Powerman 5000
{{Short description|American rock band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Powerman 5000
| image = Powerman 5000 Rock am Ring 2014 (115) (cropped).JPG
| landscape = yes
| caption = Powerman 5000 performing in 2014
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
| alias = PM5K
| origin = Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
| genre = {{hlist|Industrial metal{{cite web|author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/powerman-5000-mn0000855232/biography |title=Powerman 5000 | Biography & History |website=AllMusic |access-date=April 6, 2016}}|nu metal{{cite book |first= Tommy |last= Udo |title= Brave Nu World |year= 2002 |publisher= Sanctuary Publishing |isbn= 1-86074-415-X |page= [https://archive.org/details/bravenuworld00tomm/page/229 229] |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/bravenuworld00tomm/page/229 }}{{cite book|first1= William |last1= Phillips |first2= Brian |last2= Cogan |title= Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music |url= https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaheav00phil |url-access= limited |year= 2009 |publisher= Greenwood Press |isbn= 978-0-313-34800-6 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaheav00phil/page/n213 189]–190}}|hard rock|alternative metal{{cite journal |first= Wang |last= Ge |title= Ten minutes with Spider One |journal= Time Out Beijing |date= August 13, 2012 |url= http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/features/Blogs/16321/Ten-minutes-with-Spider-One.html |access-date= December 15, 2015 |archive-date= December 22, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151222120532/http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/features/Blogs/16321/Ten-minutes-with-Spider-One.html |url-status= dead }}|electronic rock{{cite news|first= Jaci |last= Webb |title= Electronic rock band Powerman 5000 booked for Jan. 30 show at Pub Station |newspaper= Billings Gazette |date= November 24, 2014 |access-date= December 11, 2015 |url= http://billingsgazette.com/entertainment/electronic-rock-band-powerman-booked-for-jan-show-at-pub/article_e20762c6-2327-5c1c-958a-91e1743847ae.html}}|punk rock}}
| years_active = 1991–present
| label = {{hlist|Pavement|T-Boy|Cleopatra|Mighty Loud|DRT|Megatronic|DreamWorks|Conscience|Curve of the Earth|Megaforce}}
| website = {{URL|powerman5000.com}}
| current_members = * Spider One
- Murv3
- DJ Rattan
- Taylor Haycraft
- Dan Schiz
| past_members = * Adam 12 (Adam Williams)
- Al 3 (Allen Pahanish Jr.)
- DJ Brian Collymore
- Dorian 27 (Dorian Heartsong)
- Jordan Cohen
- M.33
- Ad7 (Adrian Ost)
- Siggy 00 (Siggy Sjursen)
- Johnny Rock Heatley
- Terry Corso
- Velkro (Dave Pino)
- Evan9 (Evan Rocaniche)
- GFlash (Gordon Heckaman)
- X51 (Gustavo Aued)
- Nick Annis
- Sci55ors (Nick Quijano)
- Zer0 (Richard Jazmin)
- Jesse Sauve
- Ryan Hernandez
- Erik Himel
- Ty Oliver
}}
Powerman 5000 (also known as PM5K) is an American rock band formed in 1991. The group has released eleven studio albums, gaining its highest level of commercial success with 1999's Tonight the Stars Revolt!, which reached number 29 on the Billboard 200 while spawning the singles "When Worlds Collide" and "Nobody's Real". Frontman Spider One, younger brother of fellow metal musician Rob Zombie, has been the only consistent member of the lineup since the band's formation.
Biography
=Early years and breakthrough (1991–2002)=
In 1990, Spider One recorded the 12" single "Much Evil" with producer Lamar Lowder. Building on local success, including winning the Boston Phoenix/WFNX 1990 Readers' Poll "Best Rap Act" category and getting nominated for a Boston Music Award, he founded Powerman 5000 in 1991.{{cite web |url=http://www.conscience.com/pm5k/bio.html |title=Powerman 5000 Biography |publisher=Conscience Records |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971014225142/http://www.conscience.com/pm5k/bio.html |archive-date=1997-10-14 }} Drummer Al Pahanish Jr., bassist Dorian Heartsong, guitarist Adam 12, and percussionist Jordan Cohen joined in 1991 to solidify the early lineup (a turntablist, Brian Collymoore, was also briefly a member until 1993). In 1993, the band released an independent EP titled A Private Little War, which was limited to 500 copies and only sold at shows. In 1994 and 1995, Powerman 5000 released two more independent records, the True Force EP and the full-length album The Blood-Splat Rating System.{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p200678/biography|pure_url=yes}} |title=Biography of Powerman 5000 |access-date=2009-03-03 |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |website=AllMusic}} Both albums were local successes. In 1996, they performed on the second stage of Ozzfest and appeared in an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210, where David and Donna filmed a music video for their song "Strike the Match".
