Even the greats must mellow a little bit at times…. So goes the tale of the 2003 opus, “Shadow Zone” [Warner Bros. Records], by Static-X. There is definitely a much more radio-friendly feel—with a greater emphasis on the Industrial influences, and a less aggressive (less brutal, less Death Metal) quality. It’s still cool, but it is softer.
Static-X deftly constructs a slick, catchy brand of Industrial Aggro Metal with enough hook to gut a wooly mammoth. Tight, mechanized rhythms stitch together crunchy guitars and aggressive vocals (growled and clean). It’s blasting, chaotic, and as beautiful as a star-drenched sky.
Severe and serene, the best of these killer cuts include “So,” the ripping “The Only,” “Destroy All,” the fiery “Control It,” and “Kill Your Idols.” Static-X simply destroys….
In summary, even a somewhat tamer Static-X is still amazing. So enter the Shadow Zone, and you won’t be disappointed. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Slipknot, Spineshank, Fear Factory, Nailbomb, Simon Says, Lifer, No One, Downthesun, Five Pointe O, Stone Sour, 36 Crazyfists, Ill Nino, Coal Chamber, Twisted Method, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. War.
Bill Vogel III
Email at: StrangeAeons@hatebox.net
Copyright 2003.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
