While Butcher Babies may not considered classically nu metal, there is no denying the influence that the genre has had on their music. This is clear on songs such as "Monsters Ball", "POMONA (Shit Happens)", and "BEAVER CAGE". Frontwoman Heidi Shepherd has never been shy about her love for nu metal, especially as someone growing up during its rise to popularity. She has cited Slipknot as one of her heroes and a big inspiration to the band. Hearing Korn on the radio for the first time ignited her passion for heavy music, even though she had to sneak listening to them because her family called it "devil music."
Wonder how they feel about her starring in the new horror movie Devour...
In any case, Mudvayne was one of those bands in a similar vein to Slipknot where they just blow your mind the first time you hear them. Of course they rose to prominence at the height of nu metal, but they were also doing things musically that no one else was doing at the time. L.D. 50 is a work of art from top to bottom, but there's a reason that "Dig" has become the band's most recognizable song to date. From the iconic opening bass riff, to frontman Chad Gray's dynamic vocal performance, "Dig" is a quintessential nu metal anthem.
Gray is currently on his "30 Years of Madness" tour where he has been performing songs from both Mudvayne and Hellyeah's catalogue, and Butcher Babies is a supporting act. Shepherd has been friends with Gray and his wife, Shannon Gunz, for years, so joining forces on this tour comes as no surprise. Shepherd always knows how to command a crowd and work every inch of a stage, so she brought her usual high intensity to this performance. Her vocals sound great, and so many people loved it that she joined Gray on stage again for the following two shows in Dallas and New Orleans. Here's to hoping that if we get new Mudvayne music in the future, perhaps Shepherd can collaborate on a song with them.
Check out this sick performance below:
Catch the rest of the "30 Years of Madness" tour at these dates:
10/16 Clearwater, FL - OCC Road House & Museum - Music Hall
10/18 Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore Charlotte - The Underground
10/19 Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre
10/20 Nashville, TN - Brooklyn Bowl
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