In 1996, the band signed to DreamWorks Records and released a remastered edition of The Blood-Splat Rating System titled Mega!! Kung Fu Radio. The band toured, performing on the main stage at Ozzfest 1997 and making an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien where they performed their song "Neckbone". They released singles such as "Tokyo Vigilante #1" in 1997 and "Organizized" in 1998. By the end of 1997, Cohen departed from the band to eventually join Blue Man Group.{{cite web |url=https://audioveinentertainment.com/2017/07/11/interview-with-jordan-cohen-blue-man-groupex-powerman-5000/ |title=Interview with Jordan Cohen (Blue Man Group/ex-Powerman 5000) |website=Audio Vein Entertainment |last=Miller |first=Marcus |date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=December 25, 2022}} His percussionist position was not replaced; however, the band instead added a second guitarist to the lineup when M.33 (Mike Tempesta) joined the band in 1998.
Creating a strange fusion of science fiction and "Action Rock", Powerman 5000 released Tonight the Stars Revolt!, produced by Sylvia Massy, which contained the hit singles "When Worlds Collide", "Nobody's Real", and "Supernova Goes Pop". The album sold over a million copies, achieved platinum status and won a nomination from the Boston Music Awards for "Album of the Year", becoming the group's most successful release.{{cite web|url=http://musicmight.com/artist/usa/powerman+5000 |title=Biography of Powerman 5000 |access-date=March 3, 2009 |publisher=MusicMight |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305121640/http://musicmight.com/artist/usa/powerman+5000 |archive-date=March 5, 2009 }} The band was also nominated by the Boston Music Awards for "Best Rock Band" and won the "Rising Star Award".{{cite web|url=http://www.5000volt.com/PM5K/newsletter.html|title=POWERMAN 5000 FAN ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001210032700/http://www.5000volt.com/PM5K/newsletter.html|archive-date=December 10, 2000}} The band would go on to tour worldwide, performing in shows and festivals such as Farmclub.com and Endfest and become a support act for Metallica's Summer Sanitarium Tour along with Korn, Kid Rock and System of a Down.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1430799/metallica-korn-kid-rock-pm5k-system-to-tour/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224232637/http://www.mtv.com/news/1430799/metallica-korn-kid-rock-pm5k-system-to-tour/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2018|title=Metallica, Korn, Kid Rock, PM5K, System To Tour|website=Mtv.com|access-date=October 6, 2020}}
A follow-up album to Tonight the Stars Revolt! was recorded in 2001 titled Anyone for Doomsday?, and a single, "Bombshell", had been released to radio stations. But the album was canceled just before its scheduled release. Anyone for Doomsday? was later released under Spider's own new label, Megatronic Records, but went out of print due to legal issues. Arguments exist as to whether the record was canceled due to the events of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the negative title, but the album was finished and scheduled to be released in August 2001, one full month before the attacks. Spider has said in interviews that the album was dropped because it sounded too much like the previous album and that he wanted to release something fresh and different instead of repeating himself. Conflicts thereafter caused longtime members Dorian 27 (Dorian Heartsong) and AL3 (Allan Pahanish Jr) to leave the band. Siggy Sjursen and Ad7 (Adrian Ost) were brought in to replace them.
The band gained significant mainstream exposure with its original remake of the 1980s club hit "Relax", originally by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Rapper Danny Boy guested, and the track was featured prominently during the end credits roll for the 2001 comedy film Zoolander, helping to widen the band's appeal.
= ''Transform'' and ''Destroy What You Enjoy'' (2003–2007) =
In 2003, the band released Transform, a more punk-fueled album, completely dropping the costumes that had been featured throughout the band's Tonight The Stars Revolt! era. Containing the hit singles "Free" and "Action", Transform relied less on industrial metal effects. After the album's release, the band began touring in the U.S., performing in shows such as X-Fest and making live appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where they performed their song "Action", and The Late Late Show where they performed their song "Free" respectively.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/the-late-late-show-with-craig-kilborn/joseph-fiennes-and-powerman-5000-1227991/|title=The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn: Joseph Fiennes and Powerman 5000|website=TV.com|access-date=October 6, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617093332/http://www.tv.com/shows/the-late-late-show-with-craig-kilborn/joseph-fiennes-and-powerman-5000-1227991/|url-status=dead}} However, DreamWorks Records was bought out by Interscope Records, which stopped promoting the band and declined to take over their DreamWorks contract. Undeterred, Spider continued with his own offshoot label, Megatronic Records. In 2004, new music was released, under Spider's new label, in the form of a rarities album titled The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Vol. 1.
A new tour was also started, but M.33 had been kicked out of the band for starting fights{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-powerman-5000-guitarist-won-t-be-touring-with-nine-inch-nails/|title=Former POWERMAN 5000 Guitarist Won't Be Touring With NINE INCH NAILS|date=January 17, 2005}} and Adam 12 left the band on good terms to focus on other interests including sound producing and recording with Argon 40.{{cite web|url=http://www.oreilly.com/digitalmedia/2005/06/15/williams.html |title=Powerman 5000 review |website=Oreilly.com |access-date=April 6, 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.argon40music.com:80/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309112546/http://www.argon40music.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 9, 2012 |title=Argon40 music |website=www.argon40music.com |access-date=July 28, 2019 }} Former Alien Ant Farm guitarist Terry Corso and former Halfcocked (the first band on Spider's label) guitarist Johnny Rock Heatley were brought in to round out the live show. In August 2005, Powerman 5000 performed at the sixth annual Gathering of the Juggalos on the main stage. The band then signed to DRT Entertainment, who released the album entitled Destroy What You Enjoy on August 1, 2006. The song "Wild World" was the first and only single on the album, with the band also filming a music video for the song. The band would go on to tour through the U.S., including a live appearance on G4tv's Attack of the Show!, where they performed the song "Return to the City of the Dead" from Destroy What You Enjoy.
In 2007, Evan Rodaniche, singer and guitarist of Los Angeles band Cage9 (originally from Panama City, Panama), joined the band through his acquaintance with Adrian Ost. He toured as the band's sole guitarist until later that year, when Dave Pino was added to the mix. Pino had just moved to Los Angeles and heard about the open slot through his friendship with Piggy D (bassist for Rob Zombie). Upon the departure of Siggy from the band in 2008, Gustavo Aued was brought in to replace him on bass, and later that year, drummer Gordon Heckaman joined the band (both originally from Cage9 as well), solidifying the lineup for the next album.
= ''Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere'' (2007–2011) =
On May 21, 2007, Powerman 5000 claimed via a Myspace blog post that they will be releasing a new studio album in 2007. The following is taken directly from said post: "Considering the bands track record of putting out CDs once every three years it seems hard to believe that, yes we will put out a new disc in 2007!! It's all just beginning to develop and the wheres, whos and whats are to be determined but new rock is on the way!!" However, talk about the record soon simmered, and no new information was released.
Finally, in December 2008, the new track "Super Villain" premiered on the band's Myspace page, showcasing their return to their platinum-selling sound of the late 1990s. On January 28, 2009, a preview of tracks from their upcoming sixth studio album were posted on the group's Myspace page, containing clips from the songs "Super Villain", "V Is for Vampire", and "Horror Show". Powerman 5000 posted that "Super Villain" would become available for digital purchase on February 10, 2009, on iTunes and Amazon.
On April 7, 2009, Powerman 5000 released a blog on their Myspace page stating that Anyone for Doomsday? has officially been re-released. The legal battle ended and the album was released under the SKG Music License. The album is available on iTunes as a digital download. On April 21, 2009, the band released "V Is for Vampire", the second single from their album, which is planned for a summer release.
