Metal Underground.com

Dope Signs To Koch Records

KOCH Records has announced the signing of Chicago-based hard-rock/nu-metal act Dope. The band’s fifth release titled "No Regrets" will be released on June 10th, 2008.

Dope lead vocalist / rhythm guitarist Edsel Dope and long time lead guitarist Virus have revamped Dope’s line-up for "No Regrets." Joining the band on bass guitar and backing vocals is Tripp Tribbet (former lead vocalist for Ozzfest 2002 band Twisted Method and younger brother of Mudvayne/ HellYeah guitarist Greg Tribbet). On drums, Dope recruited former Genitorturers drummer Angel Bartolotta.

Zack Wylde lent his signature guitar squeals to Dope on the new track “Addiction.” A video for “Addiction” is currently in development.

Dope recently completed a U.S. headlining tour showcasing new tracks from "No Regrets" including the track “Violence” for which they shot a video during the tour. A snippet of the unmixed track is up on the band’s website now. On the West Coast leg of the tour, Dope was direct support for Black Label Society at the request of Zakk Wylde.

Dope has recently returned to Chicago and is currently mixing their upcoming KOCH Records debut with producer/engineer Tadpole, who recently completed the tracking on the upcoming Disturbed album.

Another one of Dope’s new tracks “Nothing Here for Me” is featured on the new Guitar Hero 3 video game and will be included as a bonus track on "No Regrets."

Dope has released four albums since signing with Epic in 1998, and has sold over 500,000 CDs. Their most recent CD, 2005’s "American Apathy," debut at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart as well as #1 on the Billboard Independent Album Chart.

Scott Givens, KOCH Records’ VP of Metal, says, “I am thrilled to add Dope to the KOCH roster. I’ve seen trends come and go through the years while Dope’s dedicated fanbase has continued to establish them as an undeniable force in Heavy Music. With the completion of 'No Regrets,' I think this is just the beginning for Dope."

“Scott Givens was a key member of the Roadrunner Records staff in the early days and is taking an old-school approach to developing his new roster at KOCH,” says Edsel. “I am super excited about our new partnership with KOCH Records.”

Regarding the music on Dope’s new album, Edsel adds, “'No Regrets' is a testament to years of touring, songwriting, and the continued development of Dope’s sound." "It is by far the heaviest, most technical, and well rounded album that we have ever made. We have taken our time making this album and we are surpassing our own expectations.”

Upon completion, No Regrets will contain more than 15 tracks. Some of the confirmed song titles are as follows: “Violence,” “Addiction,” “Dirty World,” “Six Six Sick,” “My Funeral,” “Scorn,” “We Are,” and the title track, “No Regrets.”

Dope will re-launch their website and Myspace music page in spring of ‘08 and will announce spring and summer touring plans in the near future.

Dope is managed by Bob Ringe at Survival Management (Zakk Wylde / Black Label Society) and is booked by Dave Kirby / Andrew Goodfriend at TKO (Mudvayne/ Hellyeah/ Hatebreed).