Since their debut release of “Wisconsin Death Trip” in 1999, the Los Angeles-based band, Static-X, has been a refreshing source of creativity and energy in an era of nu-metal bands that all come from a generic mold. The quartet took a heavy dose of industrial metal, a bit of evil disco, and electronic samples, and gave their fans six incredible albums over the following decade. When the band went on hiatus in 2009, fans were disappointed but always hoped that after some time off, the band might reunite and write a new album. However, when vocalist Wayne Static died tragically on November 1, 2014, Static-X fans knew that was the end. No one would ever be able to replace or create songs like Wayne…that is, until the regeneration.
The band brought about a renewed existence. Featuring many of the last recordings of Wayne, “Project: Regeneration Vol. 1” was released amid the 2020 pandemic. The way the band released new music using old demos, rebranded themselves with the original Wisconsin Death Trip lineup, and placed a vocalist named “Xer0” on stage was brilliant. Keeping his real identity anonymous, Xer0 performs frontman duties for Static-X during their live shows. Now, the band is releasing the highly anticipated follow-up, “Project: Regeneration Vol. 2” on January 26, 2024.
Their first single from “Vol 2” was a cover song of Nine Inch Nails’ “Terrible Lie.” The band does a great job keeping it recognizable while giving it Static flair. The coolest thing about this song is that it is one of the few that features Wayne’s vocals. “Stay Alive” was the second single and touches on the heavy topic of addiction. The official music video features many videos of Wayne and as one YouTuber commented, it is “heartbreakingly beautiful.” Addiction has affected us all, whether that be ourselves struggling with it, or someone we love. The fact that Wayne’s family allowed this song and video to be produced is honorable and I think it helps bring awareness to countless fans. Wayne had been working on this song the night that he passed away. The latest single was “Z0mbie.” This is a catchy tune and one of my favorites on the album. I’m sure this song will be a live staple and fan favorite for years to come.
In my opinion, the whole album is amazing. However, some tracks certainly stand out more than others. “Disco Otsego” is amazing. Older fans will immediately recognize why, but for listeners unfamiliar with the band’s history, let me explain…When he was younger, Wayne Static attended Western Michigan University and had a fake ID. The address was in a tiny Michigan town called Otsego and each of the band’s first four albums featured a song with Otsego in its name. I love that the band decided to bring that tradition back with these Regeneration albums. “Disco Otsego” sounds exactly like its name suggests– it’s a heavy metal disco song that features samples of old Static-X songs. Wisconsin Death Trip fans will love it!
“Black Star” is possibly the slowest tempo song on the album, but it hits hard and something about it reminds me a bit of the band’s 2001 hit, “Cold.” My favorite track on the album, however, is “Kamikaze.” This song is fast-paced and hits as hard as a Japanese plane in World War 2 (pun fully intended). It has catchy hooks and Xer0’s vocals are superb. Ever since “Project Regeneration Vol 1,” I have been looking forward to “Vol 2.” It was well worth the wait. Static-X has brilliantly regenerated itself while simultaneously honoring Wayne’s legacy. There’s no doubt that Wayne would be proud of this album.