On July 7, 2009, Powerman 5000 released a blog on their Myspace page{{cite web |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=3276157&blogId=498981568 |title=NEW ALBUM IS FINISHED!!!!!! Von POWERMAN 5000 bei Myspace |access-date=July 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701182532/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=3276157&blogId=498981568 |archive-date=July 1, 2012 }} at WebCite (October 15, 2010). stating that the new album has been finished, and that a release date, track listing, artwork, and additional tour dates was coming soon. On July 27, 2009, Powerman 5000 appeared on Rockline, announcing the title of the new album as Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere. A tentative release date of October 6, 2009, was also announced. Three new songs were also premiered on the show, including "Timebomb, Baby", "Make Us Insane", and "Show Me What You've Got". On Myspace, Spider posted a blog talking about the three new songs filled with comments of the fans liking the music.
On September 6, 2009, Powerman 5000 released the album cover design along with the promotion of their tour starting on October 24, 2009. They also released two new promotional videos on YouTube for their new album, confirming its release date as October 6, 2009.
On October 1, 2009, the full track "Do Your Thing" was leaked onto YouTube. The song was apparently taken from the Megatronic Records Forum, which frontman Spider One currently owns. The CD Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere was officially released on October 6, 2009, in the U.S. and was available in Canada on October 20, 2009, two weeks after the reported release date. The band embarked on a national tour in support of the album.
On December 7, 2009, Spider, the band's lead singer posted links on his Twitter page linking to FearNET.com which is hosting the band's music video for their first single "Super Villain". The video is also available on YouTube and stars Johnathon Schaech as the infamous Super Villain.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/therealspider1 |title=Spider One (@therealSpider1) op Twitter |publisher=Twitter.com |date=April 7, 2014 |access-date=April 11, 2014}}
Powerman 5000 played at the U-Fest in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 23, 2011, playing alongside Accept, Papa Roach, Drowning Pool, Nonpoint, All That Remains, and Hollywood Undead. This was the band's third consecutive appearance at the yearly show.
= '' Copies, Clones & Replicants {{noitalic|and}} Builders of the Future ''(2011–2016) =
The band announced on May 23, 2011, that they had started work on a new album. On July 24, 2011, Powerman 5000 released a cover of Devo's "Whip It", a cover of "Space Oddity" by David Bowie on July 28, 2011, and a cover of Van Halen's "Jump" on July 31, 2011, on their website.{{cite web|url=http://powerman5000.com/ |title=Powerman 5000 |publisher=Powerman5000.com |access-date=April 11, 2014}} Released by Cleopatra Records, Copies, Clones & Replicants included covers of other new wave songs such as The Fixx's "One Thing Leads to Another" and Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue".{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/copies-clones-replicants-mw0002186672 |title=Copies, Clones & Replicants - Powerman 5000 | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=September 9, 2011 |access-date=April 11, 2014}}
On July 11, 2012, Spider began teasing a new song by posting on his Twitter that "Someone sneaked a camera in the studio tonight and filmed the speaker while it blasted a new Powerman 5000 tune!".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/therealSpider1/status/223306522002853889 |title=Twitter / therealSpider1: Someone snuck a camera in the |publisher=Twitter.com |access-date=April 11, 2014}}
Their album Builders of the Future was released on May 27, 2014, and was co-produced/co-written by guitarist Nick Quijano Sci55ors, as well as engineered and co-produced by Evan Rodaniche (Evan9), both former guitarists.{{cite web |url=http://powerman5000.virb.com/blog/14003716 |title=POWERMAN 5000 | NEWS. | BUILDERS OF THE FUTURE |publisher=Powerman5000.virb.com |date=March 25, 2014 |access-date=April 19, 2014 |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413132106/http://powerman5000.virb.com/blog/14003716 |url-status=dead }} The band was set to play a co-headlining tour in the US with Wayne Static in November with American Head Charge supporting them until Wayne's death in November 2014.{{cite magazine|title=Static-X Frontman Wayne Static Dead at 48|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/static-x-frontman-wayne-static-dead-at-48-20141102|magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{cite web|last1=Bowar|first1=Chad|title=Wayne Static + Powerman 5000 team up for fall 2014 co-headlining tour|url=http://loudwire.com/wayne-static-powerman-5000-fall-tour/|website=Loudwire.com|publisher=Loudwire|access-date=August 26, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Coroner Says No Foul Play Expected in Death of WAYNE STATIC|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/coroner-says-no-foul-play-expected-in-death-of-wayne-static|website=Metalinjection.net|date=November 10, 2014|access-date=November 15, 2014}}
