Customer Reviews: Read 15 more reviews...
 Probably Static-X's best June 16, 2004
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
It does take some getting used to, but it IS worth it. I think it took even longer time for me to get used to because, before it was released, I heard it was going to be "more industrial and melodic." After listening to the first six tracks, and particularly "Destroy All", I can safely say they were definitly not more melodic.
It's kind of hard to describe it, but there's a new sound running through this album (not only the melodic tracks, but the heavy ones, too). The sound is new because it is a far departure from 'Wisconsin Death Trip' and 'Machine.'I'd say Static-X's new sound is half Fear Factory and Disturbed influenced, and half their own sound. Neither "Destroy All" or the melodic moments are good representations of this C.D. If I were to steer someone towards the new sound, I'd recommend hearing "Otsegolectric".
The aforementioned 'new sound' puts a harder edge on the songs. It's full of roaring and crushing guitar and bass riffs that are layered on top of eachother resulting in a wall of awesome guitar noise. But it is not just loud cacophony. The music often turns into a surging groove, where the guitars gain energy and speed and build off eachother.
With this harder edge on the songs, it's hard to discern the bass from the guitars, but it is there. It anchors the songs and backs the guitars with an almost grumbling/growling background undertone.
With all this metal music, one might guess Wayne's voice is a typical metal howl (maybe Sully Erna's or Cory Taylor's). But the vocals are better than either of theirs. The signature yell is still ample, but Wayne actually sings on many of these tracks ("The Only," "So," etc.), and some good growls (which are framed well by the music) and staccato barks are peppered throughout. "Destroy All" is one of the two hardest C.D.s Static-X have written. Every band member includes it in their "favorite songs to play live", and with good reason. It shows Wayne can still yell, and, because it's the first track on the disc, it's almost like an onslaught that takes the listener's head off. I didn't like this song at first, but it grew on me. (At the risk of sounding corny), when I hear it now, I seriously want to get up and jump around. Mosh pits were made for songs like this.
"Control It" combines very catchy/hooky riff with more real singing.
'"Shadow Zone' contrasts disco high-hat and a bobbing beat with barbed guitars and staccato vocals"--John Wiederhorn.
The bobbing beat is like hearing little tid-bits of music, with a guitar weaving in and out (like a groundhog popping in and out of holes). This is a perfect mesh with the staccato vocals.
"Monster" is similar to "Shadow Zone", but speedier. I can just imagine doing floor/ step exercises at the gym while listening to this. It's great to get pumped up to.
"The Only" is a turning point for the C.D. This is still a heavy metal tune, but (starting here), the band incorporates more industrial music, and even a little techno and keyboards. Another momentum gainer, maximized by brief, spuradic pauses.
A great mix, a great song.
"So" is kind of the peak of the mountain. Up to this point, "Shadow Zone" has been gaining momentum, and instead of making a song that's even more heavy than the others, "So" is one of two most industrial-lite and melodic songs that the band have written. It's not quite a ballad, but very pretty nonetheless. Kind of like Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt", but with more guitars.
All the melody in this album establishes great friction between it and the heavy stuff.
So, buy this C.D. It'll take some getting used to, but who cares!? This is an awesome album!
At only 30 minutes, the bonus DVD is kind of short and skimpy (like all bonus DVDs). Although it is kind of fun to watch the band in the early days stage, in concert and in the studio, it is not worth buying this package just to get the DVD.
F***in' A!!! October 22, 2003
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Static-X are back and better than ever. Despite what I foresaw to be looming disaster, the guitar contributions of former Dope/Murderdolls hired gun Tripp Eisen actually added a new dimension of depth previously undiscovered in the Static-X catalogue. From the crushing introduction track "Destroy All" to the galloping electronic crunch of "Otsegolectric" to the catchy, MTV2-ready groove of "The Only", Shadow Zone is a winner all the way. If you're a Static fan, you'll definitely want to buy this. However, the DVD is worthless... and since there are no extra tracks on the limited edition release, you'd do just as well buying the regular version of the c.d. In any case, go out and get it... this one'll have you rockin' the X for months to come.
Static-Xcellence!!!! October 12, 2003
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Amazing CD. I've listened to it like 5 times. But I mainly wanna talk about the DVD. It was exactly what I wanted when I bought this. Tons of concert footage, and video of the band with their hair down, literally with Wayne in some cases. I'm a big fan of Tripp Rex Eisen, and was glad to see in the DVD he wrote alot of the lyrics for Shadow Zone. Get this CD/DVD combo now! You get a fantastic CD and a DVD of Static-X in concert, making Shadow Zone and just goofing off. 5 Stars!!!!
 Great new stuff, but needs to grow on me still November 11, 2003
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I have loved Static-X ever since their amazing debut "Wisconsin Death Trip" came out. Since then the band have progressed, giving us something a little different with each album. 2001's "Machine" had some great songs but it seemed to be missing something that was on W.D.T. Well it's 2003, and the boys are back with "Shadow Zone", an album that shows a side of Static-X that many thought they didn't have: a MELODIC side. Yes, ladies and gents, Wayne Static CAN SING so you can just sit down and shut the f*ck up..thank you. At first listening to this album through , I of course liked it but haven't come to love it to death as I have with W.D.T. although I liked this more than Machine. The songs are speedy, catchy and all around great, with Tripp Eisen lending a big hand in the songwriting. All in all I'd say this album isn't for a new fan, but great nonetheless. I only gave it 4 stars because it hasn't really grown on me as much. I love Wayne's new vocal approach, he almost sounds like Jonathan Davis (if Davis could still sing....) production is great, etc etc. if you listen to Static-X and have heard sh*tty reviews on this album, don't believe the f*cking bullsh*t hype, go out and get this NOW. The bonus DVD is pretty badass as well, has plenty of goodies on it.
Worth EVERY penny! October 8, 2003
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love this cd! It is a wonderful addition to the Static-x library! The DvD seals the deal, it is a wonder movie about Static-x's past, present, and future. I recommend this to anyone who enjoy's Static-x and those who have never heard of them either! They have some tracks on www.static-x.com
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