Otep was an American
nu metal
Nu metal (sometimes stylized as nü-metal, with a metal umlaut) is a subgenre of that combines elements of heavy metal music with elements of other music genres such as hip hop music, hip hop, funk, industrial music, industrial, and grunge. Nu ...
band. The band was formed in November 2000 in
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...
by frontwoman
Otep Shamaya. The band is noted for their style of "art-house nu metal",
and their strong political stances.
Throughout the course of several lineup changes over the years, Shamaya was the only constant member in the band.
After being selected by
Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Rachel Osbourne (; born 9 October 1952) is an English-American television personality, music manager, and author. She is married to heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne and came to prominence while appearing on '' The Osbournes'' (2002–2 ...
to appear at
Ozzfest
Ozzfest was an annual music festival tour of the United States and sometimes Europe and later Japan, featuring performances by many heavy metal music, heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Sharon Osbourne and her husband O ...
2001, Otep was signed to a record deal with
Capitol Records
Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007), and simply known as Capitol, is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-base ...
without a
demo in March 2001. 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. 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
Capitol Music Group is an American front-line umbrella label operating as a unit of Interscope Capitol Labels Group, itself a division of Universal Music Group. Inherited from UMG's acquisition of EMI's catalog in 2013, it oversees the handling of ...
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
Victory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several record labels. It has featured many prominent artists including Thu ...
. 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
A concept album is an album whose tracks hold a larger purpose or meaning collectively than they do individually. This is typically achieved through a single central narrative or theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, or lyrical. Som ...
. ''Hydra'' was intended to be the band's final album, but thereafter Otep Shamaya opted to continue the band, and they subsequently released two more albums through
Napalm Records
Napalm Records is an Austrian independent record label focused on heavy metal, hard rock and folk/folk rock/folk metal. Originally, Napalm focused on black metal bands, such as Abigor and Summoning, and folk metal bands, such as Falkenbach a ...
, ''Generation Doom'' (2016) and ''Kult 45'' (2018). Otep's ninth and final album, ''The God Slayer'', was released through
Cleopatra Records
Cleopatra Records is a Los Angeles-based independent record label that has the sub-labels Hypnotic Records, Goldenlane, Stardust, Purple Pyramid, Deadline and X-Ray Records.
History
Founded in January 1992 by Brian Perera, it specializes in go ...
on September 15, 2023. Shamaya announced her retirement from music in November 2024, effectively ending the band.
History
Early years, ''Jihad'' and ''Sevas Tra'' (2000–2003)
Otep began as a band in Los Angeles in November 2000.
They were invited to play
Ozzfest
Ozzfest was an annual music festival tour of the United States and sometimes Europe and later Japan, featuring performances by many heavy metal music, heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Sharon Osbourne and her husband O ...
before they had signed to a label after
Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Rachel Osbourne (; born 9 October 1952) is an English-American television personality, music manager, and author. She is married to heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne and came to prominence while appearing on '' The Osbournes'' (2002–2 ...
witnessed their fourth live performance. They have since played Ozzfest several times.
Otep signed with
Capitol Records
Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007), and simply known as Capitol, is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-base ...
after four shows and without a demo, purely on the power of their live performance. They started gigging around Los Angeles a lot and released an EP, ''
Jihad
''Jihad'' (; ) is an Arabic word that means "exerting", "striving", or "struggling", particularly with a praiseworthy aim. In an Islamic context, it encompasses almost any effort to make personal and social life conform with God in Islam, God ...
'', in June 2001.
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.
The band released their album ''
Sevas Tra'' with
Terry Date on June 18, 2002, and then played several gigs at the Ozzfest and was considered one of the prime bands there in 2002.
Their first time at Ozzfest was in 2001 with their eighth gig.
The first album peaked at 145 on the
''Billboard'' 200 and 86 on the
UK Albums Chart
The Official Albums Chart is the United Kingdom's industry-recognised national record chart for album, albums. Entries are ranked by sales and audio streaming. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the O ...
.
''House of Secrets'' (2004–2006)
On July 27, 2004, Otep released their second album, ''
House of Secrets'',
produced by
Greg Wells
William Gregory Wells (born 1968) is a Canadian record producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and mix engineer. He has worked with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Quincy Jones, J*Davey, Burt Bacharach, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Missy Elliott, ...
.
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
Static-X is an American industrial metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1994. The line-up has fluctuated over the years, but was long-held constant with band founder, frontman, vocalist and rhythm guitarist Wayne Static until his d ...
starting in the spring of 2007.
