Otep
| Otep | |
|---|---|
 Otep's lead vocalist, Otep Shamaya, on the streets of Los Angeles | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active |
|
| Labels | |
| Website | otepsaves.me |
| Members |
|
Otep is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2000. They have released two EPs, eight studio albums, and one live album. As of December 2013, they are no longer under their previous label Victory Records and currently are signed with Napalm Records.[2]
History
Early years, Jihad and Sevas Tra (2000–2003)
Otep began as a band in Los Angeles, California, in late 2000.[1] They were invited to play Ozzfest before they had signed to a label after Sharon Osbourne witnessed their live performance. They have since played Ozzfest several times.[1] Otep signed with Capitol Records after a few shows and without a demo, purely on the power of their live performance.[1] They started gigging around Los Angeles a lot and released the Jihad EP in 2001.[1]
The band released their album Sevas Tra with Terry Date[3] on June 18, 2002,[4] and then played several gigs at the Ozzfest and was considered one of the prime bands there in 2002.[1] Their first time at Ozzfest was in 2001 with their eighth gig.[1] The first album peaked at 145 on the Billboard 200[5] and 86 on the UK Albums Chart.[6]
House of Secrets (2004–2006)
On July 27, 2004, Otep released their second album, House of Secrets,[7] produced by Greg Wells.[1] The album peaked at 93 on the Billboard 200[5] and 102 on the French Chart.[8]
The Ascension (2007–2008)
After three years of touring, on March 20 during 2007 they signed to Koch Records and released their third album, The Ascension.[9] They supported it with constant touring with Static-X starting in the spring of 2007.[1] Despite the original release date, the album was delayed indefinitely due to the recent Capitol/Virgin Records merger.[10][11][12] It peaked at 81 on the Billboard 200[5][13][14] and 6 on the US Independent Charts.[14][15] The album sold about 10,200 album copies in its first week of release.[13]
Smash the Control Machine (2009–2010)
In 2009, Otep signed with Victory Records.[1] Their 2009 album, Smash the Control Machine released August 18 during 2009,[1][16] 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 "You're a Woman Now". Knight previously co-wrote "Perfectly Flawed" with Otep on The Ascension.[17] It peaked at 47 on the Billboard 200[5] and 6 on the US Independent Charts.[15]
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.[18]
On September 30, 2010, bassist Jay McGuire left the band.[19]
Atavist and Sounds Like Armageddon (2011–2012)
In April 26, 2011,[20] Otep released their fifth studio album, Atavist.[1] It peaked at 61 on the Billboard 200,[5] 10 on the Independent Charts[15] and 19 on the US Rock Charts.[21]
On November 6, 2012, Otep released their first live album, Sounds Like Armageddon.[22][23]
Hydra and further activity (2013-2014)
In an interview, Otep Shamaya stated that Hydra will be her band's final album.[24] The album was released on January 22, 2013[25] and peaked at 133 on the Billboard 200.[26]
The band is still touring and have tours in places such as the US's east coast and Australia for their Sounds of Armageddon tour.[27][28]
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." [29]
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.[30]
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.[31]
Generation Doom 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 [32]
Kult 45 (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, completely utilizing the same equipment 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.[33] 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.
