Artist description .......Opiate for the Masses (OFM) was formed in mid-July 1999. Jim Kaufman (21), writer and guitarist of popular Phoenix band “Projex,” invited drummer Elias Mallin (21) and vocalist Ron Underwood (21) of the group “5 on 1” (voted best unsigned band on Rolling Stone.com) to join him in creating a new sound and style of intelligent music. Kaufman, who attended a performing arts school with Mallin and Underwood, knew the three of them had such similar eclectic musical tastes that their union would form a most powerful fusion. After experimenting with song ideas on a computer in their basement studio, they decided to expand. Dustin Lyon (21), former member of local band “Nerdicus” and lifelong friend of Jim’s, was tapped for the position of lead guitarist and became a permanent member and contributing writer. Recently, the group added high school friend Ryan Head (21) to the roster as their bassist. .......From the beginning, the founders of OFM agreed it was important to spread a strong message of pro-humanity. Intrigued by philosopher Karl Marx’s claim that “organized religion is the opiate of the people,” they began using a modified quote as their name. They believe that since any organization (church, etc.) must become a business institution to survive, many believers become sedated in the dialogue and lose the gift of original thought. This is why they claim that participating in organized religion can potentially channel one away from spiritualism itself. .......OFM’s musical medium is a balanced hybrid of fury and beauty. Influences range from David Bowie, Tool and Ween to DJ Shadow, Cannibal Corpse and Depeche Mode. The song “New Machines and the Wasted Life” and hardcore ballad “Half-Intelligent” demonstrate their serious-yet-sometimes-hallucinogenic arsenal of sounds. The dark, percussive groove of “Another Day” and the goth-industrial/hip-hop/thrash tune “Illusions” add to the listener’s assortment of high-test ear candy. .......Their current CD entitled New Machines and the Wasted Life has been climbing in sales at Zia Records and remains in the top ten Arizona artist sales in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Their live shows are quite successful, too: a recent headlining show in Phoenix drew over 1,500 people. Evening Star Productions owner Danny Zelesco stated, “This young band is on the leading edge. Their music is intense and new, and their live show is truly amazing.” Their intense music and amazing shows have won them the Arizona Republic’s title for “best modern metal band of 2000” as well as great CD reviews. .......Since the completion of the band’s first CD in January 2000, the band continues to work incessantly on new material- growing and improving on their concept and skills. The combination of momentum and excitement with the quality of their new material leaves the band an undeniable future.

Music Style Metal/Punk/Hard Rock

Musical Influences Various Artists

Similar Artists Tool, Mudvayne

Group Members Jim Kaufman - Keyboarding / Programming Ron Underwood - Vocals / Lyrics Ryan Head - Bass Dustin Lyon - Lead Guitar Elias Mallin - Drummer

Instruments Keyboards, Guitars, Drums, Bass

Albums Seven & New Machines

Press Reviews Arizona Rep (Arizona Republic Newspaper) - 2000 Arizona Infusion Music Awards - 2001 awarded "Most Likely to Succeed" and "Best Live Performance"

Additional Info Managed by Concrete Management

Location Phoenix, AZ - USA

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