Cult of Static, Static-X's sixth studio release, marks a decade since the band released their debut,

. One thing is for sure of late, I don't have to wait long for releases - the band has released three albums in three years, the sandwiched album being Cannibal Killers Live, a box set featuring footage from the tour in support of 2007's

. So when Wayne Static, front man and founder, announced in 2008 that a new album was nearing completion and would be released soon, it came as a backhand to the face. I asked myself, do these guys ever stop to smell the roses?

Cult of Static is a reference of thanks to the devoted followers and fans that have supported the band's efforts to get them where they are today. The first track, "Lunatic," was released on the Punisher: War Zone soundtrack, and then re-recorded for this album to feature a guitar solo from Megadeth icon Dave Mustaine. The solo seems just slightly thrown in just because they had Mustaine's partnership (and it sort of was judging how Wayne Static described it in a Headbanger's Blog interview), but it's cool nonetheless.

Cult of Static is also somewhat of a symbolic pennant of Wayne Static's new flame, Tera Wray, former adult film star. Not only is her name in song titles, but she appears to be featured on the artwork front cover - both Wray and Static pose as a crowd of clones of themselves. The first single, "Stingwray," is really the only song that's classic Static-X, so it's no surprise this was the first choice.

That said, the rest of the album is where the direction changes. Not only are the songs darker than before (the band had their blinkers on in

, but just didn't make the turn), but they run longer with an epic atmosphere. "Tera-Fied" at over five minutes is the epitome of this including solemn, mysterious synthesizers. With mystifying loops and sounds, intense piston-pumping riffs, "meedley meedley" guitar solos, and powerful, gritty vocals, the "evil disco" sound we strive for is here but with a darker tinge. Static-X have certainly had different sounds over the course of a decade, and Cult of Static remains to differ from anything they've done, but it's all gravy.

This album is just horrible. The songs are repetitive and redundant, and the production is cardboard-flat. Wayne Static, who used to tear it up no matter what he did (shrieking, growling, singing, etc.), barks in one annoying pitch for the entire album over uninspired and boring riffs. Multiple songs are about Wayne's new pornstar wife. I mean, i just don't give a [...], especially if the music is subpar. Which this is in every way.

I really don't know what happened; in my opinion, Wisconsin Death Trip through Start A War was all quality. Cannibal was alright, but this... I mean, it's just bad. Maybe they were just really drunk or something. Really though, don't waste your money.

I love this cd... But then again i'm one of those people that enters every new album with an open mind. It is definatly different then their other albums, but thats what makes this band so great. They change the formula up a little bit so it doesn't get old, and BAMM its gold. just give the songs a preview and i bet you'll like it.

The career of Static-X has been a roller coaster ride for fans of the band and the general fans of the genre and style. Their sound has evolved, the band has lost and gained their original guitarist, fans have stood by them while others have been alienated. The one thing all bands can learn from Static-X is it is good to experiment and step outside and beyond your comfort zone.

Cult Of Static definitely is on the heavier side like the previous release

. However this time around they have reverted back to the Wall-O-Sound style that their debut release

is known for. The guitars like on the first album have a gritty low chugging sound only pausing for well executed, but often short solo's such as the one featured on the album's second track "Z28".

The drums and bass are similar to what was heard on

, the drums almost sound poppy with simple thudding repetitive bass lines making the sound scape have a discoish feel that Static is known for. The album flows well and the tempo stays at a mid to fast pace through out. The closing track "Grind 2 Halt" has some Techno/Trance styled keyboard work that gives it a more tranquil feel then the rest of the album but aside that the album is fast and catchy.

In my personal opinion this is far from their best release but is also far from being their worse. I am glad they are sticking with a heavier style and am definitely glad they chose to keep up the soloing as it seems the solo's are only getting better as the band progresses. That said I could see why this would alienate fans of

, that album was easily their heaviest to date and was more accessible to fans of the extreme side of the metal universe.

All in all a solid release in my eyes by Static-X and they seem to continue experimenting with their sound which is always a good sign of a band that still is full of life. Fans of Static-X should be able to enjoy this, just don't expect it to be their greatest release. Others may not enjoy this as much but should definitely give the album a listen through before passing judgment. Thank you for reading.

-A Member of the Cult Of Static

Cult Of Static is more of what you would expect from Static X and that's a good thing. The band has evolved over the years with each record taking a slightly different approach than the last. That said, they never stray too far from home. There isn't anything complicated here. Cult Of Static is a heavy, mostly mid tempo Static-X record with excellent production. Highly recommended.