The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

DOPESICK Releases Video For "Freaks"

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 01/12/2020


In support of their 2019 album, A Violent Happy Place, DOPESICK has dropped a brand new and visually spectacular music video for “Freaks,” the second single from the debut full-length effort.

Just one of many highlights on an incredibly diverse record, “Freaks” finds DOPESICK at their heaviest and most unnerving, bringing ‘90s alternative metal back to the forefront with a hint of grunge included for good measure. Led by Adam Albright’s driving riffs with a fiery drum section supplying further ammunition, Jonathan Russell is perfectly set up to deliver a scathing vocal performance with severe urgency.

On A Violent Happy Place, each song becomes instantly relatable as the listener is forced to revisit certain moments of their own life, but “Freaks” is a little more obscure. In fact, it is somewhat of an anthem for the underdog. “It is an ode to the struggling artists, skaters, street walkers, surfers, and punk rockers,” says Russell. “Forever may we dance with the freaks in the pale moonlight.”

The video also hints at a less glamorous side to the City of Angels, where “the decadence and evils of Hollywood begin to consume you,” as DOPESICK founding-member Albright reveals honestly.

Releasing the intriguing EP, The Love and Terror Cult in 2017, which featured guest appearances from Ill Nino’s Cristian Machado and Hed PE’s Jahred Gomes, DOPESICK’s momentum quickly gathered pace and culminated in A Violent Happy Place, which dropped in the final quarter of 2019 via the EMP Label Group. For fans of rock and heavy metal alike, DOPESICK leave no stone unturned in producing a little something from everyone.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky




 

COLUMNS


BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Soaked" by Kiaura Rose




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 08/06/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from August 4-10, 2026





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.


Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday




"Amazing!" Bruce Hornsby LIVE! at Ocean City Music Pier




The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday




Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.


2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center




MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview




West Windsor Arts Announces 2026 Summer Music and More Series






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates