I enjoy reviewing super groups, I can’t decide if it is the novelty or the potential disaster that ensues from these types of bands, but for some reason I am drawn to them. For anyone that missed the memo, Powerflo consist of lead vocalist/rapper Sen Dog from the infamous Cypress Hill, Guitarist Billy Graziadei from NYC’s Biohazard, as well as past members of Downset and Fear Factory. I know what you are thinking, what good could possibly come from this nu-metal/hardcore/rap combination? The answer to that is Powerflo.

I know that more than a few avid Punk News readers may have a visceral reaction reading the musical history of Powerflo’s band members, but the band pulls it off. I haven’t yet decided if it’s a guilty pleasure or not; the music falls somewhere between rap rock and hardstyle, an odd melding of 90’s hardcore, 2000’s nu-metal, and Cypress Hill’s playful charm. I have had a feeling that nu-metal would make a return in the upcoming years, and this self titled album has a nu-metal flavor, but the over all feel of the record falls closer to current hardstyle hardcore mixed with Biohazard’s NYC influence.

Going into this record, one must take it with a grain of salt. There are undeniably goofy parts that would make many a cargo-short wearing dad tap his toe, but at the same time, I bet if Powerflo played Philadelphia’s This Is Hardcore festival, shit would go off-- despite naysayers. Powerflo have not created a masterpiece by any means; some of the songs blend together, and it is cheesy with weird melodies thrown in for some added “dynamics”, but considering how bad this record potentially could have been, I’d consider Powerflo’s debut record a success.

There are undeniable riffs throughout this record, both of the cross-over variety and hardstyle breakdowns. I was initially surprised Sen Dog would partake in such a heavy album, but perhaps with the recent and somewhat successful return of Ice T’s Body Count, it all makes sense. The similarities between Body Count and Powerflo are undeniable, however Powerflo is the more polished and mainstream product with less of a thrash/cross-over influence.

To sum up this record correctly, I think it is fair to say that fans of any of the members past musical endeavours will enjoy what Powerflo’s debut album has to offer. As far as new listeners are concerned, with an open mind, this record achieves success in the same way the original mash up between Biohazard and Onyx worked. It is goofy, but enjoyable. Maybe it is a nostalgia factor, but Powerflo exceeded my expectations. Do not get me wrong, this is not an album of substance, but if you need a heavy and groove laden record to bring to the gym, this album is definitely worth a try.