Rough Edge: Otep CD Reviews

OTEP

"Smash the Control Machine" (Victory; 2009)

We here at Rough Edge truly believe in the mantra "Long Live Rock N Roll." And we've never believed that more than when listening to Otep's latest release, "Smash The Control Machine."

"Smash the Control Machine" has all the usual Otep signature sounds, along with a shit load of attitude and killer songs. This band's music just keeps getting better and better and, to keep the progression alive, "Smash The Control Machines" may be Otep's best release to date.

With loads of social commentary (without being preachy), brutal wit and an explosive sound, Otep's new album is a shining example of what a metal band needs to be in the first decade of this century and beyond. Music that is meaningful, without being presumptuous, and a sound that just keeps getting better with age.

Otep Shamaya is not only an outstanding metal singer, she is also beautiful to boot. She holds (along with Floor Jenson of After Forever, Karyn Crisis and Cristine Scabbis from Lacuna Coil), the banner that early previous metal acts like Lita Ford, The Great Kat and Joan Jett started in the 70s. Thankfully, female metal singers are a strong presence in today's music and the band Otep is right up there in the forefront, singing loud and proud.

For more information, check out http://www.otep.com or http://www.myspace.com/otep.

"Sevas Tra" (Capitol Records; 2002)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

“Sevas Tra” inverted is “art saves.” Although the name of this album is spelled backwards, the music is very forward, as in right up in your grill. Vocalist Otep Shamaya quickly dissolves any myth that a woman can’t front a metal band.

Otep is distinctive in their sound and Shamaya's vocal delivery. She has so many voices and attitudes that she uses, one might say there is a type of Sybil emerging with each track. It’s quite haunting and even frightening, which is a major element in Black and Goth metal. The thing that makes Otep really stand out is the female front. Twenty years ago, all the hot girls were in the crowd; now a few are commanding the stage.

There is a nihilistic standard to the lyrics here. A vicious wave could easily sweep over a crowd witnessing Otep’s brand of music. Otep could also appeal to a variety of music connoisseurs: Goth gets a few parts to soak in, metal has more than its share to keep the teeth gnashed, even hip-hop might find something. If “Death-Rap” ever decides to muscle its way into music, Otep would be the fist that punches its way through.

I don’t play this CD often because I don’t want to conjure up any more dark images than necessary, but Otep can surely purge any demon within. Imagine yourself in a dim room with a single light bulb swinging back and forth. Enter Otep and let the sinisterness begin.

Otep: Otep Shamaya – vocals; eViL J – bass; Moke – drums; Bob on guitars.

For more information, check out http://www.otep.com or http://www.myspace.com/otep.

"Sevas Tra" (Capitol Records; 2002)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Just as it's designed to do, Ozzfest guides me to bands that I may not have heard of but that I probably should. Otep is one of those bands.

"Sevas Tra" is simply brilliant. I was totally captivated by the CD's raw aggression from the very first track. I gotta admit - I didn't know that the lead vocalist was a female; all I knew was she rocked and I liked her voice. Otep Shamaya not only has the best female metal voice around, she's got one of the best metal voices period. What really impressed me about Otep's singing style was her wide range of emotions - one minute sounding very much like a lost child and the very next screaming out skull-splitting heavy metal vocals.

Otep, the band, delivers a dark and very twisted aural performance that leaves the listener breathless. Otep has everything it takes to be an outstanding metal band: good writing, excellent musicianship, an awesome singer and last but not least, a killer fucking attitude. Now I know why the Osbournes wanted Otep in Ozzfest. Once you hear "Sevas Tra" you’ll know too.

This enhanced CD also contains videos, artwork and band interviews.

Otep: Otep Shamaya - vocals; eViL j - bass; Moke - drums; Bob on guitars.

For more information, check out http://www.otep.com or http://www.myspace.com/otep.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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