Customer Reviews

No Regrets [Explicit]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

No Regrets, Dope's fifth studio release, marks a decade since the band released their debut, Felons & Revolutionaries. They're one of the few bands classified as "nu metal" that I've been proud to diligently follow all these years. While most bands of the genre are popular, mainstream, and full of teenage angst, Dope really aren't any of these things. It's a shame they aren't as popular as they could be, for they haven't strayed from the sound which makes them who they are... unlike a lot of other artists who have altered their's in the same ten-year span. If you don't want changes from album to album, Dope are your men.

Disclaimer: No Regrets may contradict aforementioned statement as it's more intense than ever before.

I remember anxiously awaiting the release of this album, only to be frustrated with delay. Any potential release date may have strictly been rumored, but held my breath I did. Having a taste of the "Violence" snippet long ago had me itching for more. Now several months later, No Regrets has been unleashed. Excited bias aside, this is the most intensity I've heard from the Chicago rockers. If they're looking for their dark side, they've certainly found it, and were actually on the right track with their last album, American Apathy. Upon its release four years ago, I wondered if the darkness and energy would heighten and carry over to the next album (and would later wonder if there would even be another), and here we are.

The first single is "Addiction" which features a guitar solo from legendary shredder Zakk Wylde. Dope and Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society performed together some time ago, so that likely led to the camaraderie. It's actually a fairly cookie-cutter song for the band's standards, but with Wylde's solo in the mix the song is instantly better. "No Regrets" and "Violence" are more of the same - they exemplify the sound you'd expect. For a darker change of pace, "My Funeral" and "Dirty World" are mirthless about being alone, fading to black, addiction, and aren't that full of adrenaline.

At an even more extreme change of pace, songs like "6 6 Sick," "We Are," and "Scorn" take the album up a notch with squealing guitars, pounding rhythm, and Edsel Dope's relentless and vigorous vocals. This all comes as a welcomed gesture for those wanting Dope to get out of the "nu metal" rut and into the darker world of metal. Overall, No Regrets is like that unrestrained, vicious Doberman bearing its teeth. Don't be afraid now.

Dope is one of the remnants of the nu-metal apocalyptic ruins, managing to survive with their sleaze-rock swagger/industrial thunderstorm hybrid and an overdose of attitude, and that never goes out of style. Their sonic dream was refined with "American Apathy" but that release had too many throwaway tracks amongst the standouts. With "No Regrets," the sound and fury is catastrophic and there is not a trace of filler to be found.

This is an angry album, at times approaching the rabid foam-flecked savagery of Lamb of God, and sometimes it's f&%$ you punk ala SUM 41. Plenty of sex, booze, and profanity- classic Dope. But the technical aspects are also amped up. The trademark descending/ascending scales and thrashy/double-bass onslaught drum style are still getting heavy use, as are synthesized vocal and instrumental effects, but there are plenty of riffs, chops, and solos that would raise eyebrows even if found on today's neo-shredding metal champion's albums. There is a solo at the end of "My Funeral" that is brief but very very sweet.

"No Regrets" is the realization of the sound Dope has always strived for. There isn't any nu-metal left, all that remains is straight DOPE.

This is a newer bang I have started listening to and I enjoy this CD.

Since I've listened to this album for the first time, I've cranked it countless times. With "No Regrets", Dope step it up in a few areas. Firstly is in the musicianship; the songs are more technical and complex than before, but they still contain that signature Dope swagger and attitude to them. In addition, lots of guitar solos and sick drum fills to keep the listener paying attention.

The songwriting also improves the songs even more, on such great tracks as "No Regrets", "My Funeral" and "Nothing For Me Here". The way the songs build up and have twists and turns, even in the three minutes that they run, make them interesting and show that Dope has matured as songwriters. This is a definite plus.

Thirdly and probably most obviously is that there's a lot of variety on this album. We have fast-paced, energetic numbers such as the rebellious "6-6-Sick", the moshpit-ready "Violence", the addictive riff-rocker "Nothing For Me Here" and the seductive strutter "Addiction". We also have slower, darker songs such as the stomping "Dirty World" and the poetic, almost ballad-styled "My Funeral". There are also some nice surprises, such as a cover of Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell". This one is played in B-flat minor, as opposed to the original being played in B-minor. This makes for a fresh spin to the song while still maintaining the energy and sexiness of it. There's also the hilarious "I Don't Give A...", which is one of my new favorites off the album.

Overall, this is an all-around excellent album full of great hooks, riffs, solos, and just about anything you can think of. Dope is really able to combine a rock-star attitude, quality musicianship, seductive sleaze and moshing, headbanging attitude into one great bundle. Whether you're a fan of Dope or new to the band, this will be an addictive album, so be sure to get it soon! Thanks for the time, and peace.

Tons of great heavy metal bands have realesed CDs this year but...

...No Regrets is the only CD released in 2009 that has not only met my expectations but exceeded them as well. Ive listened to Dope since their first CD (which is perhabs their best CD next to this) and I have to say I wasnt expecting a CD of this magnitude.

The music is harder, heavier, and faster while still providing an extraordinary amount of variety. No Regrets with getting this CD!

I saw them live with Static-X and Powerman5K back when they put their first disc out. They were incredible live. I wasn't digging the Marilyn Manson outfits, but the music was solid. I bought all of the albums in between the first and No Regrets, and I wouldn't even spend time writing a review for those albums... utterly forgettable stuff. This album, to me, represents a huge change in production quality and musicality. The guitar riffs are not as simple as you would expect having listened to previous Dope albums. Without knowing what is going on in the band, whether there was a guitarist line changeup or an attitude adjustment, I can still say that the guitar playing is eons better than what I would have expected from Dope. Riffage is unforgettable and the vocals lock in tight with the instruments. If you are a metal fan, I can't see how you would dislike this record. If I had to recommend a single song for downloading, I would say "No Regrets" is my fav track.

This record in my Opinion is Dope's Best Record Unless they make something thats gonna blow this album out of the water its probably gonna stay like that in my eye's. Its so awesome if you don't have then you have to get it cause your missing it its hard fast heavy and it dosent lack any attitude.

If Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson spawned they would produce Dope ! For some reason my original review of this album dissapeared. So be it. Dope is the second best band over the past decade and this was for me Album Of The Year in 2009. Very intense album and the most creative this band has put out. There isn't a bad song on the whole thing. Remake of Rebel Yell is killer and I don't usually like remakes. The melody of past songs towards the end is put together well also. Edsel Dope and the boys are more popular in other countries and I wish they'd get more exposure here in the states. Great Unique band. Can't wait for the next one !

this cd is great from start to finish a fine mixture of old dope new dope and alot of bonus cuts with live cuts the addition of tripp on bass former lead singer from twisted method and makeshift romeo seems to just feed into the bands awsome one of a kind sound that cant be matched. this is one of the best sounding bands that ive ever heard live energy to the max at any price this cd is worth every penny try it youl like it! warning must be listend to loud to blow your head out awsome cd buy it and dope good addition with tripp adds to sound and may many more awsome cds come frome the band dope.

Dope's fifth studio album is one not to miss. As a music lover, I can say that this is not only a great album, but one everyone should have in thier music collection. The lead singer's voice is absolutly haunting. The drum lines, suburb. Overall great album.