MullMuzzler

Lore & Background

James LaBrie formed MullMuzzler in 1999 after his record company refused to let him release a solo album under his own name. He invented the word 'MullMuzzler' to mean to gag or silence an individual's thought before it can be expressed. The project's debut album, Keep It to Yourself, was released in 1999, followed by MullMuzzler 2 in 2001. For the follow-up, LaBrie negotiated the right to use his name, though he still could not simply credit it as his solo project. The project's lineup changed over time, with early members including guitarist Mike Keneally, bassist Bryan Beller, and drummer Mike Mangini (who only played on the debut album). Later members included guitarist Marco Sfogli, bassist Andy DeLuca, and drummer John Macaluso. In 2005, the project released Elements of Persuasion under the name James LaBrie, marking the transition to recording under his own name. Subsequent releases included Static Impulse (2010), Impermanent Resonance (2013), and Beautiful Shade of Grey (2022).

Reader's Guide

MullMuzzler represents a significant chapter in James LaBrie's career, allowing him to explore musical ideas outside Dream Theater's framework. The project's name itself reflects the constraints imposed by the record company, which forced LaBrie to create an alias. The two MullMuzzler albums, Keep It to Yourself and MullMuzzler 2, established a distinct sound that blended progressive metal with melodic elements. The transition to recording under his own name in 2005 marked a shift in LaBrie's solo work, though the musical continuity remained. The project's legacy lies in its demonstration of a lead singer's ability to maintain a parallel creative outlet while remaining in a major band. The discography shows a consistent output over two decades, with the most recent release being Beautiful Shade of Grey in 2022. The project's significance is also tied to its lineup, which included notable musicians such as Mike Keneally and Mike Mangini, who later joined Dream Theater.

Did You Know?

• The name MullMuzzler was coined by James LaBrie because the record company would not allow him to use his own name.
• LaBrie defined MullMuzzler as 'to gag or silence an individual's thought before it can be expressed in any manner.'
• The project released two albums under the MullMuzzler name before LaBrie negotiated the right to use his own name in 2005.
• Mike Mangini, who later became Dream Theater's drummer, was a member of MullMuzzler only for the debut album (1999), not from 1999 to 2005.