Mudvayne's 2025 comeback was almost derailed before it even truly began! Imagine pouring your heart and soul into new music after a long hiatus, only to find out that fans… well, weren't feeling it. That's precisely what seems to have happened with Mudvayne and their first new tracks in 16 years, "Sticks And Stones" and "Hurt People Hurt People."
If you've been streaming these songs on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, you might have noticed something's… different. It appears Mudvayne quietly uploaded re-mixed and remastered versions of both tracks. These aren't just subtle tweaks; they represent a significant overhaul of the audio. But here's where it gets controversial... Why the need for such a drastic measure after such a highly anticipated return?
Originally released in August and September of 2025, respectively, both tracks were unfortunately met with a wave of criticism, specifically aimed at their mixing and mastering. Some fans even speculated that the initial releases were merely demos! That rumor has thankfully been put to rest. However, the dissatisfaction remained. It's a tough pill to swallow when you're trying to make a splash.
The initial mixes were the work of Josh Wilbur, a highly respected producer and mixer known for his work with heavy hitters like Lamb Of God, Korn, and Avenged Sevenfold. A stellar resume, right? And this is the part most people miss: even the most talented professionals can sometimes miss the mark when it comes to capturing the band's core vision. So, Mudvayne decided to bring in Dave Fortman to remix the tracks, and this decision is what ultimately lead to the delay of the 7" release of the songs.
Fortman, who previously collaborated with Mudvayne on "Lost And Found" and "The New Game," also boasts an impressive track record, having worked with acts such as Evanescence and Slipknot. Clearly, the band trusted his ear and vision.
In a Reddit post attributed to Fortman himself (posted on January 17th, 2026), he shed some light on the situation. He stated, "The original mixes weren’t demos. They were mixed by Josh Wilbur, but the band wasn’t happy with the results, and the fans were unhappy as well, according to feedback I got from their management. They called me to remix them, so I took the same approach that I mixed ‘Lost And Found‘ with. Seems to have worked! Glad you guys are digging it. I threw an entirely different spin on the intro and break of ‘Sticks And Stones‘ with added piano notes and strings. Nothing has been re-recorded; that’s just me laying some ‘tickles’ in there. Enjoy!"
While the updated audio isn't yet available on YouTube, the new mixes can be found on major streaming platforms. Mudvayne indirectly addressed the situation in an update regarding the delayed 7" vinyl release of "Sticks & Stones/Hurt People Hurt People":
"Thank you for ordering the Sticks & Stone/Hurt People Hurt People 7″ vinyl. We understand how much you are looking forward to getting yours and have an update on its status.
Due to our desire to make the audio perfect, mastering took longer than planned. In addition, an unanticipated production delay in the vinyl world means the new delivery date is early April 2026.
If you want to keep your order, no action is needed. You will get an email once it ships. To cancel, please contact our customer service team for help.
Thanks for your support."
This whole situation raises some interesting questions. Was it the right call for Mudvayne to remix their comeback singles? Did the new mixes truly recapture the band's signature sound? And, perhaps most importantly, should bands be so responsive to fan criticism, even if it means delaying releases and redoing work? What are your thoughts on the situation? Let us know in the comments!