= ''New Wave'' and ''The Noble Rot'' and ''Abandon Ship'' (2016–present) =
On May 15, 2016, the band announced that they plan to release new music before the end of that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/officialpowerman5000/posts/1226966853981987 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/114460398565977/1226966853981987 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Powerman5000|website=Facebook.com|access-date=October 27, 2017}}{{cbignore}} By October 21 that same year, the band released a short snippet of the track "Die on Your Feet" from the new album onto their official Facebook page.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/officialpowerman5000/videos/vb.114460398565977/1378163728862298/?type=2&theater|title=Powerman5000|website=Facebook.com|access-date=October 27, 2017}}
By June 2017, the title of the 11th album was revealed as New Wave. It was released on October 27, 2017, with the music video of the album's first official single "Sid Vicious in a Dress" released by September 5 that same year. In support of the album, the band began touring in the U.S. in October of the same year, and would last through the end of 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/powerman-5000-announces-fall-2017-tour/|title=POWERMAN 5000 Announces Fall 2017 Tour|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 20, 2017}} On June 4, 2018, the band announced they would be taking part of the "Summer of Screams" Tour in September, along with Mushroomhead and The Browning. However, on August 23, it was announced the band had to cancel their performances for the tour for medical reasons involving Spider's vocals.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/officialpowerman5000/photos/a.452653508079996.109539.114460398565977/2211199778892018/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/114460398565977/2211199778892018 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Powerman5000|website=Facebook.com|access-date=June 4, 2018}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/summerofscreams/photos/a.1970135526542317/2053561021533100/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/1931088447113692/2053561021533100 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Summer of Screams Tour|website=Facebook.com|access-date=August 23, 2018}}{{cbignore}}
In March 2020, it was announced the band has been signed to Cleopatra Records (whom had previously released the cover album Copies, Clones & Replicants), with their new album titled The Noble Rot set to have a release for August 28, accompanied by a new tour overseas. The lead single "Black Lipstick" was released on June 3{{cite web|url=https://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=155022|title=Electro Metal Revolutionaries Powerman 5000 Sign With Indie Giant Cleopatra Records, Ready New Album For Later This Year!|website=Top40-charts.com|date=March 19, 2020}} and a video for the song, directed by Spider One, was released on the same day.{{cite web|url=https://nextmosh.com/powerman-5000-share-black-lipstick-video/ |title=Powerman 5000 share "Black Lipstick" video |website=Nextmosh.com |date=June 3, 2020 |access-date=June 15, 2020}}
On May 10, 2024, Abandon Ship was released.
Musical style
Spider One often uses spoken word or chanting in his vocalization.{{cite web|author=Steve Huey |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/tonight-the-stars-revolt-r423738/review |title=Tonight the Stars Revolt! - Powerman 5000 | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=July 20, 1999 |access-date=April 11, 2014}} AllMusic's Chris Slawecki said that "Spider doesn't sing one single lyric, instead barking out the lyrics in a hard staccato delivery." The band's lyrics are often campy and make reference to pulp science fiction.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/powerman-5000-destroy-what-you-enjoy/ |title=Powerman 5000: Destroy What You Enjoy |magazine=PopMatters |access-date=July 12, 2015}} These themes include gods and monsters, global annihilation and robot violence,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/powerman5000/albums/album/216699/review/6067348/tonight_the_stars_revolt |title=Powerman 5000: Tonight the Stars Revolt! : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 19, 1999 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622144258/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/powerman5000/albums/album/216699/review/6067348/tonight_the_stars_revolt |archive-date=June 22, 2008 }} as well as anti-consumerism.
