Weapon (EP)

The EP was recorded during the sessions for The New Game and was intended to bridge the gap between that album and the band's earlier work. Mudvayne had been working with producer Dave Fortman, who also produced The New Game. The release was announced in early 2007, with the band describing it as a "teaser" for the full-length album. The EP's title track, "Weapon," was originally written for The New Game but was held back for the EP to give it a distinct identity.¹

The EP continues Mudvayne's exploration of progressive metal, with complex time signatures and aggressive riffing, but also incorporates more melodic elements, particularly in the cover of "Pepper." Critics noted that the EP served as a concise introduction to the band's sound, with AllMusic praising the band's musicianship while noting that the material was not as experimental as their earlier work.² The single "Do What You Do" received moderate airplay on rock radio, and the EP peaked at number 152 on the Billboard 200 chart.³

The EP's five tracks are: "Weapon," "Do What You Do," "A Cinderella Story," "The Truth," and a cover of "Pepper" by the Butthole Surfers. The band members—Chad Gray (vocals), Greg Tribbett (guitar), Ryan Martinie (bass), and Matt McDonough (drums)—are credited as co-writers on all original tracks. The cover of "Pepper" was a departure for the band, as it was a more straightforward rock song, and it was later included as a bonus track on some editions of The New Game.⁴

Despite its title, the EP's lead track "Weapon" was not released as a single, and the band rarely performed it live. The EP was also notable for being the band's last release with guitarist Greg Tribbett before his departure in 2013. The cover of "Pepper" was recorded at the suggestion of producer Dave Fortman, who had worked with the Butthole Surfers in the past. The EP's artwork, designed by artist Paul Brown, features a surreal image of a weaponized human figure, reflecting the band's interest in visual art.⁵

EP

Extended play, a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album.

Progressive metal

A subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates complex song structures and unconventional time signatures.