Happy 25 years to the iconic Felons and Revolutionaries! Dope has teased via their official social media that there’s a big announcement incoming. No news as of this writing, but I’m super excited!
In the meantime, let’s celebrate this incredible album with a video!
Hey everybody. I know I addressed this on social media, but I also wanted to touch base here. I was inactive for a few due to fighting off a pretty gnarly sinus infection (0/10, don’t recommend). While I wasn’t gone that long, I just wanted to let you know I’m still here! Content will be restarting soon.
I also wanted to extend a genuine thank you to everyone who sent me feedback! I do love hearing from you, and your ideas were very helpful. As I always tell you guys – I made this site about Edsel, but it’s really for you! You’re the reason that I do what I do, and I appreciate you.
Every so often, I like to remind people that I don’t bite and I’m always willing to take suggestions from fans!
Is there something you want me to cover on edseldopefan.org? Have your say and get in touch with me! You can reach me via my contact form or EDF.org’s social media. We’re edseldopefanorg on Instagram and Tiktok! (Those are our only active socials. We are also edseldopefanorg on Facebook, but that’s just a mirror for my Instagram posts. If you see anyone else reaching out claiming to be me, it’s not.)
And honestly… please do contact me. I love hearing from you, and if you have any ideas, I’m happy to hear them! There are, however, some boundaries I won’t cross.
I also take photo contributions! I don’t tend to use live photography unless the photographer grants me permission. If you have any photos of Edsel you’ve taken from live shows that you’d like to donate, please feel free to reach out! (Note: I will not accept candids. Or in other words, photos he didn’t know you were taking outside of live shows.)
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Dope has announced via their Facebook that they are adding new shows. Looks like the dream pairing of Dope and Static-X is continuing for these newly announced shows – you know we love to see it.
Brazil: November 7th, 2024
Purchase Tickets: HERE
Machine Shop (Flint, Michigan): September 20th and 21st, 2024
Purchase Tickets: Friday | Saturday
Belgium (Alcatraz Festival): Aug 8-10th, 2025
Purchase Tickets: HERE
As you’ve no doubt seen, that’s in addition to other dates that have already been announced for Mexico and South America. Fantastic news for fans – have you gotten your tickets yet? You can check out any info on when and where Dope is touring right in our sidebar, or as always, please visit their official site at dopetheband.com.
Are you following Edsel on social media?
If you aren’t already, why not? Following Edsel on socials is a great way to support his music. You can find out all about how to give Edsel a follow on the platform of your choice right here! Following Edsel on socials is also a great way to find out about upcoming Dope shows, too. It really helps when you like and share posts as well, so spread the word!
Hello folks, sorry for the wait! Today’s update will see us continuing our series of Cristina reviewing every Dope studio album ever. And it’s a good one, guys. It’s #2 on our three best Dope albums: it’s the one and only Group Therapy.
But first, let’s get a disclaimer out of the way… I am not a journalist and have never claimed to be one. I’m just a fan sharing my thoughts and experiences with this album. I have a big mouth and a platform, so here I am!
Group Therapy was released on October 21st, 2003, and marked Dope’s first album after parting ways with Epic/Flip Records, citing Epic’s lack of promotion and support. While the media might suggest that reactions to this album were mixed, it received widespread acclaim among Dope’s fanbase. One reviewer noted, “The band has matured a lot but still has room to grow, and I hope that one day they land a real masterpiece.” Some critics drew parallels between Dope’s sound on this album and that of Linkin Park and Korn, though these comparisons seem a bit of a stretch.
Group Therapy also enjoyed some success in the mainstream: “Today is the Day” was the theme for WWE’s No Mercy event in October of 2003. (Check out announcer Michael Cole shouting out Dope in this ad from the broadcast right here!)
So what’s the verdict? Well, here’s my analysis. Let’s try to do a bit better than critics of the time, hm?
Group Therapy’s sound is both gritty and polished, with powerful guitar work that complements Edsel Dope’s vocal intensity. The production strikes a balance between the chaotic and the controlled, reflecting the album’s themes of struggle and resilience. The lyrics delve into inner conflict and the search for self-acceptance, resonating with anyone who has faced their demons head-on.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “I Am,” which captures the essence of Dope’s sound by combining heavy guitar riffs with catchy choruses. I’ve often described “I Am” as the “fuck you” anthem you didn’t know you needed, and that still rings just as true today. Another highlight is the track “Burn,” which offers a relentless energy that ignites listeners with its passion. These songs demonstrate Dope’s knack for crafting memorable hooks without sacrificing intensity.
Compared to their earlier albums, Group Therapy marks a progression in both sound and lyrical depth. While Felons and Revolutionaries introduced the world to Dope’s unique blend of industrial and metal, Group Therapy refines and expands upon that foundation. The album feels more cohesive, with each track contributing to a larger narrative of personal and collective catharsis.
