MUDVAYNE’s Matt McDonough Reflects On The Nü-Metal Revival: “Maybe The World Just Is Ready To Come To A Nu Metal Show”

The resurgence of nü-metal has reignited interest from both longtime fans and a new generation of heavy music listeners. Once one of the most polarizing genres in rock and metal, the early 2000s sound has returned to prominence — bringing with it a wave of comebacks from acts like Mudvayne, Primer 55, Spineshank, and Dry Kill Logic.

Among these, Mudvayne’s return stands out. After an 11-year hiatus, the band reunited to massive festival crowds and recently dropped their first two new singles in 16 years. They’re currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of their gold-certified debut L.D. 50 with a U.S. tour alongside fellow nü-metal veterans Static-X, who are marking their own milestone for Wisconsin Death Trip. Rising stars Vended are opening each date.

During a recent appearance on ‘Talk Toomey’ with Josh Toomey (Primer 55), drummer Matt McDonough reflected on the renewed enthusiasm for the genre and how Mudvayne’s comeback has connected with multiple generations of fans. McDonough said:

“The strange renaissance of that time period — it’s almost like we’re the classic rock now. Back in 2019 or 2020 when we first talked about a reunion, I thought, ‘No one’s even gonna remember us.’ But the response at those first festivals was absolutely surreal. Now, we’re seeing four generations of fans — people in their 60s who were there in the late ’90s, and even their grandkids. There was an 8-year-old right in front last night in San Antonio.”

He continued:

“It’s just — I don’t know — timing, luck, what. But it seems to be happening for everybody. Deftones are bigger than ever. Maybe the world just is ready to come to a nu metal show, I guess.”

With Static-X & Vended:
10/16 Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
10/18 Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
10/19 Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
10/21 Raleigh, NC – The Red Hat Amphitheater
10/22 Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
10/24 Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
10/25 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
10/26 Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena

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