Review Tuesday: Project Regeneration Volume 1 by Static-X

 

STATIC-X

Project: Regeneration
Volume 1

 

In 2011, when the Wayne Static solo project PIGHAMMER came out, it seemed a very real  confirmation that Static-X had truly broken up. In the turbulent two years since CULT OF STATIC (2009) came out there had been many interviews and harsh words aimed at the former band-mates, especially between bassist Tony Campos and singer/guitarist Wayne Static. I used to think that Tony was getting more than a bit butt-hurt from a comment that Wayne made during an interview that they really weren't friends and more like business partners. I thought: Who cares? Call me your butler if you like, as long as I keep getting paid! 

However, I figured the final nail in the Static-X coffin was when Wayne died from a drug overdose on November 1, 2014. I recall preparing to be in my friend's wedding party early that morning when I heard the news. Wayne's 50% share of Static-X shifted to his wife Tera Wray. She committed suicide soon thereafter. I am not sure where things went after that, but apparently Tony Campos was able to regain control of Static-X and get the original band line-up with guest singers to tour for the anniversary of  WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP. Apparently things went well and the band went into the studio with some unfinished music that Wayne had left behind and created PROJECT: REGENERATION. 

Track list:

1. Regeneration 
2. Hollow 
3. Worth Dyin For 
4. Terminator Oscillator 
5. All These Years 
6. Accelerate 
7. Bring You Down 
8. My Destruction 
9. Something of My Own 
10. Otsego Placebo 
11. Follow 
12. Dead Souls

This is the seventh studio recording by Static-X. At the time I am writing this review, I have listened to the albums dozens of times already since its release on July 10, 2020. It's a really good, solid, and likeable Static-X record. I immediately liked it better than Cannibal and/or Cult of Static. The production is slick and polished. The sound is great and seems like representations from all over the years that the band existed. This, naturally, leads me to believe that these were outtakes that were never revisited but clearly had enormous potential. They are back to their 12 track playlist, and a new OTSEGO inside joke song. Most of the songs aren't very long, one coming in at only one minute, but they are all fully developed and fun to listen to.

The band line-up currently consists of original members Tony Campos on bass and vocals, Koichi Fukuda on lead guitars and Ken Jay playing drums. The mysterious Xer0 is touring as lead singer and guitarist in the Wayne Static spot, even wearing a Wayne mask. Rumor has it that it's Edsel Dope of DOPE is the one who landed that spot. 

But the more reading I had done made me think a lot more. I had read various interviews with band members over the years. While Wayne always came off and friendly and fun in his interviews, he also showed a dark side here and there. How he would be short with other members when they would pass up the party life for clean living. Getting annoyed with the others when they pleaded with him to be careful with the trajectory of his life and habits. It made me feel bad that these guys, who made music I liked and knew how to have a fun show were seriously at odds with each-other behind the scenes. Ultimately this lead to the demise of the band and Wayne himself.

But I digress. The fact that this record is named Volume One implies there should be a forthcoming Volume Two. If I were to venture a guess, I would say that the band will continue production of Wayne's outtakes while monitoring interest in the band in its current state. They have been doing some relatively minor touring over the last couple years, first with various guest singers and more recently, and steadily, with Xer0. I believe that with a new band dynamic, without the toxicity that Wayne used to inject, and provided that the fans are willing to welcome a new frontman, that we could be seeing all fresh new material in the future. But that's down the road.For now the fans have a new record called REGENERATION that is quite good. Do go out and get a copy and how your support!

Get it on AMAZON