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Powerman 5000

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Band Timeline

1991

Formation and Early Lineup of Powerman 5000

Powerman 5000 was formed in 1991 by frontman Spider One, the younger brother of metal musician Rob Zombie. The initial lineup included drummer Al Pahanish Jr., bassist Dorian Heartsong, guitarist Adam 12, and percussionist Jordan Cohen. A turntablist, Brian Collymoore, was briefly part of the band until 1993. This formation laid the groundwork for their blend of rock music with sci-fi influences, and set them on course for local success in their early years.
1993-1995

Independent Releases and Early Success

During the early 1990s, Powerman 5000 released independent recordings that garnered local attention. In 1993, they released the EP 'A Private Little War,' limited to 500 copies sold only at live shows. This was followed by the True Force EP in 1994 and the full-length album The Blood-Splat Rating System in 1995. These releases helped establish their presence in the Boston rock scene and build a modest fanbase, setting the stage for their later major label debut.
1996-1997

Signing with DreamWorks and Rising Exposure

In 1996, Powerman 5000 signed to DreamWorks Records and reissued The Blood-Splat Rating System under the new title Mega!! Kung Fu Radio, remastered for broader distribution. That year they performed on the second stage of Ozzfest and appeared on television, including an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210, boosting their visibility. The following year, they played on the main stage at Ozzfest 1997 and made a notable appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien performing 'Neckbone.' The band released singles such as 'Tokyo Vigilante #1' maintaining public interest. During this period, percussionist Jordan Cohen left the band and was replaced by adding a second guitarist, M.33 (Mike Tempesta), in 1998.
1999

Breakthrough with Tonight the Stars Revolt!

Powerman 5000 released their most commercially successful album, Tonight the Stars Revolt!, in 1999, produced by Sylvia Massy. The album featured hit singles like 'When Worlds Collide,' 'Nobody's Real,' and 'Supernova Goes Pop.' It sold over a million copies and achieved platinum certification. The album's distinctive fusion of science fiction themes and energetic 'Action Rock' earned nominations for 'Album of the Year' and won the 'Rising Star Award' from the Boston Music Awards. The band undertook extensive worldwide touring, supporting major acts such as Metallica on their Summer Sanitarium Tour alongside Korn, Kid Rock, and System of a Down, significantly raising their profile in the rock music scene.
2001-2002

Anyone for Doomsday? and Lineup Changes

In 2001, Powerman 5000 recorded the album Anyone for Doomsday? with the single 'Bombshell' released to radio. However, the album's official release was canceled shortly before its scheduled date. Various reasons have been debated, including sensitivity around the album's apocalyptic theme following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Spider One later explained the album was shelved because it resembled their previous work too closely, preferring to pursue new musical directions. During this turbulent period, longtime members bassist Dorian Heartsong and drummer Al Pahanish Jr. left the band. They were replaced by Siggy Sjursen on bass and Ad7 (Adrian Ost) on drums. Additionally, the album was briefly released through Spider One's label Megatronic Records but soon went out of print due to legal complications.

Albums

📷
No Image
The Blood Splat Rating System
10 tracks
1995
powerman-5000_2nd_album
Mega!! Kung Fu Radio
12 tracks
1997
powerman-5000_3rd_album
Tonight the Stars Revolt!
13 tracks
1999
powerman-5000_4th_album
Anyone for Doomsday?
13 tracks
2001
powerman-5000_5th_album
Transform
13 tracks
2003
powerman-5000_6th_album
Destroy What You Enjoy
13 tracks
2006
powerman-5000_7th_album
Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere
11 tracks
2009
powerman-5000_8th_album
Copies, Clones, & Replicants
12 tracks
2011
powerman-5000_9th_album
Builders of the Future
10 tracks
2014
powerman-5000_10th_album
New Wave
10 tracks
2017
powerman-5000_11th_album
The Noble Rot
10 tracks
2020
powerman-5000_12th_album
Abandon Ship
11 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Spider One

1989

Lead vocals

Nick Quijano

2012

Guitar

Al Pahanish

N/A

Dorian Heartsong

N/A

Bass

Michael Tempesta

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Gordon Heckaman

N/A
N/A

Dave Pino

2007
2012

Evan Rodaniche

N/A
N/A

Guitar

Terry Corso

2005
2007

Guitar

Gustavo Aued

N/A
N/A

Story of Powerman 5000

Powerman 5000: A Rock Band Forged in the Fire of Rebellion

Powerman 5000, also known as PM5K, is an American rock band that emerged from the underground scene in 1991. Led by the charismatic frontman Spider One, younger brother of metal legend Rob Zombie, PM5K has carved out a unique space in the rock landscape with their intense energy, industrial-infused sound, and a constant evolution of their musical identity.

From Boston's Underground to the Billboard Charts

Spider One's early career was marked by a raw talent for music, landing him the "Best Rap Act" title in the Boston Phoenix/WFNX 1990 Readers' Poll. His burgeoning musical vision soon led to the formation of Powerman 5000, where he was joined by a crew of dedicated musicians including drummer Al Pahanish Jr., bassist Dorian Heartsong, guitarist Adam 12, and percussionist Jordan Cohen. The band initially released a limited-edition EP "A Private Little War" in 1993, followed by the "True Force" EP and their debut album, "The Blood-Splat Rating System," in 1994 and 1995 respectively. These releases generated buzz on the local scene, paving the way for their first major breakthrough: a performance on the second stage of Ozzfest in 1996, which catapulted them into the mainstream consciousness. Later that year, they even made a cameo appearance in the popular TV show "Beverly Hills, 90210," filming a music video for their single "Strike the Match".

Tonight the Stars Revolt!

Their 1999 album, "Tonight the Stars Revolt!," became their most commercially successful release. Reaching number 29 on the Billboard 200, the album spawned hit singles "When Worlds Collide" and "Nobody's Real" and firmly cemented their place in the rock world. Despite several lineup changes over the years, Spider One has remained the band's core, guiding their sound through ten albums and countless live performances.

Powerman 5000 has never been content with resting on their laurels. Their career has been marked by experimentation and evolution, constantly pushing their sonic boundaries while keeping their roots firmly planted in the raw energy of rock. They remain a force to be reckoned with, continuing to inspire and entertain generations of fans with their relentless drive and captivating performances.

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