After returning to Australia for the first time since their reunion in 2019, Static-X was welcomed back with open arms for another heavy industrial experience, This time they had Soil along for the ride plus locals Witchgrinder providing support.
With a new album on the horizons scheduled for later this year, Static-X are definitely riding a second wave since their reunion a few years back in tribute to the late Wayne Static. With only 3 exclusive shows on this run, it was a special treat to see them once again but this time with a different lineup. Melbourne industrialists Witchgrinder were in tow opening the show and brought along a heavy set of thumping tunes to warm up the crowd. Despite the guitars being a little low in the mix, the band were solid and got the packed crowd going early on.
It’s been a while since we last saw Soil on our shores so another band that was welcomed back tonight, bringing with them an arsenal of heavy rock that turned out to be a great fit for the show. Vocalist Ryan McCombs was entertaining and had the crowd eating out of his hand all night, commanding the stage left, right and centre all the while engaging with the audience who all seemed to be right into their show. Heavy grooves all the way through plus a few classics from their breakthrough album “Scars” which recently celebrated it’s 20th anniversary really cemented an all-around solid set.
The build up to Static-X tonight was pretty intense with numerous intros, video sequences and classic songs blasting through the PA (Including The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s Time Warp which had the entire crowd singing along) but after what seemed like forever, the band hit the stage busting out “Permanence” from the classic “Machine” album which also recently celebrated 20 years since it’s initial release.
“This Is Not” continued the Machine celebrations and it was from here that things started to really kick into hyperdrive, the band sounding on point and massive without ever missing a beat. “Love Dump” was energetic, the entire crowd jumping in unison with the industrialised dance beat while “Bled For Days” stole the show for one of the most fun performances tonight.
The new look for frontman Xero was stunning, the glowing red eyes a brilliant touch to the whole look and ensemble replicating a robotic version of the late, great Wayne Static. The production was also a great addition to the show, the video screen behind showcasing seizure inducing sequences together with dazzling light shows which all added to the experience.
The band included in the set their rendition of Nine Inch Nails “Terrible Lie” which was a fun addition. A nice tribute to Wayne with “Cold” all made us realize how much we miss the legendary frontman and all the music he gave us over the years. As good as what Static-X are tonight and with their new material they have been able to put together, it’s obviously not the same without Wayne but Tony Campos and co. have done a fantastic job with the band so far.
Ending the night was the hit track “Push It” and thus concluding yet another winner from Static-X. With a new album on it’s way to us soon, let’s hope they come back sooner than later.
PHOTOS BY THE TERRIBLE SECRET OF SPACE
STATIC-X
SOIL AND WITCHGRINDER
