Culture

‘Machine Killer’ tour brings nu-metal veterans to Columbus

By: Henry Day
Posted on: Monday, February 26, 2024

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOUB) – There’s a lot to appreciate about the ’90s, from the fashion trends to the Furbys, and certainly when we’re talking about the metal music scene. Despite some thrash metal purists and shredder snobs looking down on the era, I find a lot to love about the unapologetic edge of nu-metal bands of that time.

The Machine Killer tour, featuring nu-metal veterans Static-X, Sevendust, and Dope, stopped in Columbus at KEMBA! Live (405 Neil Avenue) Wednesday night, and it seemed the perfect opportunity to delve into some of the most renowned acts of the era.

Kenosha, WI-based Lines of Loyalty opened up the show, with the frontman and guitarists shredding back-to-back, and even performing a few drumstick flips during the set. After Lines of Loyalty, Dope took the stage, pumping up fans with their tight rhythm section and killer vocalist.

There was a friendly atmosphere and a buzz of excitement among crowd. Although the venue had groups jumping and headbanging near the stage, it was easily accessible to get a view for more risk-averse fans.

Sevendust was up next, and I must say their vocalist, Lajon Witherspoon, was born to be a frontman. Led by Witherspoon’s empowering voice and righteous enthusiasm, the Atlanta-formed group had the crowd chanting and singing along to most of their lyrics. Witherspooon even leaned over the stage to fist-bump and high-five fans and security alike.

After delivering an electrifying display of metal musicianship with hits like Dirty and Everything, Sevendust left the stage, leaving fans happy to see the ’90s metal veterans continuing to rock.

Now it was time for Static-X, who is – by far – the most theatrical of the performers. Static-X formed in L.A. in 1994. From that point on, the band was creatively driven by frontman Wayne Static. After attempts to reform the band following a hiatus, Static passed away in 2014.

In 2018, original members Tony Campos, Koichi Fukuda, and Ken Jay reformed the band by releasing tracks with vocals previously recorded by Wayne. From that point forward the self-labeled “evil disco” artists toured with an android vocalist they called Xero.

First off, Static-X’s production value was truly something to see. Not only were there fog machines, bubbles, and snow – the act kicked off with the entrance of a disco ball textured jack o-lantern. The puppet – or animatronic? – entered the stage as fake snow filled the air.

The band’s unique blend of sludgy guitars and industrial music is all their own – even when compared to artists like Korn and Nine Inch Nails. The band had all kinds of theatrics planned throughout the set, including “Frankenstatic,” a morbid character who entered the stage while the band played Zombie, featuring Xero’s outrageous and catchy vocals.

While static mascots armed with fog guns tore up the stage, the band played fan-favorite tracks like black and white and Bled For Days. However, the evil disco slowed down during their performance of Cold, which was dedicated to Static’s legacy.

Static’s legacy lives on, especially with Static-X’s Project Regeneration releases. The project is based off of recordings left by the late Static. The first was released in 2020, followed by a second volume released just last month.

It’s clear Static-X shows no sign of slowing down their live show, and fans are hungry for more music; eager for whatever lies in the next chapter for these purveyors of evil disco.