Powerman 5000 works the tour trail to support 'Transform'

With its new album "Transform" now in stores, rock quintet Powerman 5000 continues to pound the pavement.

The group's latest itinerary stretches through the end of June and includes both headlining performances and festival appearances.

Released on May 20, "Transform" is set to debut at No. 27 on the forthcoming Billboard 200 album chart, according to industry sources. The group paved the way for the album's release with a series of pre-release club shows that kicked off in early May.

"Transform" marks Powerman 5000's first new album since 1999's "Tonight the Stars Revolt." The set features the single "Free," the music video for which is streaming at the band's website. A bonus enhanced-CD included with "Transform" houses the music videos for "Free" and planned follow-up track "Action."

The group's return to the music scene follows a tumultuous couple of years. In mid August of 2001, the band announced that its was postponing the late-August release of a new album titled "Anyone for Doomsday?"

That revelation was followed by the November 2001 departure of bassist Dorian Heartsong and drummer Alan Pahanish, the second and third original members to leave the group; original percussionist Jordan left after a tour in support of the band's 1997 DreamWorks debut, "Mega Kung Fu Radio," and was replaced by guitarist Mike, a.k.a. M33 (the band members use only first names and/or aliases).

New drummer Adrian and new bassist Siggy have since replaced Pahanish and Heartsong. Frontman Spider One and guitarist Adam 12, both founding members, round out the group's current lineup.

Powerman 5000 got its start in Boston, where it released two successful indie-label collections: 1994's "True Force" (Curve of the Earth) and 1995's "Blood Splat Rating System" (Conscience). Both albums show more of a hip-hop influence than the group's more recent works.