Static-X and Sevendust join forces to bring the 'Machine Killer Tour' to Lancaster

October 18, 2023

A tour featuring combination of artists that haven't hit the road together in over a decade, the newly reformed Static-X and Sevendust have come together for the metal tour of the year with some of the biggest production and venues that has made all feel like we are back in 1999 (at least for one night.)


The tragic death of Wayne Static in 2014 lit the spark that eventually led to the return of Static-X in the current formation with their new, mysterious frontman Xer0 being a clever nod to the original great whose shoes he is filling. While there is much speculation amongst fans as to who this new singer is officially it remains anonymous, however critical praise for the live performances and new music recorded with Xer0 have helped bring the band back to the forefront of the metal scene. This recaptured attention, combined with the touring power of metal mainstay Sevendust helped make the 'Machine Killer Tour' one of the most hyped metal tours of the year when it was announced. Metal veterans will attest that few bands have perfected the live touring circuit better than Sevendust over the years and the band has been on a creative hot streak over the past few years releasing a ton of powerful new music to their bolster already impressive discography. Together these two iconic bands were set to deliver one of the best metal shows Lancaster has seen in years and possibly ever within the Freedom Hall Convention Center.


Despite some audio issues that plagued the first few songs of the set, dope's brief time on the stage set the tone for the remainder of the night as crowd surfers flowed over the barricade and mosh pits had burst to life through out the massive venue. The band shined literally on stage within the massive production and performance wise as they commanded excellence with their brief set before making way for the stage hands to prepare for the arrival of Sevendust. The merch lines wrapped the venue, the beer lines sprawled even further - the anticipation for the main event had gripped the venue and went the lights dimmed out for the start of Sevendust fans came running from all directions to get the best spot they could within the pit. A "mosh pit here" sign was raised before the band's first song and remained there from start to finish with lead singer Lajon Witherspoon mentioning it a few times during the performance. Across their 15 song set Sevendust reminded those who had forgotten why they have been touring for the better part of two decades - they remain one of the (if not the) best live performances within the genre.


While age has started to creep on them but Sevendust have long been too stubborn to let them slow their performance as this has seen the grow even further as artists with the introduction of massive video boards and content that only further elevated their already powerful songs. The crowd was feral for their set with multiple mosh pits and a constant flow of crowd surfers coming over the barricade that peaked on the heaviest songs of the set like "Face to Face" and "Spinter." When many bands leave the stage they leave an air of speculation over what comes next but that didn't reign true for Sevendust's set in Lancaster. We know there is a new album they just release and we also know what comes next - more touring and more excellence because that is simple the Sevendust way.


Static-X's arrival to the stage at the Freedom Hall Convention Center took the already buzzing energy in the room and sent it into a fever pitch as the cold spark pyrotechnics went off to form a massive 'X' to start the set behind the robotic Xer0. From there the set went every which way it possibly in o way that only a band with such an extensive history could achieve. While their 16 song set had a fair amount of new material from the critically acclaimed "Project Regeneration, Vol. 1" the band remained true to their mission with their recent touring in honoring the legacy of how Static-X reached the peak of the amount and the legacy of Wayne Static.


Few bands could achieve the technical and theatrical performance that Static-X has put together for the 'Machine Killer Tour' and even fewer bands could deliver it with the force that the band did in Lancaster. This tour has not only proved that Static-X is back but plans to remain around for awhile as they've invested heavily into this massive touring production for their fans. 2023 has been their year so far and with this tour (and a new album) on the horizon the only direction you'll find Static-X for the foreseeable future is upwards. These two icons may never hit the road again with this many dates and they've given everyone a chance to see them as popularity has demanded a second leg be added with dates already announced and on sale. You can miss a lot of tours in life and survive but you can't miss this one if you are a fan of the genre. Old fans,. new fans and everyone in between - the 'Machine Killer Tour' is a MUST see because let's be honest, will it really get any better this?

