Static-X Rocks The Bourbon Theatre with Fear Factory, Dope, and Twiztid on April 9, 2023
By Mitch West
On April 9, 2023, metal fans packed The Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska, for a sold-out stop on the "Rise of the Machine" North American tour. The electrifying night featured powerhouse performances from Twiztid, Dope, Fear Factory, and headliner Static-X, delivering a face-melting experience for the heavy metal community.
Twiztid Ignites the Stage with Horrorcore Energy
Kicking off the night, Detroit-based hip-hop/metal duo Twiztid brought their signature horrorcore style to a lively, packed crowd. Known for their bold black-and-white aesthetic, Twiztid unleashed thick grooves and head-banging guitar riffs that set the tone for the evening. With their 2023 release, Glyph, marking their 29th album since their 1997 debut, Mostasteless, the duo proved their staying power. Fans can catch Twiztid’s high-energy performances at upcoming tour stops in Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, and Indiana. For tour details, visit Twiztid’s official site.
Dope Champions the DIY Spirit
Next up, New York City’s nu-metal stalwarts Dope took the stage, embodying the "do it yourself" ethos. Formed in 1997, the band, led by the passionate Edsel Dope, has independently released 10 albums, with their latest, Blood Money Part Zer0 and single "Love Song," showcasing their relentless drive. During their set, Edsel delivered an inspiring speech about creative control and bypassing record labels, resonating with fans in an era where artists wield unprecedented freedom. Dope’s performance was a testament to their grind, making their show a must-see for nu-metal enthusiasts.
Fear Factory Unleashes Industrial Metal Fury
Los Angeles-based industrial metal pioneers Fear Factory turned up the intensity, ensuring every fan’s heart raced and neck ached from relentless headbanging. Formed in 1989 by guitarist Dino Cazares, drummer Raymond Herrera, and vocalist Burton C. Bell, Fear Factory’s cinematic sound, heavy guitars, and electronic elements captivated the crowd. Their set, highlighted by the bone-rattling Edgecrusher from their 1998 album Obsolete, left a lasting impression. With a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1998 for A Small Victory and a discography including their seminal 1995 album Demanufacture, Fear Factory solidified their influence on the genre. Fans can catch them next on May 5, 2023, at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California, alongside Slanderous, Infinite Sleep, Against The Grave, and Lions At The Gate.
Static-X Celebrates 22 Years of Machine
Headlining the night, Static-X marked the 22nd anniversary of their iconic album Machine with a nostalgic, high-octane set. Formed in Los Angeles in 1994, the band, originally featuring Wayne Static, Tony Campos, Koichi Fukuda, and Ken Jay, blends industrial metal, nu-metal, and electronic elements. Despite the tragic loss of Wayne Static in 2014, the band continues to honor his legacy, with their 2023 release Project Regeneration showcasing their resilience. The masked frontman, with glowing red eyes cutting through the smoky haze, led the crowd through a setlist packed with classics like Permanence, Black and White, Love Dump, Bled for Days, and their iconic Push It from Wisconsin Death Trip (1999). With only four dates left on the "Rise of the Machine" tour, fans are urged to act fast to experience Static-X live.