All in all, Group Therapy is a satisfying mix of serenity and sanguinity fused with the rage and defiance characteristic of Dope’s earlier offerings—and then some. It’s a more than worthy entry among the top three Dope studio albums.
Join me next in our series as I review an album that has a lot of nostalgia for me. It’s American Apathy. Often overlooked in the conversation, it’s time to shine the spotlight on this album that’s brought us several iconic tracks. Stay right here with us.
We’re being spoiled with all this news of new Dope shows. We love to see it! Mexico gets their turn with a show announced for the 26th of October! This spectacular lineup also features Mudvayne and Drowning Pool. For info and how to purchase tickets, please CLICK HERE.
¡Otro día, otra oportunidad de ver a Dope en concierto! ¡México tiene su turno con show anunciado para el 26 de octubre! Este concierto también presenta a Mudvayne y Drowning Pool. ¡No te lo pierdas! Para obtener información y cómo comprar boletos, haga clic aquí.
Credit: @dopetheband Facebook. Please be sure to like and share.
If you are not already following Edsel on social media, you can find links to all of Dope and Drama Club’s socials in this post RIGHT HERE.
You thought Dope was finished? Not a chance. They’re appearing on the 8th of November with fellow metal gods Static-X for a show in Buenos Aires! This is a chance for South American fans to see two incredible artists. I’m really excited for fans in Argentina! I bet this show is going to be an absolute blast.
¿Creías que Dope estaba terminado? Nunca. ¡Aparecerán el 8 de noviembre con los dioses del metal Static-X para un show en Buenos Aires! Esta es una oportunidad para que los fanáticos sudamericanos vean a dos artistas increíbles. ¡Estoy muy emocionado por los fanáticos en Argentina! Apuesto a que este espectáculo será una auténtica maravilla.
Credit: @dopetheband Facebook
Are you going to be in that area on the 8th of November? Click right here for tickets!
¿Estarás allí el 8 de noviembre? ¡Haga clic aquí para obtener boletos!
Continuing my review of every Dope studio album ever, we’re up to 2001’s Life.
This is Life…Life was released on November 6th, 2001. It was produced by Edsel and Josh Abraham, who also produced Static-X’s Shadow Zone. Life spawned two singles, Now or Never and Slipping Away. Both the album and its singles charted pretty decently, considering how over saturated the early 00s was in pop music.
However, I’m willing to bet that’s not what you know this album for. Life was the album that brought us Dope’s most infamous track, Die MF Die. If you know any song by Dope, it’s probably this one. True story, the last time I talked to someone about Edsel, they said “The Die MF Die guy, right?” This and Blood Money are often cited as the Dope aesthetic, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re both such iconic songs, and tied so heavily into Dope’s overall tone and style as a band.
Professional reviewers were not kind to this album. Blender’s review from 2003 stated, “If you thought the success of Staind and Limp Bizkit proved that producer Josh Abraham has the sharpest ears in nü-metal, listen to Dope’s second album and think again.” This critique, however, seems more reflective of the reviewer’s bias towards what was mainstream at the time rather than an objective assessment of the album’s quality. So let us strive to do better, here.
While Life may not be my favorite Dope album, it certainly does not deserve the harsh reviews it received. Tracks like “Now or Never,” “Thanks for Nothing,” and the very singable “What About…” stand out as strong entries. “With or Without You”‘ adds depth with its slower, more introspective vibe and Edsel’s emotive vocal delivery. The album also features one of Dope’s best music videos to date for “Now or Never.” (VERY underrated: check out this amazing video right here)
Most importantly, Life has substantial replay value. Compared to other albums from that era, this one is more likely to draw listeners back. Life’s themes of rebellion, self-destruction, and defiance are universal concepts we can all relate to. I’ve always said I could never forgive an album for making me feel nothing. Luckily, like many fans, this album resonated with me. Its raw energy and honesty is endlessly engaging.
Life didn’t get the recognition it deserved when it was released. Perhaps it’s time we changed that?
Next in our series is Group Therapy – stick right with us as I review every Dope studio album ever.
As promised, I’m reviewing every Dope studio album EVER. And we’re starting with a review of 1999’s Felons and Revolutionaries.
Worth noting: I’m not a journalist, and have never claimed to be. I AM however, a very opinionated fan with a loud mouth and a platform. That’s … almost there on the qualifications, let’s be real. Point is, don’t take this like I’m a music industry expert or anything. My reviews also tend to reflect that I find it unproductive to be overly critical just for the sake of a “balanced critique.” If there’s nothing particularly at fault with a work, I won’t pick it apart just to find something to criticize.
With that said, let’s get into this review of Felons and Revolutionaries.
