Blood Money

EASILY THE BIGGEST LET DOWN FROM THIS BAND AKA SOLO PROJECT.

Most people don't get high the first time they smoke Dope. It's the second, third and fourth times that keeps them coming back. Been a loyal Dope fan since the sixth grade. I have got to be honest; the Blood Money music video had me so excited for the long anticipated album. I bought it seconds after it was released and listened the whole way through. For the first time in my history of Dope use, I couldn't figure out if I liked it. Part 1 really proves that Dope is an ever-evolving entity which is one of their traits that has earned them great respect. But this time around, it is just so much to take in. It is not the typical Dope that we have always been comfortable with, no; brace yourself for new sounds, notably new (and classic) musical presence by different but gifted musicians, and a more personal and intimate side of Edsel Dope and Dope in general. By musical presence, I mean that you automatically become aware of the presence of long time Dope guitarist and very well rounded and gifted composer/musician Virus on any Dope song. He has a unique sound that will set any musician apart from the crowd. I'm glad to see him still involved in all sorts of music and working with talented and established musicians. He brings a lot to Dope. But you may also notice an occasional unfamiliar voice on a song or face in a video by Dope. Edsel has explained many times that Dope is like a fraternity in which he works with a great deal of very gifted musicians that he has a great deal of mutual respect for and this is the reason behind the constant lineup changes in the band. This time around we hear the contributions and see the performances of the high-energy Nikk Dibs and fellow musician Germs Jenske. Dibs' presence in the band's recent work is the most notable and he is currently on tour with the band. Edsel only in recent years has worked with Dibs and anyone who keeps up with Dope knows how well he and Edsel work together. And of course we have seen the classic lineup tour last year which was a rare experience. I must also mention the services contributed to Dope by one of metal's most energetic drummers, none other than Daniel Fox of the one and only Mushroomhead. The guy absolutely steals the show when it is his time to shine. He can be seen losing his mind in the Blood Money Video. All in all, Dope has featured some of the industry's most gifted musicians and showmen of the modern day. Do not pack away this album after the first listen because you need to give it a few listens to truly appreciate the music. It has that classic Dope sound with a 2017 twist to it that will take you on a trip to see the sides of Dope and Edsel that have never been exposed before. I admire Edsel for this very reason; he has always written his music his way. Not the radio's way, not the mainstream's way. And regardless of the fact that Dope is THE MOST underrated and under appreciated band of its time, I don't mind going to see them at a smaller venue. I've seen them play to absolutely massive crowds who all knew the band, but perhaps they make a better living right now playing smaller gigs. And Dope should be proud because they have a solid following that only grows at with each album and each show. Sure, I'd love to see them play a massive stadium show, but respectably, they are visibly content with what they are doing and where they are at this moment. And if you ever meet the band, you will be treated like their number one fan. They don't have the typical ego that so many bands at their level have. Edsel and all the others I've met throughout the years are absolutely the most down to earth and easy to talk to entertainers that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. They converse with fans to listen to what they have to say. They show their love and appreciation to every single fan. I was 11 when I met Edsel and Virus and they were not at all concerned about time or anything happening outside of our conversation. They talked to me for nearly a half hour and wanted to know more about me than I had planned to ask them. They signed all of my stuff, took as many pictures as I wanted and then-drummer Angel even gave me a signed stick. They fully understand that their fans made them who they are. Many times, bands think I of the fans as mere profit. Not Dope. Mad respect to Edsel for remaining grounded through all of these years. Now: The Music Part 1 really shows Dope's diverse arsenal of sounds and incorporates some seriously catchy harmonies, most notably in Drug Music. They definitely try some new sounds out and many fans are loving it. Classic yet modern Dope back in action. Phenomenal band and live show. But not your typical Dope. They have evolved with every album, but the evolution of their sound has never been so pronounced as it is in BMP1. They put the drugs in the music. And it is ADDICTING.kk

I really waited as long as I did to hear an album where I like one third of the songs on it? I mean songwriting and instrumentals are legit on a lot of it but the editing is really bad on most of the tracks. Why use autotuning when industrial metal bands should be using vocal distortions? Dope is one of my favorites and evidence of their past shows they can do MUCH better than this. Since I find the songs Blood Money, Selfish and Hold On amazing, I am still looking forward to part 2. I suppose this at least further defines their change of sound.

Now I know there are quite a few old school Dope fans who are disappointed. Yes, some of the songs seem mellow and some would say are Emo, but reality is Dope has still kept some aspects of their past albums. Though this album gives you a taste of a softer side of Edsel, which many of todays music has taken on similar aspects of the "Softer" metal, but how many songs do you need that are just F-This. I like it and would recommend it as a way for people on both sides of the metal spectrum to enjoy. Keep in mind this is only part 1 with more to come.

Huge huge huge fan since the beginning, and I will always love them and what they produce. Not going to sugar coat it, but the first few listens were tough; I just couldn't get into it yet. It was scaring me -- being such a huge fan -- that I didn't instantly love everything. But after a week of giving it a thorough chance, I really do like it a lot. It's got some great content, and I like the new direction Edsel samples with. Dope fan for life <3

Such a let down~ Heard Blood Money and was so pumped. It was great example of what could come. Then we got everything else. It sounds like someone got their heart ripped out and is boohooing in their moms basement while using their daddy's old equipment to record their highschool band. Even the quality is so poor. EQ is all over. I'm hoping that Part 2 isn't as bad. Maybe this was just a joke album and the real one is gonna come out and blow us away. Who knows, but if I were you and you didn't own this, save your money and steal it or get it from a friend who threw away their money. Cheers and here's to hoping~

Amazing as expected from Edsel

I would have given this album 5 stars if there was no autotune in "Numb" and "Razorblade Butterfly". I deleted those, but there were some AWESOME songs. my favorite song that isnt a single is the cover of violet. Been my favorite band since i was ten. Keep rocking guys.

This album is probably one of my favs by Dope. If you want some energy and drive, this albums 4 u. Love it.

Edsel needs to pick a genre and stick with it. There are some great songs on here, classic Dope sound songs, then there is just crap songs that dont make sense. I was able to mash together the songs I like and deleted about 5 or 6 of the junk.