However, the album was delayed indefinitely due to the Capitol Music Group merger in January 2007. 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; they were eventually dropped from Capitol in May 2007.
In September 2007, the band was able to ink a deal with Koch Records, who belatedly released ''The Ascension'' in October. Upon its release, It peaked at 81 on the
''Billboard'' 200 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
Victory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several record labels. It has featured many prominent artists including Thu ...
.
Their 2009 album, ''
Smash the Control Machine'', which was released on August 18, 2009,
included a reunion with former members
Mark "Moke" Bistany on drums and
Rob Patterson on guitar. The album also featured
Koichi Fukuda on
piano
A piano is a keyboard instrument that produces sound when its keys are depressed, activating an Action (music), action mechanism where hammers strike String (music), strings. Modern pianos have a row of 88 black and white keys, tuned to a c ...
, and
Emilie Autumn on
violin
The violin, sometimes referred to as a fiddle, is a wooden chordophone, and is the smallest, and thus highest-pitched instrument (soprano) in regular use in the violin family. Smaller violin-type instruments exist, including the violino picc ...
, 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''. It peaked at 47 on the
''Billboard'' 200 and 6 on the US Independent Charts.
The band appeared with
2Cents
2Cents is a Heavy metal music, metal band from Malibu, California. The band is known for their energetic live performances and extensive touring history.
History
2Cents was formed by brothers, Adam and Dave O’Rourke who shared a mutual love ...
,
Five Finger Death Punch
Five Finger Death Punch, also abbreviated as 5FDP or FFDP, is an American Heavy metal music, heavy metal band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2005. The band originally consisted of vocalist Ivan Moody, rhythm guitarist Zoltan Bathory, lead g ...
and
Shadows Fall on the 'Shock & Raw Tour' of North America in the fall of 2009.
On September 30, 2010, bassist Jay McGuire left the band.
''Atavist'' and ''Sounds Like Armageddon'' (2011–2012)
On April 26, 2011, Otep released their fifth studio album, ''
Atavist''.
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''.
''Hydra'' and further activity (2013–2014)
In an interview,
Otep Shamaya said that ''
Hydra'' will be her band's final album. The album was released on January 22, 2013 and peaked at 133 on the
''Billboard'' 200.
The band is still touring and tours the U.S. east coast and Australia for their Sounds of Armageddon tour.
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."
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. 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.
''Generation Doom'' sold 5,825 copies in its first week of sale in the United States.
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
''Kult 45,'' ''The God Slayer'' and Shamaya's retirement (2018–2024)
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.
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
Cleopatra Records is a Los Angeles-based independent record label that has the sub-labels Hypnotic Records, Goldenlane, Stardust, Purple Pyramid, Deadline and X-Ray Records.
History
Founded in January 1992 by Brian Perera, it specializes in go ...
on September 15, 2023.
The album features original material alongside covers of songs by artists including
Lil Peep
Gustav Elijah Åhr (; November 1, 1996 – November 15, 2017), known professionally as Lil Peep, was an American rapper and singer-songwriter. He was a member of the hip-hop collective GothBoiClique, and is credited as being a leading figure of ...
,
Olivia Rodrigo,
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell ( ; born December 18, 2001) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She first gained public attention in 2015 with her debut single "Ocean Eyes (song), Ocean Eyes", written and produced by her broth ...
and
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time, he is credited with popula ...
.
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". From April to May 2024, Otep toured with
Doyle. In November 2024, she announced her retirement from music and began "liquidating" her collection of musical equipment.
Musical style and influences
The band's style is primarily
nu metal
Nu metal (sometimes stylized as nü-metal, with a metal umlaut) is a subgenre of that combines elements of heavy metal music with elements of other music genres such as hip hop music, hip hop, funk, industrial music, industrial, and grunge. Nu ...
,
and is also considered
alternative metal
Alternative metal (also known as alt-metal) is a genre of heavy metal music that combines heavy metal with influences from alternative rock and other genres not normally associated with metal. Alternative metal bands are often characterized by ...
.
It has also been labelled as
gothic metal
Gothic metal (or goth metal) is a fusion genre combining the aggression of heavy metal music, heavy metal with the dark atmospheres of gothic rock. The music of gothic metal is diverse with bands known to adopt the gothic approach to different ...
,
rap metal
Rap metal is a fusion genre that combines hip hop music, hip hop with heavy metal music, heavy metal. It usually consists of heavy metal guitar riffs, funk metal elements, Rapping, rapped vocals and sometimes turntablism, turntables.
