Otep Explained

Otep
Landscape:yes
Background:group_or_band
Origin:Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Years Active:2000–present
Current Members:
Past Members: Justin Kier

Otep is an American nu metal band. The band was formed in November 2000 in Los Angeles by frontwoman Otep Shamaya. The band is noted for their style of "art-house nu metal", and their strong political stances.[1] Throughout the course of several lineup changes over the years, Shamaya has remained the only constant member in the band.[2]

After being selected by Sharon Osbourne to appear at Ozzfest 2001, Otep was signed to a record deal with Capitol Records without a demo in March 2001.[3] [4] Otep released two albums through Capitol, Sevas Tra (2002) and House of Secrets (2004); both albums were moderate successes, and sold a combined total of 400,000 copies worldwide by 2006.[5] Otep's third album, The Ascension, was due to be released through Capitol in March 2007, but was delayed indefinitely following the label's consolidation into Capitol Music Group two months prior to its planned release date; the band subsequently parted ways with the label, and the album was eventually issued through Koch Records in October of that year.

In February 2009, Otep signed with Victory Records.[6] The band released three albums through the label; Smash the Control Machine (2009), which saw a reunion of the band's Sevas Tra lineup, Atavist (2011), and Hydra (2013), a concept album. Hydra was intended to be the band's final album,[7] but thereafter Otep Shamaya opted to continue the band, and they subsequently released two more albums through Napalm Records,[8] Generation Doom (2016) and Kult 45 (2018). Otep's ninth album, The God Slayer, was released through Cleopatra Records on September 15, 2023.

History

Early years, Jihad and Sevas Tra (2000–2003)

Otep began as a band in Los Angeles in November 2000.[9] [10] They were invited to play Ozzfest before they had signed to a label after Sharon Osbourne witnessed their fourth live performance.[11] They have since played Ozzfest several times.[9] Otep signed with Capitol Records after four shows and without a demo, purely on the power of their live performance.[12] They started gigging around Los Angeles a lot and released an EP, Jihad, in June 2001.[9] After performing at Ozzfest, Marsh and Aguilera were fired, with both guitarists being replaced by Rob Patterson for the rest of the tours that year.[13]

The band released their album Sevas Tra with Terry Date[14] on June 18, 2002,[15] and then played several gigs at the Ozzfest and was considered one of the prime bands there in 2002.[9] Their first time at Ozzfest was in 2001 with their eighth gig.[9] The first album peaked at 145 on the Billboard 200 and 86 on the UK Albums Chart.

House of Secrets (2004–2006)

On July 27, 2004, Otep released their second album, House of Secrets,[16] produced by Greg Wells.[9] The album peaked at 93 on the Billboard 200 and 102 on the French Chart.

The Ascension (2007–2008)

After three years of touring, the band created a third album The Ascension, with a scheduled release date of March 20, 2007. In preparation of its original release, they toured with Static-X starting in the spring of 2007.[9]

However, the album was delayed indefinitely due to the Capitol Music Group merger in January 2007.[17] [18] The merger led to the firing of the label's president and the band's A&R representative from the label, and Otep was left in limbo whether to stay at the label or find a new one;[19] they were eventually dropped from Capitol in May 2007.[20]

In September 2007, the band was able to ink a deal with Koch Records,[21] who belatedly released The Ascension in October. Upon its release, It peaked at 81 on the Billboard 200[22] [23] and 6 on the US Independent Charts. The album sold about 10,200 album copies in its first week of release.

Smash the Control Machine (2009–2010)

In 2009, Otep signed with Victory Records.[9] Their 2009 album, Smash the Control Machine, which was released on August 18, 2009,[9] [24] included a reunion with former members Mark "Moke" Bistany on drums and Rob Patterson on guitar. The album also featured Koichi Fukuda on piano, and Emilie Autumn on violin, and a song co-written with songwriter Holly Knight, which resulted in "UR a WMN NOW". Knight previously co-wrote "Perfectly Flawed" with Otep on The Ascension.[25] It peaked at 47 on the Billboard 200 and 6 on the US Independent Charts.

The band appeared with 2Cents, Five Finger Death Punch and Shadows Fall on the 'Shock & Raw Tour' of North America in the fall of 2009.[26]

On September 30, 2010, bassist Jay McGuire left the band.[27]

Atavist and Sounds Like Armageddon (2011–2012)

On April 26, 2011,[28] Otep released their fifth studio album, Atavist.[9] It peaked at 61 on the Billboard 200, 10 on the Independent Charts and 19 on the US Rock Charts. On November 6, 2012, Otep released their first live album, Sounds Like Armageddon.[29] [30]

Hydra and further activity (2013-2014)

In an interview, Otep Shamaya said that Hydra will be her band's final album.[31] The album was released on January 22, 2013[32] and peaked at 133 on the Billboard 200.[33]

The band is still touring and tours the U.S. east coast and Australia for their Sounds of Armageddon tour.[34] [35] In early 2014, Otep confirmed on her personal Facebook account and the band account that another album would be made.

In April 2014, Otep signed a new management deal with Kam 9.8 Machlation Group, a company founded by Slipknot's DJ Sid Wilson and his business partner Synonym Mead. The contract with Kam 9.8 was not renewed. In September 2015 Otep announced on her Facebook page that the band had signed a new management deal with Napalm Records, and that a new album would be released in the spring of 2016 (pre-order from winter 2015).

Generation Doom (2015-2017)

"Signing with Napalm Records is one of the most exciting alliances I've ever made. I haven't felt this excited to write a new album since 'Sevas Tra.' There's a lot of work to do, a lot of music to write, a lot of things to say, a lot of injustices to confront and a lot of madness to summon and capture. To be able to forge this sacred alchemy with the dark brilliance of producer Howard Benson is a dream come true."[36]

On February 4, 2016, Otep announced that the album would be titled Generation Doom and would be released on April 15. They also released the album art on their Facebook page.[37] On April 11, 2016 Billboard was to stream Generation Doom in its entirety for 24 hours, but due to its success extended the streaming time to several days.

The music video for the song "In Cold Blood" premiered on April 15, 2016, on Music Choice. On Record Store Day (April 16, 2016), record stores released a picture vinyl disk of Generation Doom. On April 20, Napalm Records released the video for "In Cold Blood" on their YouTube page.[38]

Generation Doom sold 5,825 copies in its first week of sale in the United States.[39] It was number 3 of the top 8 Napalm Record sellers in the week of April 23. On April 26 the album reached #7 on the Billboard Rock Chart, #10 on the Independent Chart and #109 on the Top 200 Albums Chart. On May 7, the album reached #4 on the Billboard Hard Rock Chart [40]

Kult 45 and The God Slayer (2018-present)

On May 2, 2018, Otep disclosed the album title and artwork for their eighth album, together with disclosing interviews about the content of the album. The official Napalm announcement read: "You can expect a complete and total mutiny of the senses on Kult 45", says Shamaya. "That said, it's important for fans to know that this record is not just an indictment of Trump. The idea is rather to empower people to stand up and remind them this is our country and we have the power. It's primarily a rallying cry for people with common sense and good-natured patriots to rise up and know that we own this nation."

"Although the album is produced well technically, lyrically, it's very raw. Musically, we explore different genres - we're trying to reach everyone. I don't want to be limited to one genre or to be anchored to a particular space where I can only reach certain political minds. It's important to me that I'm sending a clear and concise message to the Resistance - the people out there bending the barricades and fighting for justice is this country."

Kult 45 was recorded at The Lair in Los Angeles, using exactly the same equipment which was used for Otep's first album, Sevas Tra (down to Shamaya's vocal microphone, a SHURE Beta 58), in order to create a sound reminiscent of their roots. Kult 45 was self-produced by the band, with assistant engineering from Larry Goetz, Nicolas Schilke, and Lizzy Ostro.[41] It was also mentioned that the lyrics will tackle subjects like the immigrant crisis, rape culture and the US government.

In an episode of 'Wake and Bake' (a weekly Facebook live stream on the Otep page) Justin Kier said that while creating this album the band had kept the fans in mind. Therefore, making it an album for the fans, rather than for self-exploration.

The first single of the album, "To the Gallows", was released on May 25, 2018, along with a lyric video. The album sold 1,850 copies in its first week, and became Otep's first studio album not to chart on the Billboard 200.

Otep's ninth album, The God Slayer, was released through Cleopatra Records on September 15, 2023.[42] The album features original material alongside covers of songs by artists including Lil Peep, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish and Eminem. After its release, Otep Shamaya said that the album will be Otep's last, "In symbolic terms, nine is the last single digit. So [''The God Slayer''] is the last; it represents the last. I don't know if I'll make another record".[43]

Musical style and influences

The band's style is primarily nu metal,[16] [44] [45] [46] [47] and is also considered alternative metal.[29] [34] [35] It has also been labelled as gothic metal,[48] rap metal[49] and extreme metal.[50] AllMusic has described Otep as "art house nu-metal".[16] Otep's influences include Slipknot, Slayer, Korn, Rage Against the Machine, The Notorious B.I.G., Nine Inch Nails, Jim Morrison, Tool, the Doors, Nirvana, and Deftones.[51] [52] [53] Although the band's style is primarily nu metal, their music incorporates strong elements of death metal.[49] [54]

Awards

In 2004, the music video for the single "Warhead" was on the top ten of MTV Headbangers Ball.[55] In 2010, Otep was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding Music Artist" for the album Smash the Control Machine during the 21st GLAAD Media Awards.[56]

Beginning with The Ascension and continuing through to Generation Doom, Otep has consistently charted high, most often in the top five on the Billboard Hard Rock Chart.[57]

Band members

Current members

Former members

Touring musicians

Timeline

Discography

Albums

Studio albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"
DetailsPeak chart positions
US
[58]
US
Ind.

[59]
US
Rock

[60]
BEL
(FL)

[61]
BEL
(WA)

[62]
FRA
[63]
JPN
[64]
SWI
[65]
UK
[66]
UK
Rock

[67]
Sevas Tra 145 86 10
House of Secrets
  • Released: July 27, 2004[69]
  • Label: Capitol
  • Formats: CD, download
93 102
The Ascension
  • Released: October 30, 2007[70]
  • Label: Koch
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
81 6 25 197
Smash the Control Machine
  • Released: August 18, 2009[71]
  • Label: Victory
  • Formats: CD, download
47 6 13
Atavist
  • Released: April 26, 2011[72]
  • Label: Victory
  • Formats: CD, download
61 10 19
Hydra
  • Released: January 22, 2013[73]
  • Label: Victory
  • Formats: CD, download
133 22 39
Generation Doom
  • Released: April 15, 2016[74]
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
109 10 13 137 136
Kult 45
  • Released: July 27, 2018[75]
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
11 100
The God Slayer
  • Released: September 15, 2023[76]
  • Label: Cleopatra
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Live albums

Title! scope="col" style="width:18em;"
Details
Sounds Like Armageddon
  • Released: November 6, 2012[77]
  • Label: Victory
  • Formats: CD, download

Extended plays

Title! scope="col" style="width:18em;"
Details
Jihad
  • Released: June 19, 2001[78]
  • Label: Capitol
  • Formats: CD, download
Wurd Becomes Flesh
  • Released: 2005
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: CD

Singles

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeak chart positionsAlbum
US
Act.
Rock

[79]
US
Main.
Rock

[80]
"T.R.I.C."[81] 2001Jihad
"Blood Pigs"[82] 2002Sevas Tra
"Warhead"[83] 2004House of Secrets
"Buried Alive"[84]
"Ghostflowers"[85] 2007The Ascension
"Breed"[86]
"Perfectly Flawed"[87] 2008
"Confrontation"[88]
"Smash the Control Machine"200927 28Smash the Control Machine
"Rise, Rebel, Resist"[89] 2010
"Fists Fall"[90] 2011Atavist
"Not to Touch the Earth"[91]
"Apex Predator"[92] 2013Hydra
"In Cold Blood"[93] 2016Generation Doom
"Royals"39
"To the Gallows"[94] 2018Kult 45
"Shelter in Place"[95]
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Promotional singles

Title! scope="col"
YearAlbum
"March of the Martyrs"[96] 2007The Ascension
"Necessary Accessories"[97] 2008
"Special Pets"[98]
"Molotov"[99] 2018Kult 45

External links

Notes and References

  1. Titus . Christa . 2016-04-11 . Hear Otep's New Album 'Generation Doom' in Its Entirety: Exclusive . 2023-01-30 . Billboard . en-US.
  2. Web site: Parry . Becca . November 18, 2007 . Otep Shamaya Talks About How She Continues To Grow As An Artist . January 30, 2023 . metalunderground.com.
  3. Web site: Siwek . Daniel . 2001-06-20 . Welcome to the Machine . 2022-05-21 . LA Weekly . en-US.
  4. Web site: Siegmund Cuda . Heidi . 2001-03-15 . A Week of Record . 2022-05-21 . Los Angeles Times . en-US.
  5. Web site: Otep To Release 'The_Ascension' In March . 2023-01-30 . thegauntlet.com . en-US.
  6. Web site: AltPressAltPress . Otep sign to Victory Records . 2023-01-30 . Alternative Press Magazine . en.
  7. Web site: Crawford . Allyson B. . February 12, 2013 . Otep Mastermind Explains Why She's Ending the Band (INTERVIEW) . 2023-01-30 . Noisecreep . en.
  8. Web site: Blabbermouth . 2015-09-16 . Otep Signs With Napalm Records . 2023-01-30 . blabbermouth.net . en.
  9. Web site: Otep . . February 16, 2013.
  10. Web site: Hurley . Sally Anne . Otep To Bring Their Metal Activism To Australia theMusic.com.au Australian music news, gig guide, music reviews . 2023-01-30 . themusic.com.au . en.
  11. Web site: Siegmund Cuda . Heidi . 2001-02-15 . Ozzy's Better Half Is Recruiting Otep for Ozzfest . 2022-05-21 . Los Angeles Times . en-US.
  12. Web site: BraveWords. Otep Return With Generation Doom - "It Feels Like A Return To Our First Album". 2022-02-14. bravewords.com. en.
  13. Web site: December 2002 . Otep Shamaya 12/2002 – Revenant Media . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160508230523/https://revenantmedia.com/2016/02/18/otep-shamaya-122002/ . May 8, 2016 . January 30, 2023 . Revenant Media . en.
  14. Web site: Sevas Tra – Otep . . February 16, 2013.
  15. Web site: [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r593302/review|pure_url=yes}} Sevas Tra – Otep]. Allmusic.
  16. Web site: [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r694566/review|pure_url=yes}} ''House of Secrets'' Review]. Allmusic.com. February 16, 2012.
  17. Blabbermouth, "Blabbermouth.net article", Posted March 3, 2007.
  18. Digital Media Wire, "Capitol/Virgin Records merger", Posted January 25, 2007.
  19. Web site: 'The Ascension' of Otep: New CD delayed, but band carries on live. 2022-02-14. heraldextra.com. en-US.
  20. Web site: Otep Officially Dropped. 2022-02-14. www.antimusic.com.
  21. Web site: Blabbermouth. 2007-09-04. Otep Signs With Koch Records. 2022-02-14. blabbermouth.net.
  22. Web site: Avenged Sevenfold, Puscier, Otep, Bloodsimple – First-Week Sales Revealed. November 7, 2007. Blabbermouth.net. November 7, 2007. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20071221075254/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=84317. December 21, 2007.
  23. Web site: The Ascension – Otep . AllMusic.
  24. Web site: Smash the Control Machine - Otep | Songs, Reviews, Credits. AllMusic.
  25. Web site: Smash the Control Machine – Otep . AllMusic.
  26. Web site: Shadow Fall's 'Shock and Raw' Tour Dates with Otep and FFDP . SMN . August 10, 2009 . February 17, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160305210503/http://www.smnnews.com/2009/08/10/shadows-falls-shock-and-raw-tour-dates-with-otep-and-ffdp/ . March 5, 2016 . dead .
  27. Web site: Otep – Biography . Metalstorm.net.
  28. Web site: Atavist – Otep . Allmusic.
  29. Web site: Otep releases first ever LIVE album – Metal Riot . November 14, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140221144106/http://metalriot.com/news/otep-releases-first-ever-live-album/ . February 21, 2014 . dead .
  30. Web site: Sounds Like Armageddon – Otep . Allmusic.
  31. Web site: The Gauntlet - Otep Releases Final Album. Thegauntlet.com.
  32. Web site: Hydra – Otep . Allmusic.
  33. [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=otep|chart=all}} Otep - Chart History]. Billboard.
  34. Web site: Otep 2013 Tour . Caughtinthemosh.com.
  35. Web site: Otep – Australian Tour 2013 . Metalasfuck.net.
  36. Web site: Otep Announce New Album, Label - Hard Rock & Heavy Metal News | Music Videos |Golden Gods Awards | revolvermag.com . October 1, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151003194711/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/otep-announce-new-album-label.html . October 3, 2015 . dead .
  37. Web site: Otep to release Generation Doom April 15: Album details revealed - Metalholic : Metalholic . February 4, 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160205064950/http://metalholic.com/otep-to-release-generation-doom-april-15-album-details-unvieled/ . February 5, 2016 .
  38. Web site: Otep - in Cold Blood (Official Video) | Napalm Records - YouTube . . October 20, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160623140804/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axmHHrR7tfY . June 23, 2016 . dead .
  39. Web site: 2016-04-27 . Metal By Numbers 4/27: Aces high . Metal Insider . 2023-01-30 . en-US.
  40. Web site: Hard Rock Music: Top Hard Rock Albums. Billboard.com.
  41. Web site: Archived copy . May 15, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180516022537/http://label.napalmrecords.com/blog/?entryID=1356 . May 16, 2018 . dead .
  42. Web site: Blabbermouth . 2023-08-01 . Otep Covers Slipknot, Eminem, Lil Peep And Olivia Rodrigo on New Album 'The God Slayer' . 2023-10-29 . . en.
  43. Web site: Blabbermouth . 2023-09-27 . Otep Shamaya: 'I Don't Know If I'll Make Another Record' . 2023-10-29 . . en.
  44. Book: Colin. Larkin. Colin Larkin (writer). 2006. Encyclopedia of Popular Music. 4th . Oxford University Press. 0-19-531373-9. Otep.
  45. Book: Sharpe-Young, Garry. New Wave of American Heavy Metal. 2005. Zonda Books Limited. 0-9582684-0-1. 229.
  46. Web site: Oteo – Sounds Like Armageddon . Metal Forces Magazine.
  47. Web site: Mark . Hebblewhite . Rise, Rebel, Resist . theMusic.com.au . April 23, 2013 . December 14, 2015 .
  48. Web site: Otep Brings Goth Metal to Culture Room . Nicholas L. Hall . July 8, 2010.
  49. Web site: Otep interview . Illinois Entertainer.
  50. Web site: Otep - Hydra Review . Todd Lyons . April 9, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130513071613/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/Otep-Hydra-Review.htm . May 13, 2013 .
  51. Web site: Interview: Otep . Music Existence . Rodriguez . Selby . April 4, 2016 . July 15, 2018.
  52. Web site: Interview with Otep Shamaya. After Ellen . January 31, 2005.
  53. Web site: Speaking of Voices from the Shadows - Good Omens and Good Conversation with Otep . https://web.archive.org/web/20110629065416/http://allaccessmagazine.com/vol4/issue15/otep_int.html . June 29, 2011 . Swick . Rob . All Access . November 16, 2006 . July 15, 2018.
  54. Web site: Otep – Sevas Tra . Exclaim.ca.
