruptly. "Have It Your Way" is a strong fourth track, but "A Cinderella Story" doesn't quite have the same punch. "The Hate in Me" is another strong track, still not quite living up to the anger of older Mudvayne work. "Scarlet Letters" is the first of the two softer songs, and its change of pace makes it a standout. It's more melodic than most of the tracks, and it lets a little beauty shine in an otherwise mostly dark album. The bottom line is that The New Game is a strong album, one that Mudvayne fans should embrace, and it's probably a good start for a more noticeable departure in sound - look out for the new Mudvayne album planned to come out in about six months. The progressive elements that could be heard on Lost and Found are beginning to materialize more in The New Game, and hopefully Mudvayne's newer work will continue to become more interesting. Flawed as it may be, it's definitely a step in the right direction.
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