Chicago/New York City rockers DOPE have reached an agreement with V2 Records (home to such artists as THE WHITE STRIPES, MOBY, and SUGAR CULT) for the band's future work. The band will begin work on their as-yet-untitled fifth album later this year for an early 2007 release.

DOPE's self-produced 2005 effort "American Apathy" was a sharp return to the band's roots and received rave reviews from both fans and critics alike.

In recent months, the members of DOPE have been busy working on several outside projects. Frontman Edsel Dope has been developing and producing several bands, including the Ft. Myers, Florida-based MAKESHIFT ROMEO. Along with producing and co-writing the group's material, Edsel is equally effective in his role as the band's hard-hitting drummer. Interested fans can check out audio clips and a recently posted video for the song "The Way I Was" at this location.

Along with Edsel on drums and the recent addition of DOPE's guitarist Virus to the project, MAKESHIFT ROMEO's lineup is rounded out by Tripp Lee Tribbett on lead vocals and Derek Desantis on bass. Both Derek and Tripp were members of the shock/punk/ metal band TWISTED METHOD. DOPE's guitarist Virus has also teamed up with his brother Daniel to recently complete an EP of acoustic/alternative songs entitled "Black and Blues". Guests on this EP include Hector Graziani from 40 BELOW SUMMER, and Jerry Gaskill from KING'S X. Visit www.TheVirusNetwork.com for more information. Other DOPE members Brix Milner and Racci Shay are working on an as-yet-unnamed side project featuring Racci on drums and Brix on guitar. The band also features former GENITORTURERS/SKRAPE bassist Pedro Sison and newly discovered vocal talent Durik Comtois. Look for new material from them soon. In addition, DOPE's rhythm section of Brix and Racci will be backing up horror shock rocker WEDNESDAY 13 for some upcoming shows this spring.

Edsel Dope had the following to say about all thats going on in the world of DOPE: "Right now, we are all enjoying a much needed break from the constant touring and craziness of DOPE. It's been a refreshing feeling for us individually and collectively to explore other musical outlets while knowing that the roar of another DOPE record is right around the corner. In addition, I am very excited about our new record deal with V2 Records. They have done a tremendous job with their other acts and I welcome their fresh energy.

"After taking some time to focus on other production and recording projects, I am very much looking forward to beginning work on what will be the fifth DOPE record. Right now, the plan is to continue pushing DOPE's sound in a more extreme direction. Picking up where our last record, 'American Apathy', left off, you can expect more double bass, more middle fingers and more guitar solos from DOPE in the future."

DOPE are in the process of putting together an early summer headlining tour. Look for tour dates to be announced in the near future.