Trying to define Powerplant has become increasingly difficult — and that's probably the point.
The project of London-based Ukrainian musician Theo Zhykharyev began with the lo-fi synth-punk of 'People in the Sun', but has never been particularly interested in staying in one place. Dungeon synth, electronics, punk and 1980s rock have all found their way into Powerplant's constantly shifting identity. Each release seems to leave something behind while opening the door to something entirely different.
With 'Bridge of Sacrifice', released this year through Arcane Dynamics, the transformation continues. Black metal, industrial, blackgaze, metal-punk and folk collide in a heavier, more gothic and theatrical record. Yet beneath the distortion and darkness, the strange melodies, synthesizers and instinct for pop that have always defined Powerplant remain intact.
This November, the latest incarnation of Powerplant arrives in Portugal for two nights, with two very different bands opening the way.
November 8 · Porto
The first night takes place at Woodstock 69, bringing together Mondo Negro and Produções do Diabo once again.
Joining Powerplant are Screws, a new Portuguese trio formed by José Vale, Rui Martelo and Luís Chaka — familiar names from projects including Unsafe Space Garden, Greengo and Cobrafuma.
Formed in 2026, Screws explore experimental and psychedelic territory, with krautrock as one of their starting points. Their approach to repetition, experimentation and unconventional structures makes them a fitting introduction to a night where sticking to one genre was never really an option.
📍 Woodstock 69 · Porto
🚪 Doors: 19:00 / Shows: 20:00
🎟️ Tickets: Pre-sale €13 via dodiabo.company.site / Door €17
Mondo Negro × Produções do Diabo
Another chapter in a collaboration built around bringing different sounds and unexpected encounters to Porto.
November 9 · Lisbon
One day later, Powerplant head to Galeria Zé dos Bois, where Mondo Negro joins forces once again with ZDB.
Opening the night are Thee Seizures, an antifascist duo from Lisbon whose music draws from acid punk, 1960s garage rock and psychedelia, proving that guitars aren't necessarily required to make rock'n'roll.
Formed in 2023, Thee Seizures released their debut album 'Introducing… Thee Seizures!' this year through Groovie Records. Their raw, stripped-down approach to garage rock offers a different kind of unpredictability alongside Powerplant's constantly evolving sound.
From guitarless garage rock to Powerplant's latest transformation, two distinct approaches to pushing rock'n'roll into less familiar territory.
📍 Galeria Zé dos Bois · Lisbon
🚪 Doors: 21:00
🎟️ Tickets: 14€ via zedosbois.bol.pt
Mondo Negro × ZDB
Continuing a collaboration dedicated to bringing adventurous and independent music to Lisbon.
A creature that keeps changing shape
The artwork for both Portuguese dates was created by Simone Valentini.
Two cities, two different opening acts, and a project that refuses to settle into a single identity.
If you first discovered Powerplant through 'People in the Sun', be prepared. The creature has changed shape since then.
This November, we'll find out what it has become on stage.