It is almost impossible to claim the birthplace of Static-X. However, their roots can be traced to the Midwest, where vocalist/guitarist Wayne Static grew up in Michigan and drummer Ken Jay in Illinois. They both made the trip to Chicago, playing in many bands along the way. The two finally met in the record store where Jay worked and were introduced by Smashing Pumpkins vocalist Billy Corgan. They quickly bonded and decided to head west to California to start up a new band. Shortly after their arrival, Osaka-native Koichi Fukada responded to the duo's ad and became their new guitarist, as well as programmer. Bassist Tony Campos, the only true Californian, was the final piece of the puzzle.

Like many of their counterparts, Static-X gained a large following through numerous live shows. Their goal was to make music that would combine the effect of techno, the aggressiveness of guitar music, and the overtones of gothic and industrial music into one. Their method worked as the quartet was signed to Warner Brothers Records in February 1998. Three months later they recorded their debut album Wisconsin Death Trip, which was certified gold. The band stayed true to their roots by playing innumerable tours. However, the road took its toll on guitarist Fukada, who left the band to spend more time with his family. The group quickly replaced him with former Dope guitarist Tripp Eisen and picked up where they had left off.