THE BEAST

DOPE / STATIC-X / MISFITS GUITARIST ACEY SLADE RESPONDS AFTER MEPHISTO ODYSSEY’S MIKAEL JOHNSTON ACCUSES STATIC-X MANAGEMENT OF TRYING TO BLOCK “CRASH” ANNIVERSARY RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, CA - A growing public dispute has emerged surrounding the anniversary release of “Crash” featuring late Wayne Static, as Acey Slade, currently touring with Dope and known for his work with Murderdolls and Misfits, responded to allegations made by Mephisto Odyssey founder Mikael Johnston.

At the center of the controversy are Johnston’s claims that Static-X management, led by Edsel Dope, attempted to interfere with or block the release of Mephisto Odyssey’s newly restored “Crash” anniversary project featuring Wayne Static.

Slade publicly commented:

“Releasing material at the same time is always a bad idea. You should know that...”

Johnston responded with a detailed public statement disputing the situation and outlining what he says occurred behind the scenes during development of the release.

According to Johnston, the original founding members of Static-X initially agreed to participate in the anniversary project with a new Static-X version of “Crash” before later withdrawing involvement. Johnston states that Edsel Dope later informed him the band would no longer participate in additional Wayne Static-related material.

Johnston further maintains that Mephisto Odyssey and Warner Bros. legally control the “Crash” recordings and accompanying archival footage featuring Wayne Static, including restored material sourced from original 35mm film reels shot by director Len Wiseman.

Johnston also alleges that Rhino Entertainment executives and label attorneys directly informed both him and his legal representatives that objections to the release were coming from Static-X management. According to Johnston, the release was nearly shelved despite more than a year of restoration work, production, and coordination surrounding the project.

In his statement, Johnston emphasized that his goal has always been to preserve and celebrate Wayne Static’s legacy through officially authorized archival material connected specifically to Mephisto Odyssey’s “Crash.”

The dispute has sparked widespread discussion among fans regarding the handling of Wayne Static-related archival projects and the ongoing stewardship of his legacy within the industrial metal community.

As of press time, Edsel Dope and official representatives for Static-X have not issued a public statement responding to Johnston’s latest remarks.

Watch Mephisto Odyssey’s “Crash” feat. Wayne Static (2026 Versions):