After spending the first half of 2024 on the road with its friends in Static-X and Sevendust, New York City electro metal band Dope will finish the year with the 25th anniversary vinyl reissue of its debut album, “Felons and Revolutionaries.” This release, set for Dec. 6, 2024, will mark the first time the album has ever been available on vinyl. Pre-order it here.
Originally released on Sept. 14 1,999, via Epic Records, “Felons and Revolutionaries” launched the career of mastermind Edsel Dope through the release of singles such as “Pig Society,” “Everything Sucks” and “Sick.” The track “Debonair” was featured in films such as the original “The Fast and the Furious,” “Run All Night” and “Scream 3.” “Debonair” also was used by Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) superstar Rhino as his entrance music.
The original release of “Felons and Revolutionaries” featured the band’s cover of the N.W.A. classic “Fuck tha Police,” which was absent from certain pressings and deliberately omitted from early packaging by the band’s record label. Dope later recorded a cover version of Dead Or Alive’s 1985 hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” That version gave the band its first hit single at Active Rock radio and was added to the reprint of the album in 2000. The song continues to be a staple of the band’s live shows to this day.
The 25th anniversary version of “Felons and Revolutionaries” features newly updated and reimagined artwork. The vinyl will include all the tracks from the debut, as well as the band’s covers from the original CD release. The album will be available in various configurations, including a limited edition orange vinyl pressing—autographed by founding members Edsel and Simon Dope, along with the band’s original drummer Preston Nash and bassist Acey Slade. New merch also is available, including Dope police tape, hats, flags, posters, stickers, hoodies and shirts. A promo video featuring “Everything Sucks” about the 25th anniversary release can be seen below, and more information on all items can be found at https://dopetheband.com.
“I can’t believe that it’s been 25 years since Dope hit the international scene,” Edsel Dope said. “This ultra noisy, punk rock album is where it all started for us, and I’m so excited to see it finally released in this nasty orange vinyl format. I am eternally grateful to all the fans and friends that have come along for the ride.”
“Felons and Revolutionaries” track list:
1) Pig Society
2) Debonaire
3) Everything Sucks
4) Sick
5) Kimberly’s Ghost
6) Spine for You
7) One Fix
8) Fuck tha Police
9) Intervention
10) America the Pitiful
11) Shit Life
12) Wake Up
13) I Am Nothing
14) You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)
In addition, Dope recently was announced as the replacement for Coal Chamber at Aftershock Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12. The band will perform at 2:45 p.m. on the Shockwave Stage. More information can be found at https://aftershockfestival.com.
