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

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?