Dope burst onto the world stage with the release of Felons and Revolutionaries in 1999. As of this writing, it is their best selling album. It’s also *most likely* the album you’ve heard the most from commercially: the song Debonaire was featured on The Fast and the Furious and Scream 3 OSTs. Debonaire was also used as the entrance music for the wrestler Rhyno when he was in ECW, which I actually didn’t know until recently.
Along with the ever popular Debonaire, the tracks Sick, Everything Sucks and Pig Society were released as singles from Felons. Debonaire, Sick and Everything Sucks also received music videos. The album was produced by Edsel and John Travis, with Edsel also helming the design and artwork for this release.
Felons and Revolutionaries has received generally favourable reviews, and for good reason. It’s a damn good album. For those of you who got into Dope with No Regrets or later releases, though, you might think you’re listening to a different band at first. That’s because with their debut, Dope was definitely giving more industrial vibes. This might be a slightly different Dope in style but not in overall tone. But if you’re not big into industrial, this might not be your go to Dope album.
Debonaire is without a doubt the strongest track on the album, along with (arguably) being Dope’s most commercially successful single. Don’t sleep on low key bangers Spine for You, Kimberly’s Ghost and One Fix, though. This album is also notable for featuring one of very few covers by any artist that is (in my opinion) better than the original: You Spin me Round (Like a Record). Originally performed by Dead or Alive off the album Youthquake, Dope’s arrangement is still a mainstay in their live shows. When it comes to another cover on Felons (N.W.A’s “Fuck tha Police”), the re-recorded version on American Apathy is the stronger pick.
Felons and Revolutionaries is still a bop 25 years on, and gives no impression of feeling dated or “of its time”. Music is a landscape that sometimes changes by the second. It’s not often that albums from this era still feel so fresh and relevant. I’ve never really understood how Edsel seems to manage keeping his music so continually timeless. At the end of the day, I don’t need to understand. Don’t take things too seriously or overcomplicate them. Good is good.
I’ll see you with the next review where we take a look at Life. The album that spawned that one song that will forever remain Dope’s most infamous track…
Apple Music’s recent ranking of the “Best Albums of All Time”… was certainly full of choices. It was a list of all time, to be sure. While I knew Dope wasn’t going to be on this list, it got me thinking: I have seven studio albums to choose from… what are the three best Dope albums?
I’ve already touched on this topic in edseldopefan.org’s Instagram stories, but with the nature of that medium, I can’t put down all of my thoughts. So I thought it would be fun to expand a bit here.
“Cristina, no one wants to hear your biased opinion. You run an Edsel Dope fansite.” That’s fair *shrug*. As I’ve always stated, I’m not a music reviewer or a professional in the music industry. What I am is a fan, and I know what I like. If your fave isn’t on this list, it’s not because I somehow dislike it. Truthfully, I don’t think Dope has ever released a bad album. But if we’re ranking the top THREE, then something has to be cut.
If you’re ready for this, then so am I. Let’s get into it.
No Regrets is what a lot of rock albums wish they were. Straight up, uncompromising rock n roll. When I talk to people about Dope, generally this album or Blood Money Part 1 are brought up in the conversation. Actually, my most viewed and faved video on our Tiktok is a video commemorating this album. For good reason: this album is spawned some iconic bangers. The title track, My Funeral, Violence, We Are… there’s really no duds to be found. From start to finish, it brings exactly what it promises. No regrets.
People think of this album as a departure for Dope. I’ve always disliked that term. Departure, to me, denotes that an artist has a little box they fit in, and that’s all they’re able to do. “An artist straying from their lane? Scandal!” Instead of looking at it as a departure, let’s reframe that thinking. While yes, this album has a more alternative vibe than Dope’s other records, it also shows more range and vulnerability. And unlike a lot of more “alternative” albums from the early 00s, this one still sounds modern and relevant. There are certain albums out there from the same time period that do not hold up at all. (Not mentioning any names, but I think we all know a few off the top of our heads)
And now for our number one pick… oh boy. I feel like I’m going to make some fans mad with this one.
The amount of shit I get for sticking up for this album in the way that I do is mad. It’s not even that people say it’s a bad album, it’s this overarching idea of “new stuff bad, old stuff good” when it comes to Dope. Dope is one of the few bands I know of that people want to firmly stick in one era, and don’t seem to be interested in anything else. While I love the classics, don’t let nostalgia goggles blind you to new, amazing entries into a body of work. Blood Money Part Zer0 shows not only growth, but the ability to reinvent a band’s sound while still staying true to their original vision. Not a lot of people can do this successfully. In fact, Blood Money Part Zer0 is all the stuff you always loved about Dope taken in a new and exciting direction.
And there you have it. Those are my top three Dope albums. Were your faves on the list?
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