The Machine Killer Tour Hits The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Tampa, Fl. (February 4th, 2024)

In the early 2000’s nu-metal and its cousin industrial metal ruled the roost. Top dog bands like Sevendust and Static X were major draws and their fanbase was hardcore to say the least. In 2014 Wayne Static and the force behind Static X had died. For many the chance to see the band seemed a foregone conclusion that it would never happen.

Fast forward to 2024 and Sevendust is just as hard as they’ve ever been. In a twist Static X had been resurrected a few years earlier by the remaining members of the band and the new lead man Xer0, a masked singer with a shock of ‘hair’ in tribute to the late Wayne Static. With both bands still vital and powerful it would be inevitable that they would join forces to tour together, and it finally has happened with the Machine Killer tour.

With these two powerhouse bands on one bill , it was no wonder that the Hard Rock Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was packed. Opening up the night was a relatively unfamiliar band to the crowd, Lines Of Loyalty. The trio out of Kenosha Wisconsin certainly made a favorable impression on everyone there. For thirty minutes they banged out one solid tune after another. While it can be hard for opening bands on a stacked tour like this to get any traction with partisan fans, they bridged the gap with their blend of hard rock and by the time they were done with their set, they definitely made more then their fair share of new fans.

The next band to take the stage was Dope. They wasted no time and plunged the audience into a whirlwind of hard hitting sound and raw emotion. From the very first note, it was crystal clear that Dope was here to deliver a powerhouse performance. Their stage presence was magnetic, with frontman Edsel Dope’s vocals cut through the air like a razor. Not only was their performance electric, but Diesel’s rapport with their fans was instantaneous. Over the course of their thirty minute portion of the show he would make fun quips and interact with their fans. Of course the y played their big hit “Die, Bom, Bang, Burn, F***”. They ended their performance with what had to be the best cover ever of the Dead Or Alive hit song “You Spin Me Right Round(Like A Record)”.

Now it was time for one of the hardest hitting bands in not just the hard rock milieu, but in all of rock, Sevendust. Before the stage lights came alive, you could cut the tension in the venue with a knife. EVERYONE there was excited to welcome the band to Tampa. They kicked off the night with the low key yet hard-hitting “I Might Let the Devil Win,” Sevendust wasted no time in unleashing their trademark sound upon the eager crowd. From the first note, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.

As the set progressed, Sevendust delivered one powerhouse performance after another, each song resonating with intensity and passion. Tracks like “Truth Killer” and “Alpha” showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly blend crushing riffs with soul-stirring melodies, while “Till Death” and “Pieces” elicited a visceral response from the audience, who sang along with fervor.

Throughout the night, frontman Lajon Witherspoon’s vocals were full of his trademark soulfulness and power. His magnetic stage presence held the audience captive. His emotional delivery on tracks like “Hero” and “Denial” left a lasting impression, drawing listeners into the heart of the music with every word.

But it wasn’t just Witherspoon who stole the show—guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connolly shredded with relentless precision, their blistering solos cutting through the air like a knife. Bassist Vince Hornsby and drummer Morgan Rose provided a rock-solid foundation, driving the rhythm forward with unwavering intensity.

As the set reached its climax, Sevendust unleashed a barrage of fan favorites, including the anthemic “Enemy” and the haunting “Everything,” leaving the crowd in a state of euphoria. The band’s performance of “Bitch” and “Face to Face” brought the evening to a thrilling conclusion, with fans chanting along and throwing horns in the air.

Closing out the night was the other half of the heavy weight bill, industrial powerhouse Static X. When Wayne Static passed it was just logical thinking that this was the demise of the band. Thankfully, the rest of the group figured out how to resurrect the Static X. With the addition of Xer0 taking over for Wayne, the guys even put out two new albums appropriately named Project: Regeneration vol. 1 and vol. 2.

With the house lights dimmed, instead of the usual smoke coming from the stage, Static X went a completely different direction with the venue getting filled with bubbles. This definitely set the stage for a truly unique show. As the lights started to come up what could best be described as an evil pumpkin headed giant dashed on stage and menaced the crowd. Indeed, this was going to be a one of a kind night. Finally the band hit the stage and launched into “Hollow” and followed it up quickly with “Terminator Oscillator” from Project: Regeneration vol. 1. The was no question about it, the new music was a big hit.

The band would rip through classic Static X material from their megahit album Wisconsin Death Trip. From “Love Dump, to “Sweat Of The Bead”, to “Wisconsin Death Trip” this was a trip back in time to when the band was in its heyday. New singer Xer0 played the Wayne Static part well. His vocals paid homage to the late Wayne Static quite well. Even the mask he wore paid tribute to him .

The rest of the band was made up of the original members and they were as tight as they have ever been. As good as the band sounded, the stage show they brought along had tons of visual interest to it. From the video screens showing all sorts of craziness, to the character with the giant circle with an ‘X’ emblazoned on it dancing around the stage and blowing smoke with a out into the crowd with a CO2 gun.

They saved the best for last though. Their encore would consist of arguably their two biggest hit songs. The first they would play was “I’m With Stupid”. Xero was spitting out the lyrics rapid fire and the rest of the band was at its concussive best. The crowd was singing the chorus word for word. They saved the best for last and finished the night with a killer performance of “Push It”/

Back in the day the combination of Sevendust and Static X in one night would whip fans up into a frenzy for the opportunity to see both groups in one night. Years later now that it’s happened, the same effect is still there. Fans are packing into venues to catch both bands and still to this day they are at the top of their game and delivering knockout performances. The Machine Killer tour NEEDS to be on everyone’s list of must see concerts.