Style and influences
The band's style is primarily nu metal,[7][34][35][36][37] and is also considered alternative metal.[22][27][28] It has also been labelled as gothic metal,[38] rap metal[39] and extreme metal.[40] AllMusic has described Otep as "art house nu-metal".[7] 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.[41][42][43] While the band's style is primarily nu metal, their music incorporates strong elements of death metal.[39][44]
Awards
In 2004, the music video for the single "Warhead" was on the top ten of MTV Headbanger's Ball.[45]
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.[46]
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. [47]
Band members
Current members
- Otep Shamaya – vocals (2000–present)
- Ari Mihalopoulos – guitar (2011–present)
- Justin Kier – drums (2013–present)
- Andrew Barnes – bass (2016–present)
Former members
- 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)
Touring members
- 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)
Timeline
Discography
Albums
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [5] |
US Hard Rock [48] |
US Rock [21] |
BEL (FL) [49] |
BEL (WA) [50] |
CAN Hard Rock [51] |
FRA [52] |
JPN [53] |
UK [54] |
UK Rock [55] | ||||
| Sevas Tra |
|
145 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 86 | 10 | ||
| House of Secrets |
|
93 | — | — | — | — | — | 102 | — | — | — | ||
| The Ascension | 81 | 11 | 25 | — | — | — | — | 197 | — | — | |||
| Smash the Control Machine |
|
47 | 3 | 13 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Atavist |
|
61 | 3 | 19 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Hydra |
|
133 | 9 | 39 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Generation Doom |
|
109 | 4 | 7 | 137 | 136 | 41 | — | — | — | — | ||
| Kult 45 |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||||||
Live albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Sounds Like Armageddon[23] |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Jihad[56] |
|
| Wurd Becomes Flesh |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Act. Rock [57] |
US Main. Rock [58] | ||||
| "Blood Pigs"[59] | 2002 | — | — | Sevas Tra | |
| "Warhead"[60] | 2004 | — | — | House of Secrets | |
| "Buried Alive"[61] | — | — | |||
| "Ghostflowers"[62] | 2007 | — | — | The Ascension | |
| "Breed" (Nirvana cover)[63] | — | — | |||
| "Perfectly Flawed"[64] | 2008 | — | — | ||
| "Confrontation"[65] | — | — | |||
| "Smash the Control Machine" | 2009 | 27 | 28 | Smash the Control Machine | |
| "Rise, Rebel, Resist"[66] | 2010 | — | — | ||
| "Fists Fall"[67] | 2011 | — | — | Atavist | |
| "Not to Touch the Earth" (The Doors cover)[68] |
— | — | |||
| "Apex Predator"[69] | 2013 | — | — | Hydra | |
| "Zero"[70] | 2016 | — | — | Generation Doom | |
| "In Cold Blood"[71] | — | — | |||
| "Royals" (Lorde cover) | — | 39 | |||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||
Promotional singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "March of the Martyrs"[72] | 2007 | The Ascension |
| "Necessary Accessories"[73] | 2008 | |
| "Special Pets"[74] | ||
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Otep". Allmusic. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
- ↑ http://www.facebook.com/otepofficial/posts/10153669129695131
- ↑ "Sevas Tra – Otep". Allmusic. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
- ↑ "Sevas Tra – Otep". Allmusic.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Otep – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- ↑ Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart Log UK: The O – Ozric Tentacles". zobbel.de. Tobias Zywietz. Retrieved July 7, 2009.
- 1 2 3 "House of Secrets Review". Allmusic.com. Retrieved 16 Feb 2012.
- ↑ "Discographie Otep". lescharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved July 7, 2009.
- ↑ "The Ascension – Otep". Allmusic.
- ↑ Blabbermouth, "Blabbermouth.net article", Posted March 3, 2007.
- ↑ CD Universe, "CD Universe album listing", Retrieved February 16th 2013.
- ↑ Digital Media Wire, "Capitol/Virgin Records merger", Posted January 25, 2007.
- 1 2 "AVENGED SEVENFOLD, PUSCIFER, OTEP, BLOODSIMPLE First-Week Sales Revealed". blabbermouth.net. 2007-11-07. Archived from the original on 2007-12-21. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
- 1 2 "The Ascension – Otep". Allmusic.
- 1 2 3 "Otep – Chart History: Independent Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- ↑ Allmusic review
- ↑ "Smash the Control Machine – Otep". Allmusic.
- ↑ "Shadow Fall's 'Shock and Raw' Tour Dates with OTEP and FFDP". SMN. August 10, 2009.
- ↑ "Otep – Biography". Metal Storm.
- ↑ "Atavist – Otep". Allmusic.
- 1 2 "Otep – Chart History: Rock Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- 1 2 http://metalriot.com/news/otep-releases-first-ever-live-album/
- 1 2 "Sounds Like Armageddon – Otep". Allmusic.
- ↑ http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/301/27151/OTEP-Releases-Final-Album#.UQCBI2eAOtM OTEP Releases Final Album
- ↑ "Hydra – Otep". Allmusic.
