Lineup includes Spider One (vocals), Evan9 and Velkro (guitar), X51 (bassist), and GFlash (drums).
In 1990, Spider dropped out of art school and bought a cheap 4-track home studio and drum machine. Working under the title "MC Spider", he recorded "Much Evil" with producer Lamar Lowder. Building on local success, he built a band under the name Powerman 5000. Their style was in the nature of rap/metal that had yet to gain popularity. In 1991, longtime guitarist Adam 12 (Adam Williams) joined the band. In 1994 and 1995, Powerman released two independent records, True Force and The Blood Splat Rating System. Both albums were local successes.
In 1997, the band signed to Dreamworks Records and released a re-recording of The Blood Splat Rating System (with two new tracks) titled Mega!! Kung Fu Radio. The band toured and released singles such as "Organizized" and "Tokyo Vigilante #1". In 1999, Guitarist M.33 (Mike Tempesta) joined the band as they got their biggest break. Creating a strange fusion of science fiction (which had always interested Spider) and "Action Rock" (the term for their own high-energy powerful rock), they released Tonight the Stars Revolt!, which contained the hit singles "When Worlds Collide", "Nobody's Real", and "Supernova Goes Pop". The album sold over a million copies and assured the band's success.
A follow-up album titled "Anyone For Doomsday?" was recorded and a single ("Bombshell") had been released to radio stations, but the album was cancelled just before its scheduled release. Due to being heavily downloaded illegally, Anyone For Doomsday? was later released under Spider's own new label, Megatronic Records, but has since gone out of print due to legal issues. Arguments exist as to whether the record was cancelled due to the events of the September 11th terrorist attacks and the negative title, but the album was finished and scheduled to be released in August of 2001, a 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 (Allen Pahanish) to leave the band. Ad7 (Adrian Ost) and Siggy Sjursen were brought in to replace them. Ironically, "Bombshell" resurfaced, as the entrance music for the (now-formerly WWE) tag-team wrestlers, The Dudley Boyz.
In 2003, the band released "Transform", a more punk-fuelled 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", the album sounded much more live and less filled with industrial metal electronics. After the release of Transform, Dreamworks Records was bought out by Interscope Records, and Powerman 5000 decided not to make the move. Undeterred, Spider continued with his own offshoot label Megatronic Records. In 2005, new music was released, both in the form of a rarities album titled The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Vol. 1 and in new music from an upcoming album.
A new tour was also started, but M.33 had left the band and Adam 12, while present on the upcoming album, was not touring. Former Alien Ant Farm guitarist Terry Corso and former Halfcocked (the first band on Spider's label) guitarist Johnny Rock were brought in to round out the live show. The band has recently completed their new album, called "Destroy What You Enjoy". The band has announced that they are signed to DRT Enterainment, who released their album, of which the song "Wild World" is the new single and video.
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 90s. On January 28, 2009, a preview of tracks from their upcoming 6th studio album were posted on the groups 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 via iTunes and Amazon.com.
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, the band released "V is for Vampire", the second single from their upcoming album, which is planned for a summer release.
On July 7, 2009, Powerman 5000 released a blog on their MySpace page[3] 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 was also announced. Three new songs were also premiered on the show, including "Timebomb", "Make Us Insane", and "Show Me What You 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 upcoming tour starting on October 24. They also released two new promotional videos on YouTube for their new album, confirming its release date as October 6.
On October 1, the full track "Do Your Thing" was leaked onto YouTube. The song was apparently taken from the Megatronic Records Forum, in which frontman Spider One currently owns. The CD "Somewhere On The Other Side Of Nowhere" was officially released on October 6 in the U.S. and was available in Canada on October 20, two weeks after the reported release date.
The band embarked on a national tour during October and November in support of the album.
On December 7, Spider, the band's lead singer posted links on his Twitter page linking to FearNET.com which is hosting the bands music video for their first single "Super Villain". The video is also available on YouTube and stars Johnathon Schaech as the infamous Super Villain.
Time Bomb Baby
Powerman 5000 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's nothing left for us to say or do
Some shine on and some are paranoid
Some we embrace but you we just avoid
(Cause everybody knows)
You're like a time bomb, You're like a time bomb
You blow up on the spot then you move on
That ticking in your head's got you all wrong
(Come on)
You're running out, you're running out
You're running out, you're running out
You're running out, you're running out
You're running out, you're running out
Bridges burn and cities explode
Shadows haunt at the end of the road
There's a place that's called catastrophe
It's the perfect spot for you and me
(Yeah)
You're like a time bomb, You're like a time bomb
You blow up on the spot then you move on
You're like a time bomb, You're like a time bomb
That ticking in your head's got you all wrong
You're like a time bomb, You're like a time bomb
You blow up on the spot then you move on
You're like a time bomb, You're like a time bomb
That ticking in your head's got you all wrong
(Come on)
You're running out, you're running out
You're running out, you're running out
You're running out, you're running out
You're running out, you're running out
Here comes the sun
There goes the night
Everybody's doing it and doing it right
Here comes the sun
There goes your life
Everybody's feeling and they're feeling alright
Lets go
You're like a time bomb, You're like a time bomb
You blow up on the spot then you move on
You're like a time bomb, You're like a time bomb
That ticking in your head's got you all wrong
Time bomb, a time bomb baby
Time bomb, time bomb
You're like a time bomb, a time bomb baby
Time bomb, (time bomb)
Time bomb, (time bomb)
You're like a time bomb (time bomb)
Time bomb, (time bomb)
Time bomb
Time bomb
Time bomb
Time bomb
The song “Time Bomb Baby” by Powerman 5000 is about someone who is constantly explosive and unpredictable. The lyrics suggest that this person is like a ticking time bomb, ready to blow up on the spot and move on. The news man has reported that it is the end for the singer and the subject of the song, and there is nothing left for them to say or do. Some people are able to shine in their lives, while others are paranoid and full of anxiety. The person in the song is one that they just avoid, and the chorus repeats the idea that this person is like a time bomb, singing that sometimes they just blow up on the spot and move on, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake.
The lyrics of the song can be interpreted in many different ways, but it seems to be talking about a person who is always on the edge and ready to snap. It suggests that this person is unable to control their impulses and is always on the brink of a meltdown. The song seems to suggest that this person is dangerous and that they pose a threat to those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
The news man said it's the end for me and you
The media has declared an end to our relationship, leaving us with nothing else to say or do.
There's nothing left for us to say or do
Our relationship has reached a point of no return where no more talking or actions can help.
Some shine on and some are paranoid
Some people are successful and confident while others are anxious and mistrusting.
Some we embrace but you we just avoid
We accept some people in our lives, but for you, we intentionally keep our distance and avoid you.
You're like a time bomb, You're like a time bomb
You have a ticking sense of unpredictability like a time bomb that can explode suddenly and without warning.
You blow up on the spot then you move on
You have a tendency to overreact to situations and then quickly move on from them without reflecting on the damage you caused.
That ticking in your head's got you all wrong
Your inner turmoil and anxiety are affecting your judgment and causing you to act impulsively.
Bridges burn and cities explode
Relationships and communities can be destroyed by the actions of one individual.
Shadows haunt at the end of the road
Consequences, regrets, and failures can linger at the end of one's life path like a haunting shadow.
There's a place that's called catastrophe
There are certain situations or mental states where disastrous consequences are almost inevitable.
It's the perfect spot for you and me
Due to our conflicts and differences, that catastrophic place is where we belong together.
Here comes the sun
Good things are happening and a brighter future is approaching.
There goes the night
The difficult and dark times are passing and giving way to a new day.
Everybody's doing it and doing it right
Everyone is happy and succeeding in their endeavors.
Everybody's feeling and they're feeling alright
Everyone is content and enjoying life.
You're running out, you're running out
Your time is limited and you are reaching the end of your opportunities.
Time bomb, a time bomb baby
Your unpredictable nature and unstable behavior give you the characteristics of a time bomb.
Time bomb, time bomb
Repeating the phrase time bomb reinforces the idea of the destructive and explosive nature of the person.
Contributed by Keira W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Matthew Kile
The best song off this album...hands down. The other songs are amazing too but this one...I'm speechless
Proton812
Like a tampon, like a tampon, you think you know the lyrics but you all wrong.
Dario Amir
Instablaster
Mike Barnett
Damn, that guitar lead is GOOD. Velcro and Evan are worthy successors to Tipton and Downing, and Blackmore, too. And they kick out more feeling in 30 seconds of playing than Malmsteen has exhibited IN TOTAL!
UNDERHILL
I am developing my own style in the vein of PM5K. This will never die,
squishysam
If their next album is not Sci-Fi themed, I'm going to punch my roommate in the face. Don't make me do it, PM5K.
Herod13
I love the intro, so catchy and fun. love the song in general but the intro is my fave part.
msgtfrank
one of the best songs in the album
thomas herm
they change sounds every once and a while, but they always end up going back to metal lol, they just love to expirement with music
Brett -
I like how all their songs sound like bombshell