This review covers the industrial metal track Static-X – Skinnyman.
This track was released in 2005 on the album Start a War. It also appeared in the game Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
The track starts with guitar work and a drum kit. There is a brief drop of both. A bass guitar then joins the track along with other elements of the drum kit. Lead guitars then join the track. From there, the vocals join the track.
From there, the vocals take the track into the main chorus. This is capped off with a short instrumental section.
From there, the vocals take the track into the next verse. Another snare roll makes an appearance as the vocals take the track into the main chorus. The lead guitars then drop out as a synth takes over backed by the drum kit. The synth has a phaser-like effect applied to it. After that, the vocals return in a whispering manner. One of the guitars then rejoin the track as the vocals get a delay effect applied to them. The vocals drop out after.
After that, the vocals take the track into the main chorus. Right after, the vocals go back into a whispering style. This is capped off with some additional synth work. The synth leads the track out.
For me, what is interesting is the vocals mainly for their ability to have their own somewhat unique sound. This really comes out nicely in this track. Unfortunately, there is a caveat to the vocals – it can be hard to understand the lyrics at times. As a result, there are pros and cons to be had in this instance.
Another positive is the use of the synth. While it doesn’t really play out that much throughout the track, it nicely accentuates the more quiet parts of the track. At the same time, it adds some nice variety as well.
In addition to this are the guitars. They really give this track a nice overall presence. This is especially so both in the main chorus and during some of the verses. They could have been a bit more varied, but they aren’t bad.
Overall, this is a pretty solid track. It’s got some interesting vocals and the guitar work is pretty good. The synth adds some nice variety as well. Probably the only thing holding this track back is how some of the lyrics are generally hard to understand. Still, it’s a pretty decent one all around.
Score
7/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
