Powerface reunites on 517 Day

In the ‘90s and early 2000s, Powerface was one of Lansing’s hardest-working bands — an unrelenting, riff-hurling force that packed clubs and sparked mosh pits across the state with its heavy, aggressive rock. While it flirted with national recognition, the Holt-based band disbanded in 2004 after more than a decade of loud, sweaty shows and studio releases. 

Now, after eight years off the stage, the core four members — vocalist Jerm Kienitz, guitarist Robb Underhill, bassist Jeremy Schopp and drummer Chris Doerr — are reuniting for one final show Saturday at The Studio at 414 (formerly The Loft). According to Doerr, 53, it’s a chance to reconnect with longtime fans and play one last time for their growing families.  

In 1990, when Powerface first started taking shape, Doerr and his brother Scott had already played together in a punk band. But their new project shifted into heavier, darker territories.  

“My brother Scott, a friend named Tom and I started jamming some riffs that Scott wrote,” Doerr said. “Scott and I had already had a punk band together, but we wanted to do more Danzig-style dark rock and metal this time.” 

Sonically, the group evolved quickly, fueled by the eclectic tastes of its rotating lineup. 

“My brother and I mostly listened to punk and hardcore,” Doerr said. “The new guitar player and bass player knew more thrash and metal. The keyboard player was into early Nine Inch Nails and other dark electronic music. When we brought Jerm in (on vocals), he was ready to do Alice in Chains and Faith No More, but heavy. He introduced us to Tool and had this ability to do heavy and tasty clean vocals.” 

Over time, Underhill’s guitar became a foundational element, while new members brought unexpected influences — even touches of hip-hop. 

“There was a point where my brother left the band, and we brought in Robb (on guitar). His sound and style were the anchor from that point forward on the guitar side,” Doerr said. “We also switched bass players around that time and brought in Rick Wyble. The new guitar layer and Rick’s more funk-oriented style took us in a new direction. Jerm had better flow than most, so we dabbled in some rap-rock, along with our really aggressive rock in general.” 

Doerr also began adding layers to his drumming, incorporating a drum machine and sample pads to fill out the sound. Beyond that, the band’s songwriting process was often an organic, collaborative effort.  

“Most of the time, it was the typical story of jamming riffs until something came together,” Doerr said. “I tended to be the one who said, ‘Let’s do it eight times, then go to riff two,’ or whatever, but it was always collaborative. Schopp was early to adopt writing songs on his computer. Sometimes, he would bring fairly finished frameworks, but they were based on MIDI sounds. We would translate it to our instruments and build from there.” 

Over the years, Powerface released a string of EPs and albums. The band’s first recording came from a modest studio in Eaton Rapids, but it quickly found its footing. 

“The very first was a demo we did at the factory building in Eaton Rapids at that first intersection you get to when you get into town,” Doerr said. “The first album we put out was called ‘Where From,’ and it was recorded at the old Harvest Studio location on Cedar Street.” 

The group followed with “Four on the Floor” (1994), “The Method” (1997), a five-song EP in 2000 and its final full-length, “Steal Your Soul,” in 2003. 

“I honestly don’t have a favorite,” Doerr said. “There are a few songs I don’t like as much as the rest, but I’m pretty happy with all of it. My favorite song to play has always been one called ‘True Love.’” 

In Greater Lansing, the band was a staple at legendary venues like The Rock House, Small Planet, Mac’s Bar and the Silver Dollar Saloon, though they also paid their dues with plenty of house shows and road miles. 

“We did lots of short trips to the close states, but also went to Pennsylvania and New York several times,” Doerr said. “We had a tour route that we went on a few times that took us through Indianapolis, then Tennessee, then Florida, then up the coast and back home. We also took a couple of trips out west, as far as El Paso, Texas, and Los Angeles. I put over 100,000 band miles on the vans I had during that time.” 

Some of the group’s highlights included performing at the early 92.1 The Edge Oktoberfest concerts in Old Town, playing Capital City Riverfest and signing a deal with 4/7 Media — a label started by Lupus Thunder, guitarist of the Bloodhound Gang. 

“We got to play a giant outdoor festival in North Carolina that was walking distance from a Marine base and therefore had one of the biggest, craziest pits I’ve ever seen,” Doerr said. “We also had the chance to open for a lot of cool bands.” 
 
Alongside Powerface during this era were plenty of like-minded local bands.   
 
“There were so many great bands,” Doerr said. “Lansing’s Yikes! Records, which released our first two records, also put out a series of compilations called ‘So This Is East Lansing!’ We were included on a bunch of those. 

Despite their relentless work ethic and plenty of high-energy shows at the now-defunct Temple Club, Powerface called it quits in 2004, shortly after its final album release. 

“Our last album didn’t get the distribution and support it was supposed to,” Doerr said. “After putting in over a decade of work and jumping through all the industry hoops, it just didn’t seem like we were really going to ‘make it.’ One of the guys decided they were done. We just didn’t want to keep going.” 

The upcoming show marks the band’s first live appearance since its 2017 reunion, but Doerr said he hasn’t let any dust collect on his drum kit.  

“I’ve been playing in other bands the whole time. I just kept going,” Doerr said. “So, if Jerm or Robb mention another Powerface show, I just say yes. I think it was Jerm each time.” 

Now, more than 20 years after the original farewell, the band’s return is as much about family as it is about fans. 

“Yes, part of the inspiration for the gig is so that we can do one last performance for our kids and grandkids,” Doerr said. 

While they’re leaving the door open to nostalgia for one night, Doerr made it clear this show will be the group’s final bow — a chance to reflect, reconnect and say goodbye on their own terms. 

“Lansing has always been our hometown,” he said. “We want to sincerely thank our die-hard fans who have loved and supported our music over the years.”