Static-X and Sevendust

with dope

"Machine Killer Tour"


Freedom Hall Convention Center - Lancaster, PA

October 15, 2023

Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Trivium and Jinjer bring the 'Ascend Above The Ashes Tour' to Lancaster

By Matt Christine • November 14, 2025
Trivium is back on the road in 2025 — and this time, they’ve brought Jinjer along for a blistering run across the U.S. on the “Ascend Above The Ashes Tour.” Over the last four years, the rock and metal world has seen a wild expansion of dream-team co-headlining and powerful support on tours, the kind fans never thought they’d see outside of wish lists. Rising metal powerhouse Jinjer has been in the international spotlight ever since they were forced to exit Slipknot’s 2022 tour to return home and support Ukraine’s war efforts. In the years since, they’ve become global ambassadors for both their country and the metal community. And even as the supporting act on this tour, the band was greeted by a massive turnout and a stage setup that matched their well-earned status in the scene. Their addition on this tour with Trivium was a match made in heaven (or hell) and a perfect compliment sonically. The band's 9 song setlist got the mosh pit moving and crowd surfers flowing ahead of the main event that evening. It may have been a Wednesday night , but you wouldn’t have known it based on the crowd’s energy leading up to Trivium’s 9:50 p.m. arrival. Pennsylvania showed once again why it has a reputation as one of the weirdest and yet strongest markets in the country for rock and metal. When the band’s massive stage slowly illuminated to reveal a dramatic backdrop, Trivium launched into their set with explosive force as strobes burst to blinding effects all around them. Trivium's 14 song set was a blistering pace of their greatest hits and new material that left little time for the band to chat with the crowd as they moved quickly from song to song. Frontman Matt Heafy nearly blended into the elaborate backdrop thanks to a jacket patterned almost identically, but he was impossible to miss as he tore across the stage from mic to mic, shredding through one technical assault after another. Much like Jinjer’s opening performance, Trivium delivered a razor-sharp, 80-minute set that pulled from across their expansive catalog. From the first crushing riff to the final crack of the snare, they gave Lancaster everything they had — and the packed pit gave it right back. Opening nights can often feel unpredictable, but Lancaster showed up ready, proving once again that this city doesn’t just attend shows — it sets the bar. If the rest of the “Ascend Above Ashes Tour” follows this lead, Trivium and Jinjer are in for one unforgettable run.

Taylor Acorn returns home to Pennsylvania at the Archer Music Hall

By Matt Christine • November 12, 2025
Taylor Acorn’s return to Pennsylvania to the Arrow at the Archer Music Hall in Allentown was a homecoming a long time coming after a massive year of touring and festival appearances. Just a few weeks after performing at the When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas - and fresh off wrapping The Summer School Tour - Taylor Acorn returned to Pennsylvania with clear momentum behind her. Touring in support of her newly released LP, she arrived at The Arrow at the Archer in Allentown with a setlist shaped around this new chapter of her sound. The fresh material wasn’t just sprinkled into the night; it was the thread that held the entire show together. And while Acorn hasn’t forgotten her roots in the pop-punk world, it’s obvious that these newer songs give her a wider lane to move in and let her shine bright onstage. The Arrow itself proved to be an ideal setting. The room was full but comfortable, with that sweet spot where you can feel the crowd’s energy without fighting for space. Warm lighting and a clear sightline from almost anywhere in the venue helped create a sense of connection the moment Acorn stepped out. It didn’t take long for the entire place to settle into a rhythm—heads nodding, hands in the air, and plenty of voices shouting back the lines they knew. Between songs, Acorn kept the energy light and the banter genuine. She shared quick stories, poked fun at herself, and made it clear she appreciated being back in her home state. Nothing dragged, nothing felt overly rehearsed—it all stayed grounded in the good-natured vibe that filled the room. By the end of the night, The Arrow at the Archer felt less like a tour stop and more like a celebration of where Acorn is right now: an artist still rooted in the scene that raised her, but growing fast and sounding sharper than ever. The crowd felt it, the room carried it, and Acorn made sure everyone left buzzing. A strong show, a great space, and the kind of night that makes you want to catch her again before the tour moves on.

Kaleo bring the 'Mixed Emotions Tour' to from Iceland to Allentown

By Matt Christine • September 19, 2025
On September 16, 2025, Icelandic rockers KALEO brought their Mixed Emotions Tour to Allentown’s Archer Music Hall, with Quarters of Change and Júníus Meyvant on the bill.