"Religion is the opiate of the people," said philosopher, scholar, and architect of communism Karl Marx, a notion that the hard-hitting Los Angeles-based industrial-goth-alternative metal outfit Opiate for the Masses bring to their uncompromising approach to songwriting and recording, as well as their electrifying live shows. Formed in 1999 by guitarist/keyboardist Jim Kaufman and vocalist Ron Underwood, the band, whose lineup includes drummer Chris "Seven" Antonopoulos (Revolting Cocks) and bass player Anna K. (Revolting Cocks, Drain S.T.H.), released Spore in 2005, followed by Manifesto on the Century Media label in 2008. ~ James Christopher Monger