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.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 03 Jul 2008 21:42:42 -0500
.
