steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

Dope Stars Inc.

"10,000 Watts of Artificial Pleasures" CDEP

Self-released

Genres: dark metal, goth metal

Nov 22 - 28 2004

Fresh from Italy comes the unfortunately named Dope Stars Inc.  At first glance, I thought this band was all-female, but I think it was just the hair and makeup.  In actuality, these are two girls and two guys playing aggressive, dark goth metal.  Put simply, this is a more hardcore and synthy version of Marilyn MansonDSI have the horrifically scratchy vocals and violent guitar riffs down, and their use of chirping electronics adds a gloomy, creepy slant to the music.  10,000 Watts is a nice find for fans of violently aggressive, dark metal - Dope Stars Inc. have added some well-placed synths and a nice eye for melody, but this will likely prove ineffectual for anyone but genre diehards.

74%

Fun Fact: 10,000 Watts includes a cover of Billy Idol's "Shock to the System."  Neat!

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 6 tracks, distributed by the band, released 2004]