  55. Web site: Otep Join The Alliance . Pollstar.com . January 16, 2005 . February 17, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924075553/http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=492388 . September 24, 2015 . dead .
  56. Web site: 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards – English Language Nominees . . 2010 . February 21, 2010.
  57. Web site: Otep - Chart history | Billboard. Billboard.com.
  58. Otep – Chart History: Billboard 200 . . April 9, 2019.
  59. Otep – Chart History: Independent Albums . Billboard . April 9, 2019.
  60. Web site: Otep – Chart History: Top Rock Albums . Billboard.com . April 9, 2019.
  61. Web site: Discografie Otep . Ultratop.be . April 9, 2019 . nl.
  62. Web site: Discographie Otep . Ultratop.be . April 9, 2019 . fr.
  63. Web site: Discographie Otep . Lescharts.com . April 9, 2019 . fr.
  64. Web site: オテップのランキング . . January 17, 2017 . ja.
  65. Web site: Discography Otep . Swisscharts.com . April 9, 2019.
  66. Web site: Otep . . April 9, 2019 . select "Albums" tab.
  67. Web site: Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40 (02 June 2002 – 08 June 2002) . Official Charts Company . April 9, 2019.
  68. Web site: Sevas Tra by Otep . . January 2002 . April 9, 2019.
  69. Web site: House of Secrets by Otep . iTunes Store . January 2004 . April 9, 2019.
  70. Web site: The Ascension by Otep . iTunes Store . October 30, 2007 . April 9, 2019.
  71. Web site: Smash the Control Machine by Otep . iTunes Store . August 18, 2009 . April 9, 2019.
  72. Web site: Atavist by Otep . iTunes Store . April 26, 2011 . April 9, 2019.
  73. Web site: Hydra by Otep . iTunes Store . January 22, 2013 . April 9, 2019.
  74. Web site: Generation Doom by Otep . iTunes Store . April 15, 2016 . April 9, 2019.
  75. Web site: Kult 45 by Otep . iTunes Store . July 27, 2018 . April 9, 2019.
  76. Web site: The God Slayer by Otep . iTunes Store . September 5, 2023 . September 5, 2023.
  77. Web site: Sounds Like Armageddon (Live) by Otep . iTunes Store . November 6, 2012 . April 9, 2019.
  78. Web site: Jihad – EP by Otep . iTunes Store . June 19, 2001 . April 9, 2019.
  79. Active Rock – October 3, 2009 . . April 9, 2019 . subscription .
  80. Web site: Otep – Chart History: Mainstream Rock Songs . Billboard.com . April 9, 2019.
  81. "T.R.I.C." . Otep . 2001 . single . . 4PRO 7087 6 15960 4 5.
  82. "Blood Pigs" . Otep . 2002 . single . Capitol Records . DPRO 7087 6 16957 2 4.
  83. "Warhead" . Otep . 2004 . single . Capitol Records .
  84. "Buried Alive" . Otep . 2004 . single . Capitol Records .
  85. "Ghostflowers" . Otep . 2007 . single . Capitol Records .
  86. "Breed" . Otep . 2008 . single . . KOC-DS-5044.
  87. "Perfectly Flawed" . Otep . 2008 . single . Koch Records . KOC-DS-5045.
  88. "Confrontation" . Otep . 2008 . single . Koch Records .
  89. "Rise, Rebel, Resist" . Otep . 2010 . single . .
  90. Web site: Fists Fall – Otep . . April 9, 2019.
  91. "Not to Touch the Earth" . Otep . 2011 . single . Victory Records .
  92. Web site: Apex Predator – Single by Otep . . January 15, 2013 . . April 9, 2019.
  93. Web site: In Cold Blood – Otep . . April 9, 2019.
  94. Web site: To the Gallows – Otep . . April 9, 2019.
  95. Web site: Shelter in Place – Otep . . April 9, 2019.
  96. "March of the Martyrs" . Otep . 2007 . single . Capitol Records .
  97. Web site: Necessary Accessories – Single by Otep . iTunes Store . May 6, 2008 . Apple . April 9, 2019.
  98. Web site: Special Pets – Single by Otep . iTunes Store . May 6, 2008 . Apple . April 9, 2019.
  99. Web site: Molotov – Otep . . April 9, 2019.