After an incredible run earlier this year on the Rise of the Machine Tour, Static-X is back on the road but this time with some new friends. The 2023-2024 Machine Killer Tour now includes not only Static-X and Dope but Sevendust has now been introduced into this already powerful equation. Fans lined up early at Piedmont Hall in Greensboro NC on Oct. 13th to get a taste of the action. There was no better way to spend Friday the 13th.
The show opened with Lines of Loyalty, a three piece band from Wisconsin. The band consists of Glenn Morrison on guitar and vocals, Redo Ianni on bass and Brayden Pike on drums. Morrison has extremely crisp vocals that come from a place of passion. Pike is the definition of never judge a book by its cover. He looks all sweet and innocent but plays the drums like they owe him money. The only time Lanni ever stood still was when he was addressing the crowd. Other than that he owned every inch of his side of the stage with both physical movements and sound. Overall Lines of Loyalty was extremely well received.
Dope was up next with a bit of a last minute line-up change. Early on in the show lead singer, Edsel Dope, informed fans that long time guitarist Andre Karkos, better known as Virus, was hospitalized. At the time the reason for hospitalization was unknown, however, Edsel reassured everyone that he was doing ok. He then introduced Virus replacement, Tommy Shaffer. Shaffer fit in perfectly. He looked the part and he played so well it felt more like he had been touring with them the whole time rather than just filling in.
Edsel has a very calming presence when he speaks. He talked to the crowd with such care and confidence and then turned around and sang with such anger, power and intensity. The rest of the band easily matched his performance. Drummer Chris Warner is always a treat to see. He makes it look so effortless but the sound is so fierce. Bass player, Daniel Fox, was all over the stage making faces and making sure everyone could feel the music.
Dope had the crowd hyped but when Sevendust took the stage the crowd erupted with screams of excitement. Lead singer, Lajon Witherspoon is a powerhouse of a front man. He had command of everyone in the building with just his voice. Witherspoon is proof that even though metalheads may look and sound scary they really are one big family and they look out for each other. During their set, Witherspoon, opened up a walking pit and encouraged everyone to join in a safe space that was similar to a circle pit.
This did not stop him from also encouraging the crowd to open multiple mosh pits. He acted kind of like a mosh pit life guard, singing one moment and in the same breath asking if someone was ok then going right back into the next line. Mid set Witherspoon paused, pointed the microphone at the audience, and stood back to listen as the crowd sang back at him like they were part of the band.
The best way to describe drummer, Morgan Rose, is the human version of Animal the Muppet. He shows no mercy to those drums yet the music still sounds so wonderful.
Pairing his animalistic approach to the drums with the deep soul touching sound of Vinnie Horsnsby’s bass, it was impossible not to feel the music. From the bathroom to the concession line every part of that venue was shaking. Clint Lowery and John Connolly are an underrated guitar duo who even on opposite sides of the stage still play well together.
Finally it was time for Static-X to take the stage. Imagine this, a storm of soapy foam like bubbles cloud the stage, a large smiling pumpkin man enters from the side as music plays. Suddenly the music changes and the pumpkin man’s smile turns into a terrifying devilish grin. Tony Campos, Ken Jay, and Koichi Fukuda take the stage as Xero’s laser red eyes appear atop a podium dressed in a steal Static-X logo. Hollow begins to play. As Xero steps down from the podium and the band transitions into Terminator Oscillator the stage became flooded with smoke bubbles (dry ice). Whoever says bubbles aren’t metal has obviously never seen a cyborg play guitar as they pop around him.
Xero’s vocal style is extremely similar to that of original lead singer, Wayne Static. The concept of replacing a fallen band member has always had some controversy behind it but Xero has been taken in with open arms. It is apparent that he is in no way trying to replace Wayne but instead keeping his legacy alive. Static came out with a new album in 2020 called Project: Regeneration Vol. 1. This year they have dropped a few songs from Vol. 2, which is set to release in 2024. As the band began to play Z0mbie a new but familiar looking monster appeared on stage. He towers over the band, he’s green, his hair reaches to the heavens and he is simply known as FRANKENSTATIC.
Campos and Fukuda do an amazing job at commanding the sides of the stage. Campos stomps along to the beat of his bass with the same power that he puts into playing it. Fukuda hypes the crowd up with a level of shredding that has been consistent over almost 30 years. Even though Jay is hidden behind Xero’s hair it doesn’t stop anyone from hearing the crashing of his symbols or thunder like sounds as he strikes the drumhead. It wouldn’t be a Static-X show without an appearance from everyone’s favorite Shovel Man during I’m With Stupid. A song which no one could resist singing along to. However, nothing could compare to the roar that they met as they ended the show with Push It.
Static- X used the momentum from the Rise of the Machine Tour and doubled that energy with new friends both human and monster. With all four bands there is something for everyone on the Machine Killer Tour. Whether it’s this year or next this is a show no one should miss. Everyone shoud enjoy a little evil disco now and again. – Tanis Enos
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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