Opiate for the Masses

Opiate for the Masses is a post-hardcore band from Arizona. They formed in Phoenix in 1999 by Ron Underwood, Elias Mallin, Dustin Lyon and Jim Kaufman. The meaning of their name is comes from the supposed Karl Marx quote that says the organized religion is nothing but an opiate for the masses.

Background

In 1999, Opiate For The Masses was formed by guitarist and songwriter Kaufman. Kaufman, formerly in the band Projex, left shortly after he and Underwood got together with intentions of starting a band. The duo began writing songs together adding members and Underwood even took vocal lessons. The band moved members around finally settling on their current lineup. After long touring scheduals and releasing The Spore on Kevin Lyman and Bob Chiappardi's record label Warcon Enterprises

In the wake of The Spore album release, the band has played with such big names as Marilyn Manson, The Bled, Avenged Sevenfold and Drowning Pool, and played on both the Warped Tour and the Taste of Chaos tour. Opiate For The Masses is also featured in the Van's Warped Tour documentary, Wake Up Screaming. The band, taking influence from Nine Inch Nails, Tool, and Ministry is gaining popularity and is currently on tour with Static X.

Members of Opiate For The Masses

Current lineup

Ron Underwood (Vocals) (1999-)
Jim Kaufman (Guitar, Synths and Programming) (1999-)
Seven Antonopolous (Drums) (2005-)
Anna Kjellberg (Bass) (2008-)^[1]

Past members

Dustin Lyon (Lead Guitar on New Machines And The Wasted Life, Seven, and Goodbye] (1999-2003)
Andrew Gerold (Guitar, Synths and Programming - Appeared on The Spore) (2003-2005)
Elias Mallin (Drums) (Appeared on ALL Studio Releases to date) (1999-2005)

Opiate for the Masses Discography

Studio albums

New Machines and the Wasted Life (1999)
Seven (2000)
Goodbye (2002)
The Spore (2005)
Manifesto (2008)

Compilations

External links

References

^ The Guantlet

[1] The Guantlet

[1]