The perfect hybrid between 'Vulgar Display of Power' and 'Psalm 69'. This is the musical vision Wayne Static has been pursuing for over a decade as the frontman of Static-X. Well, he now continues in the same direction by himself with his debut solo album 'Pighammer'... Which is not that different actually, as Mr. Static claims he had been writing all of Static-X's music anyway an then showing it to his bandamates. Now here he also plays on all instruments and is aided only by his wife, retired porn actress and two times nominee for the AVN award for – Hurray! - Most Outrageous Sex Scene, Tera Wray who performs some more specific vocals. The result is quite in the spirit of the Static-X catalogue, maybe leaning more to the industrial direction compared by the band's latest releases. It is funny how in the context of the album's bizarre concept about a plastic surgeon who has a fetish for turning hot chicks into pigs, Static has also found space for some really personal lyrics – like the lead single 'Assassins of Youth', covering his struggles with drug addiction. Musically, the album is full of strong moments. Opener 'Around the Turn' is a powerful tune that stands out in a similar manner as 'Push It' does on the now legendary 'Wisconsin Death Trip'. The speed riffing and doublebass attack of “Thunder Invader' also references in that direction, while 'Static Killer' starts off with some Nine Inch Nails-esque synths before turning into a complete industrial monster powered by heavy guitars and energetic drums. The bad news is that in its later half 'Pighammer' loses momentum and focus, slowly sinking into repetitive riffing and glimmering electronics. Still the album's strong moments outweigh the bad ones and Static-X fans should be happy. The band itself is unlikely to release anything new soon, because the have fallen apart due to (in Static's words) envy that he has “the hottest wife in the world.” Now, is there anyone who would turn her into a pig and save the band?