Static-X singer/guitarist Wayne Static didn't realize his band's album "Start a War" would be released on Flag Day.
"I knew it was going to be released on June 14," said Static (born Wayne Wells), "but I didn't make that connection. Interesting. Fittingly interesting."
"Start a War" is the band's first studio album in two years (2004's "Beneath . . . Between . . . Beyond" was a rarities compilation). Speaking by phone from Los Angeles, Static said the band has gone through some changes:
Drummer Nick Oshiro, who joined the band during the 2003 "Shadow Zone" tour after the departure of Ken Jay, makes his recording debut with the band on "Start a War."
Original guitarist and programmer Koichi Fukuda, who left in 2000, is now back in the lineup, replacing guitarist Tripp Eisen (real name Tod Salvador), who was charged in February with aggravated sexual assault, child endangerment and kidnapping involving a 14-year-old girl.
Static-X fired Eisen but proceeded to record the new album throughout the summer.
"I called Koichi then," said Static. "I hadn't talked to him for five years or so. But I asked if he was interested in working on the new album. And he was free and he agreed."
Static said the band — which also includes bassist Tony Campos — was trying to get back into the groove of its first album, "Wisconsin Death Trip," on which Fukuda played and Ulrich Wild produced. "It was good to have those guys back working with us," said Static, whose musical influences range from Kiss to Prong to Pantera to Skinny Puppy. "There was no tension between us and things just fell into place."
"Start a War" marks the first time the band has written more songs while recording the album in the studio. "We usually had songs written before we started laying tracks, but this time was different. We only had five songs written before the sessions. So we wrote 13 songs while in the studio. And we all feel we got back to our original sound."
Static said he is still amazed at how he makes a living. "We're big enough to be able to go on tour and headline shows. We have met Kiss, Pantera and Ozzy. And we're able to play music and make albums."
Presently, Static-X is focused on its current tour with American Head Charge. And, according to Static, that's taking all the band's time. "I have been tempted to write some songs but I find my schedule won't allow it. I think I've figured out what I want to do on the next album, but it will have to wait."
If you go . . .
What: Static-X, American Head Charge, Bloodsimple
Where: In the Venue, 579 W. 200 South
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
How much: $18 and $22
Phone: 467-8499 or
800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com