Static X at Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines, Iowa on May 27, 2025.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor Hope Hansen
Static-X brought pure chaos to the Val Air Ballroom last Tuesday night as the Monsters vs. Machines tour rolled into West Des Moines. The band hit the stage with full force, kicking things off with a wall of sound that instantly ignited the crowd. Xer0 had a commanding presence, channeling Wayne Static’s spirit while making the performance his own. The set was packed with fan favorites like “Push It” and “Bled for Days,” and you could feel the nostalgia in the room as fans screamed every lyric back. The energy didn’t let up once—mosh pits broke out, fists flew in the air, and the entire venue felt alive.
The stage setup for Static X was just as intense as the music—dark, mechanical visuals paired with strobes and fog created a gritty, industrial vibe that matched the band’s sound perfectly. Despite lineup changes over the years, Static-X sounded tight and on point, delivering a performance that was both a tribute and a statement that they’re still going strong. The Val Air Ballroom gave the show an up-close-and-personal feel, making every moment hit harder. Whether you were a longtime fan or seeing them for the first time, it was a night of heavy-hitting nostalgia and full-throttle metal madness.

Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer Hope Hansen in Waukee, IA. ©2025.
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