This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Powerman 5000: Spider One (vocals); Adam 12 Williams, Mike Tempesta (guitar);
Adrian Ost (drums).
Recorded at Mad Dog Studios, Burbank, California; Cello Studios, Hollywood, California; QI Lab Studios, Los Angeles, California.
This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Like his buddy Edsel from the band Dope, Powerman 5000 vocalist Spider One has plenty of axes to grind with the state of the world. Moving away from the sci-fi imagery cultivated on prior outings, this Boston quintet uses the songs on TRANSFORM to rail against complacency and the shallowness of pop culture. The music industry serves as a favorite pinata whether on the Marilyn Manson-flavored head-bobber "That's Entertainment" or "Hey, That's Right!," a robotic-sounding swipe at the state of commercial airplay a la Elvis Costello's "Radio Radio."
There's even a very Gil Scott-Heron-like moment when John A. Williams, author and father of guitarist Adam 12, delivers a quick spoken-word intro called "Assess the Mess." Although Adam likes to pour on plenty of pounding rhythms and crunching riffs like older brother Rob Zombie, his band manages to churn out songs out with more melodic appeal, like the semi-inspirational "Free" and bass-driven "Top of the World." TRANSFORM contains thoughtful lyricism dressed up in a suit of bludgeoning riffs.
What the critics say...
Rolling Stone (6/12/03, p.94) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Born metalheads determined not to sound like those other angsty, plodding goons clogging rock radio..."
