Static-X [ tickets ]'s Wayne Static recently told LiveDaily that, for years, he's wanted to include guitar solos on his albums, but he couldn't find the right person or place for them. Now that Koichi Fukuda has returned to the band, the time is now.

"Cannibal," Static-X's electronically laced fifth album, finds subtle, psychedelic guitar solos sprinkled throughout. It's a welcome surprise. The solos make great songs out of what could have been good songs. "Cannibal" is Static-X's finest effort to date.

The album kicks off with a collision of staccato heavy metal screams, but listeners shouldn't let that scare them away from the album. Inside, "Cannibal," co-produced by Static and John Travis (Kid Rock), is filled with bone-searing, unrelenting thrash metal. The title track, on which Static sings about his "personal convictions"--including vegetarianism--is reminiscent of the group's early hit "Dirt House." "Destroyer," the first single from the new album, is another nod to the raw sound of the band's early days.

"Reptile" is a hypnotic, radio-ready track, while "Chemical Logic," drenched in overprocessed vocals, is more challenging fare.

By revisiting the group's strengths--and improving on them--"Cannibal" is Static-X's finest effort to date.