History O ...
and
extreme metal
Extreme metal is a loosely defined umbrella term for a number of related heavy metal music subgenres that have developed since the early 1980s. It has been defined as a "cluster of metal subgenres characterized by sonic, verbal, and visual tran ...
.
AllMusic
AllMusic (previously known as All-Music Guide and AMG) is an American online database, online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on Musical artist, musicians and Mus ...
has described Otep as "art house nu-metal".
Otep's influences include
Slipknot,
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, drummer Dave Lombardo and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. Slayer's fast and aggressive musical style made them ...
,
Korn
Korn (stylized as KoЯn) is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, originally formed in 1993 by James Shaffer, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald Arvizu, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu and David Silveria, who were members of the band ...
,
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine (often abbreviated as RATM or shortened to Rage) was an American Rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991. It consisted of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim ...
,
The Notorious B.I.G.,
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails, commonly abbreviated as NIN (stylized as NIИ), is an American industrial rock band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988. Its members are the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Trent Reznor and his frequent col ...
,
Jim Morrison
James Douglas Morrison (December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971) was an American singer, songwriter, and poet who was the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band the Doors. Due to his charismatic persona, poetic lyrics, distinctive vo ...
,
Tool
A tool is an Physical object, object that can extend an individual's ability to modify features of the surrounding environment or help them accomplish a particular task. Although many Tool use by animals, animals use simple tools, only human bei ...
,
the Doors
The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, comprising vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most influential and controversial rock acts ...
,
Nirvana
Nirvana, in the Indian religions (Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism), is the concept of an individual's passions being extinguished as the ultimate state of salvation, release, or liberation from suffering ('' duḥkha'') and from the ...
, and
Deftones
Deftones is an American alternative metal band formed in Sacramento, California in 1988. They were formed by frontman Chino Moreno, lead guitarist Stephen Carpenter and drummer Abe Cunningham, with bassist Chi Cheng and keyboardist and tu ...
. Although the band's style is primarily nu metal, their music incorporates strong elements of death metal.
[
]
Awards
In 2004, the music video for the single "Warhead" was on the top ten of MTV
MTV (an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable television television channel, channel and the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group sub-division of the Paramount Media Networks division of Paramount Global. Launched on ...
Headbangers Ball. In 2010, Otep was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award
The GLAAD Media Award is a US accolade bestowed by GLAAD to recognize and honor various branches of the media for their outstanding portrayals of LGBTQ people and the issues that affect their lives. In addition to film and television, the Awards ...
for "Outstanding Music Artist" for the album ''Smash the Control Machine'' during the 21st GLAAD Media Awards.
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.
Band members
Former members
* Otep Shamaya – vocals (2000–2024)
* Tarver Marsh – guitar (2000)
* Dave "Spooky" Aguilera – guitars (2000–2001)
* Mark "Moke" Bistany – drums (2000–2003, 2009)
* Rob Patterson – guitars (2001–2004, 2009)
* Jason "eViL J" McGuire – bass (2000–2010)
* Karma Singh Cheema – guitar (2006–2007)
* Brian "Haggis" Wolff – drums (2006–2008)
* Justin Kier – drums (2013–2020)
* Ari Mihalopoulos – guitar (2011)
* Andrew Barnes – bass (2016)
* Lamar Little – drums (2020–2022)
* AJ Bartholomew – guitars (2022)
Touring musicians
* Lane Maverick – guitar (2001)
* Lee Rios – guitar (2004)
* Scotty CH – guitar (2005)
* Melissa DeGott – guitar (2006)
* Aaron Nordstrom – guitar (2007–2008)
* Steven Barbola – guitar (2008–2010)
* Scot Coogan – drums (2003)
* David Lopez – drums (2004)
* Doug Pellerin – drums (2004–2005)
* Dave Gentry – drums (2008–2010)
* Chasin Cox – drums (2010)
* Joe Fox – drums (2011)
* Chase Brickenden – drums (2012)
* Erik Tisinger – bass (2011–2013)
* Corey Wolford – bass (2014–2015)
* Tiaday Ball – bass (2022–2024)
* AJ Bartholomew – guitar (2022)
Timeline
Discography
Albums
Studio albums
Live albums
Extended plays
Singles
Promotional singles
References
External links
Otep official site
"Otep's Next Step," by Niki D'Andrea, ''Phoenix New Times''
* Hard Rock Albums Chartson ''Billboard
A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...
''
{{Authority control
2000 establishments in California
American alternative metal musical groups
American musical quartets
American rap metal musical groups
Capitol Records artists
EMI Records artists
Musical groups established in 2000
Musical groups disestablished in 2024
Nu metal musical groups from California
Victory Records artists