Machine

Static-X

Static-X and their 1999 debut, Wisconsin Death Trip, seemed to garner more interest for singer Wayne Static's gravity-defying hairstyle than for the L.A.-based lineup's genre-defying music. The aptly titled sophomore outing, Machine, is the worthy, if expected, follow-up. The intense, mechanized, futuristic metal found here comes across as a thrash version of Orgy, with a dollop of Ministry and a dash of Powerman 500 tossed in for extra punch. The intense, short bursts that are "Get to the Gone" and "This Is Not" are forceful and demanding, thanks to Static's growl-scream and the rhythmic power of the music. The spooky "Cold" and epic album closer, "A Dios Alma Perdida," would be suitable for a horror-movie soundtrack, while "Otsego Undead" kicks off with a welcome organic drum sound, though the song never really goes anywhere--a problem that resurfaces throughout Machine. Indeed, the album's revved-up vibe, monster riffs, and irresistible energy are all ultimately held down by a dearth of memorable songs. --Katherine Turman

Machine Album: