Static‑X (headliner) – Hailing from Los Angeles, California, this industrial metal outfit—current lineup: Wayne Static (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tony Campos (bass), Koichi Fukuda (lead guitar), Ken Jay (drums)—delivered relentless, machine‑like riffs tempered by aggressive vocals. Their signature orange-and-black stage setup was built by StageCraft Designs and illuminated by Lumina Lighting Co., while John “Bones” Baker ran the soundboard with surgical precision. Fan reaction peaked as the crowd erupted into synchronized headbanging during “Push It” and “Bled for Days.” Merchandise tables brimmed with tour shirts, vinyl reissues of Wisconsin Death Trip and Machine, and commemorative posters. Their discography spans six albums (from 1999’s Wisconsin Death Trip to 2020’s Project Regeneration), released under Roadrunner and Otsego-Angus Records. Notable accolades include gold and platinum certifications, as well as several Kerrang! award nominations. The band supports music education charities and has donated proceeds to local arts programs. Learn more at their official site: static-x.com.

Static-X

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GWAR – Bringing theatrical horror-metal from Richmond, Virginia, the current lineup – Blóthar the Berserker (vocals), Pustulus Maximus (guitar), Bøřçek Yñ (bass), Jizmak Da Gusha (drums) – unleashed grotesque, satirical epic stage scenes. Designed by StageCraft Designs and lit with vivid gore-colors by Lumina Lighting Co., their show featured elaborate costume work: horned masks, faux blood effects, and elaborate stage props. Hardcore fans, known as “The Scumdogs,” cheered wildly as confetti and theatrical slaughter props hit the floor—GWAR’s merch included replica costumes, action figures, and a special 2025 anthology CD. Their discography extends over fifteen studio albums, including This Toilet Earth (1994) and The Blood of Gods (2017), all released under Pit Records. GWAR has earned several Best Live Band awards at Metal Hammer and supports environmental and community outreach via the GWAR Foundation. Official website: gwar.net.

GWAR

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Dope – From Villa Park, Illinois, Dope’s lineup—Edsel Dope (vocals, rhythm guitar), Virus (lead guitar), Niko K (bass), Tommie Phillips (drums)—delivered tight, frenetic nu-metal performances accentuated by industrial textures. The stage setup was minimalist but abrasive, enhanced by strobe lighting from Lumina Lighting Co. and mix handled expertly by John Baker. Fans responded with moshing and synchronized foot-stomping throughout tracks like “Die MF Die” and “Set It Off.” Official merch featured blood-red logo shirts, camo jackets, and bundled remastered Felons and Revolutionaries vinyl. Their primary releases include Felons and Revolutionaries (1999), American Apathy (2005), and Blood Money Part 1 (2016), released via Epic Records and eOne Music. Dope has appeared on Revolver’s “Best Nu-Metal” lists and supports anti-bullying campaigns. Learn more via: dopesounds.com.

Dope

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A Killer’s Confession – Opening for the evening from Columbus, Ohio, this band—Frank “Cash” Novinec (vocals), Waylon Reavis (vocals), Matt Trumpy (guitar), Jon Dale (drums), Kevin Skates (bass)—brought raw, post-industrial aggression. Their set featured stark, intense lighting from StageCraft Designs, with mixing by Baker. Fans were enthralled, echoing every chorus with fervor during “Life Among the Dead” and “Reload.” Their merch included limited-edition lyric booklets and signed drumsticks. Discography includes Atonement (2016) and Remember (2021), released through Wake Up! Music Group. The band has received praise in Decibel magazine (“rising force in heavy music”) and supports mental health awareness through partnerships with the Project Semicolon foundation. Official site: akillersconfession.com.

A Killer’s Confession

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Tour Overview: The “Machines Vs Monsters Tour 2025” was inspired by the resurgence of late‑90s industrial and nu-metal, spanning 27 dates across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., with key cities including Nashville, Seattle, Toronto, London, and Birmingham. Fan excitement has been off the charts—sold‑out venues, fan crowd chants, intense pit activity, and secret meet-and-greet pop‑up acoustic intros by Static‑X’s Wayne Static at select stops. Verified inside info confirms that in Raleigh, Wayne Static surprised the crowd by slipping in the unreleased track “Neon Machines,” which had never been performed live—sending the crowd into a frenzy when the band announced it mid‑set.