Static-X is a band containing an X in their name and they don't play Progressive Metal. Hahaha, I guess I lived to see this happen too, among other things. But Static-X is not a new band and I happen to know them for quite some time now. Most people out there know this act for their amazing Wisconsin Death Trip album back in 1999.
Since then a lot of bad things have happened to the band, worst of them being the arrest of previous guitarist Tripp Eisen on February 24, 2005 in Orange County, California, for allegedly meeting and sexually assaulting a 14 year old girl a month earlier in New Jersey. Well, I guess that can be considered as a setback! Truth also is that the band has tried to recreate the amazing sound of Wisconsin Death Trip since 1999 but didn't manage to do so on a 100% level of success.
So does Start A War make the difference? Well... no. As an album, it sticks to the basics of Static-X and contains some really good songs but it is simply not the same. The opener The Enemy is smashing, or the I Want To Fucking Break It tune with its hilarious polka intro brings again forth the band's good taste of humor. But what is left is a NU Metal package with a genius vocalist sounding a bit alone in this team. I don't like badmouthing the rest of the musicians but it's quite obvious to me that Wayne is a step ahead from the rest of the team. His acrobatic vocal abilities might bring in mind a heavier version of System Of A Down. Sadly this is not enough to cover the simplicity of some songs. NU Metal is mainstream but don't drop it down to a couple of ideas for each song, guys!
Considering the difficulties this band has been through the last couple of years, I think it's a miracle they are still around. Start A War is a respectful attempt to keep the engines running, but I expect much more from them in the future.