Powerman 5000's music is driven by staccato guitar playing and electronic samples,{{cite web|author=Christina Fuoco |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/anyone-for-doomsday-mw0000814143 |title=Anyone For Doomsday? - Powerman 5000 | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=August 28, 2001 |access-date=July 12, 2015}} which has been compared to the music of Rob Zombie, Spider One's older brother.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/powerman5000/albums/album/149994/review/5943852 |title=Powerman 5000: Anyone For Doomsday? : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 20, 2001 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621073016/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/powerman5000/albums/album/149994/review/5943852 |archive-date=June 21, 2008 }} This style has primarily been described as industrial metal.{{cite web|last=Rose |first=Rustyn |url=http://www.axs.com/powerman-5000-vocalist-talks-new-album-builders-of-the-future-15855 |title=Powerman 5000 vocalist talks new album, 'Builders of the Future' |publisher=AXS |date=August 3, 2014 |access-date=July 12, 2015}}{{cite web |last=Smyers |first=Darryl |url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2014/04/spider_one_from_powerman_5000.php?page=all |title=Spider One from Powerman 5000 on Being Rob Zombie's Brother and Appearing on Beverly Hills, 90210 | Dallas Observer |publisher=Blogs.dallasobserver.com |date=April 18, 2014 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215055045/http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2014/04/spider_one_from_powerman_5000.php?page=all |url-status=dead }}
The band's early album Mega!! Kung Fu Radio featured a different style from the one which the band is generally known for; this album incorporated elements of heavy metal, hip hop, hard rock and funk.{{cite web|author=Chris Slawecki |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/mega%21%21-kung-fu-radio-mw0000092454 |title=Mega!! Kung Fu Radio - Powerman 5000 | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=February 25, 1997 |access-date=July 12, 2015}} Transform featured more emphasis on melody and human-driven sounds, shifting away from the computerized sounds of the band's earlier albums.{{cite web|author=Johnny Loftus |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/transform-mw0000595737 |title=Transform - Powerman 5000 | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=May 20, 2003 |access-date=July 12, 2015}} Destroy What You Enjoy featured a punk-driven sound.{{cite web |url=http://411mania.com/music/powerman-5000-somewhere-on-the-other-side-of-nowhere-review/ |title=Powerman 5000 – Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere Review |publisher=411MANIA |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710142004/http://411mania.com/music/powerman-5000-somewhere-on-the-other-side-of-nowhere-review/ |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|author=Greg Prato |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/destroy-what-you-enjoy-mw0000778275 |title=Destroy What You Enjoy - Powerman 5000 | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=AllMusic |date=August 1, 2006 |access-date=July 12, 2015}}
Powerman 5000 in other media
Various Powerman 5000 songs have been used in media, including television/film soundtracks and video games from the early 2000s. This includes such game titles as FreQuency, Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder, NASCAR Thunder 2004, SX Superstar, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, Shadow the Hedgehog, NHL Hitz 2003, WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec and WWE WrestleMania 21, along with the racing game Baja 1000; Score International. Film soundtracks such as Dracula 2000, Evolution, Blade II, Freddy vs. Jason, Titan AE, Little Nicky, Zoolander and Bride of Chucky have all featured the work of Powerman 5000.
The song "Bombshell" was also used extensively as the entrance music for the WWE tag team The Dudley Boyz. The game WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW featured three new songs from the band. Mr. Spider hoped the songs would gain popularity from the game alone, seeing the success of music through video games.{{cite web |url=http://www.taxi.com/transmitter/0411/headlineA0411.html |title=Spider One, Powerman 5000 & Megatronic Records |access-date=May 7, 2009 |last=Genovese |first=Cathy |date=January 11, 2001|publisher=Taxi.com}}
The band were parodied in the SpongeBob SquarePants episode "Missing Identity" as Stingray 5000; Patrick picks up an album by that band called "You Rock My Clams" and says "These guys rock!".
Band members
=Current members=
- Spider One (Michael Cummings) – lead vocals (1991–present)
- DJ Rattan (Rattan Cayabyab) – drums (2013–present){{Cite web|url=http://daddario.com/EvArtistDetail.Page?ActiveID=3551&ArtistId=47009&ArtistName=DJ_Rattan&sid=be0a5cbd-5087-4675-8b6b-6947cc413d0d|title=DJ Rattan|website=Daddario.com|access-date=October 6, 2020}}
- Murv3 (Murv Douglas) – bass (2015–present)
- Taylor Haycraft – rhythm guitar (2019–present){{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWVXS6kP8MQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/VWVXS6kP8MQ| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=PowerMan 5000 Interview from Diesel Concert Lounge|publisher=YouTube|access-date=October 6, 2020}}{{cbignore}}
- Dan Schiz - lead guitar (2022–present)
= Former members =
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
Guitarists
- Adam 12 (Adam Williams) – lead guitar (1991–2005)
- Johnny Rock Heatley – lead guitar, backing vocals (2005–2007)
- M33 – rhythm guitar (1998–2004){{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.herokuapp.com/news/powerman-5000-singer-talks-about-losing-major-label-deal-playing-clubs/|title=POWERMAN 5000 Singer Talks About Losing Major Label Deal, Playing Clubs|date=July 5, 2005|website=Blabbermouth.netaccessdate=October 6, 2020}}
- Terry Corso – rhythm guitar (2005–2007)
- Evan 9 (Evan Rodaniche) – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2007–2011)
- Velkro – lead guitar (2007–2012)
- Sci55ors (Nick Quijano) – rhythm guitar (2012–2016)
- Zer0 (Richard Jazmin) – lead guitar (2013–2015)
- Ryan Hernandez – rhythm guitar (2016–2017)
- Ty Oliver – lead guitar (2015–2022)
{{col-2}}
Bassists
- Dorian 27 (Dorian Heartsong) – bass (1991–2001){{cite web|url=http://www.powerman5000.com/news.php|title=POWERMAN 5000 NEWS|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020804085838/http://www.powerman5000.com:80/news.php|archive-date=August 4, 2002}}
- Siggy 00 (Siggy Sjursen) – bass (2002–2008){{cite web|url=http://www.powerman5000.com/news.php|title=POWERMAN 5000 NEWS|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020611071014/http://www.powerman5000.com:80/news.php|archive-date=June 11, 2002}}
- X51 (Gustavo Aued) – bass (2008–2015)
Drummers
- Al 3 (Al Pahanish Jr.) – drums (1991–2001)
- GFlash (Gordon Heckaman) – drums (2008–2011)
- Ad7 (Adrian Ost) – drums, backing vocals (2001–2008, 2012–2013)
Others
- Jordan Cohen – additional percussion (1991–1997){{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-cohen-3a14537|title=Jordan Cohen - Founder/writer/performer - Sons Of Jupiter band|website=linkedin.com}}
- DJ Brian Collymore – turntables, keyboards (1991–1993)
Live musicians
- Jesse Sauve – lead guitar (fill-in for one tour 2013)
- Nick Annis – rhythm guitar (fill-in for some shows 2011)
- Erik Himel – rhythm guitar (fill-in for shows 2018 to early 2019; 2023 Australia tour)
- Greg Johnson – additional guitar (2017 acoustic show)
{{col-end}}
= Timeline =
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:950 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:100 top:0 right:10
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:1991 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1991
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1991
Colors =
id:Vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:lGuitar value:teal legend:Lead_guitar
id:rguitar value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:Percussion value:claret legend:Percussion
id:Bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:Turntables value:purple legend:Turntables,_keyboards
id:Lines1 value:black legend:Studio_album
id:Lines2 value:gray(0.6) legend:Other_release
LineData =
at:01/12/1995 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:25/02/1997 color:Lines2 layer:back
at:20/07/1999 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:28/08/2001 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:20/05/2003 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:01/08/2006 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:06/10/2009 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:09/09/2011 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:27/05/2014 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:27/10/2017 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:28/08/2020 color:Lines1 layer:back
at:17/04/1993 color:Lines2 layer:back
at:25/03/1994 color:Lines2 layer:back
at:01/08/2005 color:Lines2 layer:back
at:10/05/2024 color:Lines1 layer:back
BarData =
bar:Cummings text:"Spider One"
bar:Williams text:"Adam Williams"
