Static-X | ‘ Cult Of Static’ CD Review
April 7th, 2009 by Stephanie StevensSTATIC-X-CULT OF STATIC
REPRISE RECORDS
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/STATICX
RATING: 5/5
There is sheer excitement every time I hear that STATIC-X is either touring or writing a new record and the release date is right around the corner. The band has been together for a while and since the first time I saw the band open up on a few tours years back I was always intrigued awed and amazed at the bands sound. Through the years the world of music has also picked up on this bands talent. Through the frenzy and chaotic nature, the raspy fast paced vocals to the electronic crazy sound these guys respectably have a way about themselves that just create masterful music.
The band just released CULT OF STATIC and in my opinion (and it might be bias because I love them to death) it is their best album to date!! It leaves out a lot of the chaos and “metal” feel of albums of past but it brings in a more rock aspect but still has that signature sound as you can see in the bands first single/video STINGWRAY. The electronic sound with pounding melody driven music provides an open gate for the crisp, in your face vocals with a groove laden chorus.
But if you want to get into the best of the best then let’s talk about my favorite song off the album which is HYPURE. The penetrating backdrop of sound, the alluring attributes of the guitar and throw in that signature voice makes it even sexier but then bring that whispering aspect in and well girls this man is going to have dirty thoughts running wild in your head. This song is the “pure original formula that is here to enhance your pleasure!”
The beautiful and lovely Tera Wray Static lends us her voice on the beginning of TERA-FIELD a song that is dark, moody with electric seduction. LUNATIC sends an Indian tribal metal feel to the song a strong opener with blazing guitars and a very rock atmosphere. GRIND 2 HALT is slow driving and the song title represents the mood of the song so well. It’s brooding, mysterious and captivating. TERMINAL shows off the great combo of metal growling from Tony and the signature rasp of Wayne. This track brings out the melody driven elements with lots of groove. SKINNED sends movement through your soul and it leads you to a pressure building level it energizes you and then the melody settles you down. It’s like you’re on an amusement ride named STATIC-X. NOCTURNALLY is catchy, solid and steady paced. I love the vocal pattern and the smoothness of the track. Z28 is up beat less chaotic and in your face and gives more of a rock n roll feel.
THE CULT OF STATIC is undeniable a killer album from start to finish, an album that is a true need for this summer and beyond. If you’re new to the STATIC-X camp this is your time to get them into your life.
Cult of Static is a reference of thanks to the devoted followers and fans that have supported the band’s efforts to get them where they are today. The first track, “Lunatic,” was released on the Punisher: War Zone soundtrack, and then re-recorded for this album to feature a guitar solo from Megadeth icon Dave Mustaine. The solo seems just slightly thrown in just because they had Mustaine’s partnership (and it sort of was judging how Wayne Static described it in a Headbanger’s Blog interview), but it’s cool nonetheless.
Cult of Static is also somewhat of a symbolic pennant of Wayne Static’s new flame, Tera Wray, former adult film star. Not only is her name in song titles, but she appears to be featured on the artwork front cover – both Wray and Static pose as a crowd of clones of themselves. The first single, “Stingwray,” is really the only song that’s classic Static-X, so it’s no surprise this was the first choice.
That said, the rest of the album is where the direction changes. Not only are the songs darker than before (the band had their blinkers on in Cannibal, but just didn’t make the turn), but they run longer with an epic atmosphere. “Tera-Fied” at over five minutes is the epitome of this including solemn, mysterious synthesizers. With mystifying loops and sounds, intense piston-pumping riffs, “meedley meedley” guitar solos, and powerful, gritty vocals, the “evil disco” sound we strive for is here but with a darker tinge. Static-X have certainly had different sounds over the course of a decade, and Cult of Static remains to differ from anything they’ve done, but it’s all gravy.