Pix by Kaotic Images
We could only imagine and speculate just how difficult it would be to carry on playing after someone you love so deeply has passed away in your band. For some artists, it’s deemed impossible. Static-X have managed to not only continue playing and doing what they love, but they have also done it in such a way to honor Wayne Static, their original frontman, and done so beautifully.
Static-X have been around for a long time and although it’s been a few years since their last tour here, they have a strong following from us Aussies. They hit our shores in late May touring Melbourne, Sydney and finishing up in Brisbane offering up their ‘industrial metal’ goodness with touring partners SOiL (America) and Witchgrinder (Australia).
HEAVY went along to check out the Brisbane leg of their shows to see what they’re all about firsthand. When we arrived Witchgrinder had already taken stage, and it was their job to get Brisbane pumped up for the show. This is a hard feat on a Sunday, a ‘school night’ if you like, but these guys took the challenge and ran with it!
We caught the last few songs they offered up and could see pretty quickly why these guys are big players in the metal scene of Australia. It’s always interesting and special to catch the last show of a tour, and you could see how comfortable and excited everyone was to be playing. I wish I caught more of their set to talk on but can say that if you get the chance to see Witchgrinder play – go! You won’t be disappointed.
Next up was SOiL and as soon as they hit the stage, everyone went mad for them! Their instant stage presence and massive sound was commanding, grabbing your attention immediately. Couldn’t help but think what a well-oiled machine these fellas are and found them high quality and very entertaining from the get-go.
Frontman Ryan McCombs was so comfortable playing his role on stage and had the crowd in the palm of his hand throughout their performance. When he said middle fingers up or raise your hands and clap, we did. There was a hilarious middle part in which we bestowed some ‘Aussie culture’ unto him demanding a ‘shoey’. Much to my horror and surprise he reluctantly accepted this FOUL workman-style boot off a willing fan and fucking chugged out of it! What a committed showman. After the show I saw him walk up and shake the ‘dirty boot guys’ hand, showing he was a good sport, and it was all in good fun.
All jokes and silliness aside, SOiL ripped through songs from their album Scars and the crowd absolutely loved walking down memory lane with them. Before walking off-stage Ryan kindly said “Music starts with you. Music ends with you. You make this happen”. A nod to everyone sticking together and supporting the industry during Covid and hard times, which I thought was a nice touch.
Personally, I thought they were fucking fantastic and would definitely take the time to see them again if I get the chance!
Now time for the main act and what everyone has been patiently waiting for, Static-X. The gear was cleared off-stage making plenty of room for movement and the graphics gradually started appearing on the massive screen prompting excitement in the crowd. The lights went down and Pantera’s Walk started playing which really got the crowd excited and singing in unison! Then one by one the OG band members Tony Campos, Ken Jay and Koichi Fukuda made their way on stage with Xer0 appearing lastly in his iconic mask with red laser eyes.
Everyone in the band emitted this high energy and the crowd matched this, literally jumping and head-banging to each song. A fun time was being had by all, with massive smiles on their faces and this look of pure joy.
As the show went on, they continue to play their classics and did not disappoint with the quality of the show that was put on. Toward the end of their set, they took the time to pay homage to Wayne Static during Cold, plastering a video loop of Wayne and asking the crowd to cheer in his honour and show their respects. It was a really humbling moment for the band to share with us.
To add to the entertainment HUGE Static-X balloons were thrown to the crowd, enabling the inner kid in everyone. You could see massive smiles on the punters faces waiting for their shot to hit the balloon and the band taking part using their instruments as ‘bats’. It was a really light-hearted and fun element to add to the show.
Static-X really offers a fusion of music genres to cater for all and put on a really interesting and entertaining show. I hope we gave them a warm enough reception to see them return one day soon to do it all again!
