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18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cult of Static remains to differ from anything they've done, March 17, 2009
Cult of Static, Static-X's sixth studio release, marks a decade since the band released their debut, Wisconsin Death Trip. One thing is for sure of late, I don't have to wait long for releases - the band has released three albums in three years, the sandwiched album being Cannibal Killers Live, a box set featuring footage from the tour in support of 2007's Cannibal. So when Wayne Static, front man and founder, announced in 2008 that a new album was nearing completion and would be released soon, it came as a backhand to the face. I asked myself, do these guys ever stop to smell the roses?
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.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
So exactly how many nu-metal bands are still signed to major labels?!, April 23, 2009
I might get bashed by the "tr00 to metal" community but you know what, I'm compelled to give this album a positive review.
Okay, so Static-X came out as the spikey-haired industrial-metal cousins of nu-metal's most active bands. But these guys were ahead of the pack, and that much was solidified when Wisconsin Death Trip received platinum status despite relatively little commercial support. Well, then their awesome guitarist, Koichi Fukuda, left to do other things and was replaced with a some guy who was kicked out when he was exposed for trying to be a kid toucher. Meanwhile, Ken Jay left the group and while Nick Oshiro handled some responsibilities since 2003, he didn't really commit full time to the band until about 2005. Afterward however, Oshiro committed to the group and Fukuda came back to the fold. Now, the band has released an industrial metal album that is very, VERY awesome and very complete for a metal album in general.
The album sounds great. The production is absolutely top notch. The group put out a dedicated effort and didn't spare a moment in making sure a good album got turned out. You're getting everything you've come to know about Static-X on this album (Wayne Static's growling, deep grooves on bass and guitar, rhythmic drumming with the occasional blasting, and the whole electronic-metal feel they like to have.) What you're also getting though are songs that have a strong attention to detail as well groovy interludes. Unlike most nu-metal bands though, this album makes sure to have guitar solos as well as the instrumental breakdowns that have become so familiar with the genre (not necessarily on every song, but when it can serve the song, they totally have it.)
If anyone were to ask my for my favorite songs on the album, I would tell you that "Lunatic" was my favorite, but that's a little unfair because Dave Mustaine (that's right, Dave Mustaine from Megadeth) has a solo on the song. Other tracks I dug were "Terminal", "Tera-Fied", "You and I", "Skinned", and "Grind 2 Halt" we're pretty rad. I would recommend the album to industrial metal fans, people who can be mature enough to admit they liked nu-metal when it was cool, and female metal fans. Conversely, for all you "tr00 metal" guys trying to pick up girls or show their prospective ladies something they like to listen to, this might be better then blasting Nile or Carcass (though Cynic's "Traced In Air" could be a slightly better for that... but that's almost an entirely different ball game depending on who you listen to.)
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Back To The Basics, April 20, 2009
The career of Static-X has been a roller coaster ride for fans of the band and the general fans of the genre and style. Their sound has evolved, the band has lost and gained their original guitarist, fans have stood by them while others have been alienated. The one thing all bands can learn from Static-X is it is good to experiment and step outside and beyond your comfort zone.
Cult Of Static definitely is on the heavier side like the previous release Cannibal. However this time around they have reverted back to the Wall-O-Sound style that their debut release Wisconsin Death Trip is known for. The guitars like on the first album have a gritty low chugging sound only pausing for well executed, but often short solo's such as the one featured on the album's second track "Z28".
The drums and bass are similar to what was heard on Cannibal, the drums almost sound poppy with simple thudding repetitive bass lines making the sound scape have a discoish feel that Static is known for. The album flows well and the tempo stays at a mid to fast pace through out. The closing track "Grind 2 Halt" has some Techno/Trance styled keyboard work that gives it a more tranquil feel then the rest of the album but aside that the album is fast and catchy.
In my personal opinion this is far from their best release but is also far from being their worse. I am glad they are sticking with a heavier style and am definitely glad they chose to keep up the soloing as it seems the solo's are only getting better as the band progresses. That said I could see why this would alienate fans of Cannibal, that album was easily their heaviest to date and was more accessible to fans of the extreme side of the metal universe.
All in all a solid release in my eyes by Static-X and they seem to continue experimenting with their sound which is always a good sign of a band that still is full of life. Fans of Static-X should be able to enjoy this, just don't expect it to be their greatest release. Others may not enjoy this as much but should definitely give the album a listen through before passing judgment. Thank you for reading.
-A Member of the Cult Of Static
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