Fittingly one week before All Hallow’s Eve, Charm City was treated to an incredible pre-Halloween party that only industrial rock legends, Static-X could serve up. In the midst of their tour with Mudvayne, Static-X stopped by the newly opened Nevermore Hall along with Dope, and the fans couldn’t get enough.

There are times when you know it’s going to be a great show when you show up an hour before doors and there’s already lines from both entrances packed with fans, some of whom had gone to great lengths to dress up for the occasion.

I have to admit that I had never had the chance to see Static-X prior to this night, though I knew the band’s heavy, industrial sounds way back when Wisconsin Death Trip hit shelves over 25 years ago. Unlike other nu-metal bands of the time, Static-X, led by the charismatic Wayne Static, shared more in common with bands like Ministry with what they termed their sound “evil disco.” Evil Disco is as apt a descriptor as any with songs like “Push It” and “Sweat of the Bud” characterized by this high-hat heavy beat buried under heavily distorted fuzz and the growling staccato of Static.

Opening the evening was New York City-based band Dope who brought their own brand of industrial metal infused punk rock with an energetic performance that put the band on my need-to-see-again list. This was apparently a very special stop as Dope front man, Edsel Dope, told the capacity crowd that most of the shows they’ve been playing have been supporting Mudvayne but this was a stop on an otherwise odd day for the tour.

I hadn’t been back to the space that Rams Head Live formerly occupied since the last show there last year. I was curious to see what might have changed in the interim, and the first thing I noticed heading into Nevermore Hall was how much the sound had improved since I had been there last. Even up in the second and third tiers of the venue where things tend to get a bit muddy, the sound was clear. Cool murals also flanked the sides of the venue with Poe-inspired pieces adorning the walls.

This all gave the place a appropriately spooky vibe as when it came time for Static-X to hit the stage, a giant pumpkin-headed figure strode onto the stage. Its extended tentacle-like arms loomed over the crowd before retreating back stage.

The band took the stage and immediately went into three numbers from Wisconsin Death Trip – “Bled for Days,” “Wisconsin Death Trip,” and “Fix.” Front and center was Xero, dressed as a robotic avatar in tribute for Wayne Static who passed away in 2014. The mask’s glowing red eyes seemed to be ever present as Xero’s gruff vocals propelled the tunes.

As bassist, Tony Campos and guitarist, Koichi Fukuda took each wing of the stage they worked the crowd, sometimes playing to each other before heading to the opposite side of the stage while drummer, Ken Jay was relentless with his machine like drum kit.

And if Xero and the giant pumpkin-headed figure weren’t enough, a character dressed in a white suit and sporting a giant “X” as a head danced onto the stage in the middle of the”Fix” getting the crowd pumped (as if they needed it!).

Check out the official video for “Push It” by Static-X:

Nearly all of the songs on the set list came from older material – pre-regeneration – however there was one song, “Terminator Oscillator” from 2020’s Project Regeneration, Vol. 1 that kicked like a mule with it’s fuzzed out, techno-flavored brand of, well, evil disco.

During the set a giant Frankenstein’s monster appeared making its way back and forth across the stage as balloons bounced around the dance floor. It was like a celebration of all that Static-X has meant to their fans and possibly a look into the future.

Static-X finished their set with two of the band’s most popular songs, “I’m With Stupid” and the crowd-pleasing “Push It” as the whole place erupted in hearing the opening thrum of the tune.

The setlist included:

Bled for Days
Wisconsin Death Trip
Fix
Terminator Oscillator
Sweat of the Bud
Love Dump
I Am
Otsegolation
The Trance Is the Motion
Black and White
Get to the Gone
Dirthouse
Cannibal
Destroy All
Cold
I’m With Stupid
Push It

Check out more photos of Static-X bringing the party to the Nevermore Hall on October 23, 2025. All photos are copyright David LaMason:

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And here are photos of Dope opening the evening at Nevermore Hall:

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