Felons & Revolutionaries

From the band name to the album title of their dozen-song debut, it's clear Dope don't shy away from controversy. In fact, the quintet embraces discord with songs like "America the Pitiful" and "Pig Society" that posit the band as a more angry and political (if less dramatic and provocative) Marilyn Manson. Modern metal melds with techno touches on the majority of the carefully wrought songs of Edsel Dope, who, along with real-life brother Simon Dope, formed the band. While they're not all that incendiary (though they deserve a parental-advisory sticker), Dope have nonetheless made a powerful debut. From the irresistible kick of "Sick" to the Ministry-meets-Rob Zombie "One Fix," to vocal effects on the cool groove of "Kimberley's Ghost," the album fits right into the Ozzfest Nation's aggro consciousness. --Katherine Turman