bar:Heatley text:"Johnny Rock Heatley"
bar:Pino text:"Dave Pino"
bar:Quijano text:"Nick Quijano"
bar:Jazmin text:"Richard Jazmin"
bar:Oliver text:"Ty Oliver"
bar:Schiz text:"Dan Shiz"
bar:Tempesta text:"Mike Tempesta"
bar:Corso text:"Terry Corso"
bar:Rodaniche text:"Evan Rodaniche"
bar:Hernandez text:"Ryan Hernandez"
bar:Haycraft text:"Taylor Haycraft"
bar:Heartsong text:"Dorian Heartsong"
bar:Sjursen text:"Siggy Sjursen"
bar:Aued text:"Gustavo Aued"
bar:Douglas text:"Murv Douglas"
bar:Pahanish text:"Allen Pahanish"
bar:Ost text:"Adrian Ost"
bar:Heckaman text:"Gordon Heckaman"
bar:Rattan text:"Rattan"
bar:Cohen text:"Jordan Cohen"
bar:Collymore text:"DJ Brian Collymore"
PlotData =
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Cummings from:01/01/1991 till:end color:vocals
bar:Williams from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2005 color:lGuitar
bar:Williams from:01/01/1991 till:01/09/1998 color:rguitar width:3
bar:Heatley from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2007 color:lGuitar
bar:Heatley from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2007 color:Bvocals width:3
bar:Pino from:01/01/2007 till:01/01/2012 color:lGuitar
bar:Pino from:01/01/2011 till:01/01/2012 color:rguitar width:3
bar:Jazmin from:01/01/2013 till:01/01/2015 color:lGuitar
bar:Tempesta from:01/09/1998 till:01/10/2004 color:rguitar
bar:Corso from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2007 color:rguitar
bar:Rodaniche from:01/01/2007 till:01/01/2011 color:rguitar
bar:Quijano from:01/01/2012 till:01/01/2013 color:lguitar
bar:Quijano from:01/01/2012 till:01/01/2013 color:rguitar width:3
bar:Quijano from:01/01/2013 till:01/01/2016 color:rguitar
bar:Oliver from:01/01/2015 till:01/01/2022 color:lguitar
bar:Oliver from:01/01/2018 till:09/05/2019 color:rguitar width:3
bar:Schiz from:01/01/2022 till:end color:lguitar
bar:Hernandez from:01/01/2016 till:01/01/2018 color:rguitar
bar:Haycraft from:09/05/2019 till:end color:rguitar
bar:Heartsong from:01/01/1991 till:01/11/2001 color:Bass
bar:Sjursen from:01/05/2002 till:01/01/2008 color:Bass
bar:Aued from:01/01/2008 till:01/01/2015 color:Bass
bar:Douglas from:01/01/2015 till:end color:Bass
bar:Pahanish from:01/01/1991 till:01/11/2001 color:Drums
bar:Pahanish from:01/12/1997 till:01/11/2001 color:Percussion width:3
bar:Ost from:01/11/2001 till:01/01/2008 color:Drums
bar:Ost from:01/11/2001 till:01/01/2008 color:Bvocals width:3
bar:Ost from:01/11/2001 till:01/01/2008 color:Percussion width:7
bar:Ost from:01/01/2012 till:01/01/2013 color:Drums
bar:Ost from:01/01/2012 till:01/01/2013 color:Bvocals width:3
bar:Ost from:01/01/2012 till:01/01/2013 color:Percussion width:7
bar:Heckaman from:01/01/2008 till:01/01/2012 color:Drums
bar:Heckaman from:01/01/2008 till:01/01/2012 color:Percussion width:3
bar:Rattan from:01/09/2013 till:end color:Drums
bar:Rattan from:01/09/2013 till:end color:Percussion width:3
bar:Cohen from:01/01/1991 till:01/12/1997 color:Percussion
bar:Collymore from:01/01/1991 till:20/05/1993 color:Turntables
}}
Discography
{{Main|Powerman 5000 discography}}
Studio albums
- The Blood-Splat Rating System (1995)
- Tonight the Stars Revolt! (1999)
- Anyone for Doomsday? (2001)
- Transform (2003)
- Destroy What You Enjoy (2006)
- Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere (2009)
- Copies, Clones & Replicants (2011)
- Builders of the Future (2014)
- New Wave (2017){{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/powerman-5000-to-release-new-wave-album/|title=POWERMAN 5000 To Release 'New Wave' Album|date=June 12, 2017|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 27, 2017}}
- The Noble Rot (2020){{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2020/03/24/news/powerman-5000-sign-with-cleopatra-records-ready-new-album/|title=Powerman 5000 Sign With Cleopatra Records, Ready New Album|publisher=ThePRP|access-date=March 25, 2020|date=March 24, 2020}}
- Abandon Ship (2024){{Cite web |title=Abandon Ship, by Powerman 5000 |url=https://powerman5000.bandcamp.com/album/abandon-ship |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Powerman 5000 |language=en}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [http://www.powerman5000.com Official website]
- {{allMusic}}
{{Powerman 5000}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:1991 establishments in Massachusetts
Category:American alternative metal musical groups
Category:American industrial metal musical groups
Category:American electronic rock musical groups
Category:American musical quintets
Category:Hard rock musical groups from Massachusetts
Category:Musical groups established in 1991