Static-X's fourth album sees the band reuniting with original guitarist/keyboard programmer Koichi Fukuda, who left the band just before the release of their successful sophomore album Machine in 2001. Fukuda was responsible for much of the electronic/ambient/techno/industrial sounds on the bands debut Wisconsin Death Trip, and he brings even more of that style to the fray on this latest release.
If you have never heard Static-X before, try and imagine a cross between Pantera (minus the virtuoso guitar work), Strapping Young Lad, Ministry, and perhaps White Zombie. There's plenty of heavy grooves, chunky guitars, loads of futuristic keyboards, and the maniacal shouts of singer/guitarist Wayne Static. Industrial thrash? Perhaps. The music certainly has nu-metal tendencies, but as evident on songs like "Otsego Amigo", the bubbling synth pop of "My Damnation", or the brutally heavy 'The Enemy", this is a band that is clearly doing something a little different. On "Dirthouse" and "Pieces", Wayne Static goes for the juggular with some Devin Townsend inspired vocal shrieks, supported by speed metal guitars and a rock solid rhythm.
Make sure you listen to the entire "Brainfog" tune, as after a few minutes of silence (isn't it getting a little cliche to do this?) the band rips back in with some bizarre narration followed by some death metal rants. Pretty interesting stuff. All in all, Start a War offers up some varied modern metal, with just enough catchy hooks, techno beats, and aggressive lyrics, to please the old fans and bring some new ones into the Static-X fold. Plus there's a bonus DVD included with behind the scenes footage from the band's recent tour, live performances, and other assorted goodies.
Track Listing
1. The Enemy
2. I'm the One
3. Start a War
4. Pieces
5. Dirthouse
6. Skinnyman
7. Just in Case
8. Set It Off
9. I Want to F****** Break It
10. Night Terrors Listen
11. Otsego Amigo
12. My Damnation
13. Brainfog
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