Displaying an obsession with trashy science fiction, Tonight the Stars Revolt! maintains the forceful production of
Mega!! Kung Fu Radio, mixing roaring heavy metal with electronics and sound effects. Even if the record sounds great though,
Powerman 5000 still has a hard time writing consistently memorable songs; while some tracks do take hold, too many others employ moronically simple riffs and/or lyrics chanted (not rapped) in monotone, relying on the production to put them over. Still, even if the album can't be judged a complete success, the aura of campy fun keeps going strong, and that focus makes Tonight the Stars Revolt! something of an improvement on its predecessor. There's a special guest appearance by lead singer Spider's older brother,
Rob Zombie, as well as spots from
Limp Bizkit's DJ Lethal and
Marilyn Manson's Ginger Fish. [Two months after its initial release,
Tonight the Stars Revolt was issued in a "clean" version, containing no profanities or obscenities.] ~ Steve Huey