- ↑ "Otep - Chart History". Billboard.
- 1 2 "OTEP 2013 Tour". Caught in the Mosh.
- 1 2 "Otep – Australian Tour 2013". Metal as Fuck.
- ↑ http://www.revolvermag.com/news/otep-announce-new-album-label.html
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-02-05. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axmHHrR7tfY
- ↑ http://www.billboard.com/charts/hard-rock-albums/2016-05-07
- ↑ http://label.napalmrecords.com/blog/?entryID=1356
- ↑ Larkin, Colin, ed. (2006). "Otep". Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-531373-9.
- ↑ Sharpe-Young, Garry (2005). New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Zonda Books Limited. p. 229. ISBN 0-9582684-0-1.
- ↑ "OTEP – Sounds Like Armageddon". Metal Forces Magazine.
- ↑ Hebblewhite, Mark (23 April 2013). "Rise, Rebel, Resist". theMusic.com.au. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
- ↑ "Otep Brings Goth Metal to Culture Room". Nicholas L. Hall. July 8, 2010.
- 1 2 "Otep interview". Illinois Entertainer.
- ↑ "Otep - Hydra Review". Todd Lyons. Archived from the original on 7 April 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
- ↑ Rodriguez, Selby (April 4, 2016). "Interview: Otep". Music Existence. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Interview with Otep Shamaya". After Ellen. January 31, 2005.
- ↑ Swick, Rob (November 16, 2006). "Speaking of Voices from the Shadows Good Omens and Good Conversation with Otep". All Access. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2018. line feed character in
|title=at position 36 (help) - ↑ "Otep – Sevas Tra". Amber Authier.
- ↑ "Otep Join The Alliance". Pollstar. January 16, 2005.
- ↑ "21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards – English Language Nominees". Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2010.
- ↑ http://www.billboard.com/artist/320151/otep/chart?f=795
- ↑ "Otep – Chart History: Hard Rock Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
- ↑ "Discografie Otep". ultratop.be (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
- ↑ "Discographie Otep". ultratop.be (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
- ↑ "Metal: Top 50 (For The Week Ending 15 April, 2016)". Jam!. Sun Media. April 22, 2016. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
- ↑ "Discographie Otep". lescharts.com (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
- ↑ "オテップのランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved January 17, 2017.
- ↑ "Otep" (select "Albums" tab). Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
- ↑ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40 (02 June 2002 – 08 June 2002)". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
- ↑ "Jihad – Otep". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ "Active Rock – October 3, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved October 12, 2016. (Subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "Otep – Chart History: Mainstream Rock Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- ↑ "Blood Pigs" (single). Otep. Capitol Records. 2002. DPRO 7087 6 16957 2 4.
- ↑ "Warhead" (single). Otep. Capitol Records. 2004.
- ↑ "Buried Alive" (single). Otep. Capitol Records. 2004.
- ↑ "Ghostflowers" (single). Otep. Capitol Records. 2007.
- ↑ "Breed" (single). Otep. Koch Records. 2008. KOC-DS-5044.
- ↑ "Perfectly Flawed" (single). Otep. Koch Records. 2008. KOC-DS-5045.
- ↑ "Confrontation" (single). Otep. Koch Records. 2008.
- ↑ "Rise, Rebel, Resist" (single). Otep. Victory Records. 2010.
- ↑ "Fists Fall – Otep". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ "Not to Touch the Earth" (single). Otep. Victory Records. 2011.
- ↑ "Apex Predator – Single by Otep". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ "Zero" (single). Otep. Napalm Records. 2016.
- ↑ "In Cold Blood – Single by Otep". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
- ↑ "March of the Martyrs" (single). Otep. Capitol Records. 2007.
- ↑ "Necessary Accessories – Single by Otep". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ "Special Pets – Single by Otep". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
External links
- Otep official site
- Otep on Facebook
- UnRated Magazine's review of The Ascension
- "Otep's Next Step," by Niki D'Andrea, Phoenix New Times
- Hard Rock Albums Charts on Billboard
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