Opiate for the Masses
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Key people | Ron Underwood, Elias Mallin, Jim Kaufman, Dustin Lyon |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, demos |
Opiate for the Masses was a Los Angeles-based American band specializing in alternative metal, established in 1999.
History
The band was created by vocalist Ron Underwood, drummer Elias Mallin, guitarist and keyboardist Jim Kaufman, along with guitarist Dustin Lyon. Their name draws inspiration from Karl Marx's famous phrase "Religion is the opium of the people".<ref>In 2000, they independently released a demo titled New Machines and the Wasted Life. After signing with Warcon Enterprises in 2005, they launched the album The Spore, expanding their lineup to include drummer Seven Antonopoulos and bassist Anna K., formerly part of Drain STH. The group performed extensively on tours such as the Taste of Chaos and supported bands including Static-X, Avenged Sevenfold, My Chemical Romance, and Disturbed.
On February 4, 2008, Opiate for the Masses entered into a contract with Century Media Records and released the album Manifesto. Subsequent to this release, they toured alongside Filter. The band ceased activity in 2009.
Original members
- Ron Underwood – lead vocals
- Elias Mallin – drums
- Dustin Lyon – guitar
- Ryan Head – bass guitar
- Jim Kaufman – keyboards and guitar
Touring members
- Seven Antonopoulos – drums
- Anna K. – bass guitar
Discography
- Studio albums
- The Spore (2005)
- Manifesto (2008)
- EPs
- Seven (2001)
- Goodbye (2003)
- Demo albums
- New Machines and the Wasted Life (2000)
Reunion
In 2010, original lineup members Ron Underwood, Elias Mallin, Dustin Lyon, Ryan Head, along with guitarist Andy Gerold reunited for a sold-out performance in Tampa, Arizona.