Otep
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | November 2000 in Los Angeles, United States |
| Founder | Otep Shamaya |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Otep was a nu metal group from the United States, established in November 2000 in Los Angeles by lead vocalist Otep Shamaya. Renowned for their distinctive "art-house nu metal" approach combined with powerful political themes, Shamaya stood as the band's only permanent member amid numerous changes in the lineup.
Following an invitation from Sharon Osbourne to perform at Ozzfest 2001, Otep secured a contract with Capitol Records in March 2001 despite lacking a demo. They issued two records under Capitol: Sevas Tra (2002) and House of Secrets (2004), which collectively sold around 400,000 units worldwide by 2006. Their third studio effort, The Ascension, experienced delays due to Capitol’s restructuring and was eventually released through Koch Records in October 2007 after parting ways with Capitol.
In February 2009, Otep inked a deal with Victory Records, resulting in three albums: Smash the Control Machine (2009), featuring a reunion of the Sevas Tra lineup; Atavist (2011); and the conceptual Hydra (2013), initially planned as their concluding work. Nonetheless, Shamaya chose to continue the project, leading to two additional releases under Napalm Records—Generation Doom (2016) and Kult 45 (2018). The band’s ninth and final album, The God Slayer, was issued by Cleopatra Records on September 15, 2023. In November 2024, Shamaya declared her retirement, marking the end of Otep’s journey.
Formation, Jihad, and debut album Sevas Tra (2000–2003)
Otep originated in Los Angeles in November 2000. After just four live performances, they were invited to participate in Ozzfest, thanks to Sharon Osbourne witnessing their fourth show. This led to multiple subsequent appearances at Ozzfest. Without having recorded a demo, Otep signed with Capitol Records purely based on their compelling live act. They embarked on extensive touring throughout Los Angeles and released the EP Jihad in June 2001. Following their Ozzfest participation, guitarists Marsh and Aguilera were replaced by Rob Patterson for the remainder of that year’s tours.
Their first full-length album, Sevas Tra, produced by Terry Date, was launched on June 18, 2002. The band gained recognition as one of the standout performers at Ozzfest that year. The album reached number 145 on the Billboard 200 chart and climbed to number 86 on the UK Albums Chart.
House of Secrets era (2004–2006)
On July 27, 2004, Otep released their sophomore album titled House of Secrets, with production handled by Greg Wells. This record achieved a peak position of number 93 on the Billboard 200 and reached number 102 on French music charts.
The Ascension period (2007–2008)
Following three years of touring activity, the band prepared their third studio release, The Ascension, which was originally scheduled for March 20, 2007. To promote this upcoming release, they toured alongside Static-X during spring 2007.
Nevertheless, the launch was postponed indefinitely due to a merger within Capitol Music Group in January 2007. This corporate shakeup resulted in the dismissal of Capitol’s president along with Otep’s A&R representative, leaving the band’s label status uncertain; ultimately, they were dropped from Capitol in May 2007.
By September 2007, Otep had signed with Koch Records, who subsequently issued The Ascension in October. The album peaked at number 81 on the Billboard 200 chart and secured the sixth spot on the US Independent Charts, moving roughly 10,200 copies during its first week.
Smash the Control Machine (2009–2010)
In 2009, Otep entered into a contract with Victory Records. Their album Smash the Control Machine, which was released on August 18, 2009, marked the return of former members Mark "Moke" Bistany on drums and Rob Patterson on guitar. The record featured guest performances by Koichi Fukuda on piano and Emilie Autumn on violin, as well as a collaboration with songwriter Holly Knight on the track "UR a WMN NOW." Knight had previously co-written "Perfectly Flawed" for The Ascension. This album reached number 47 on the Billboard 200 chart and climbed to number 6 on the US Independent Albums chart.
During the fall of 2009, Otep toured North America as part of the 'Shock & Raw Tour', sharing the stage with 2Cents, Five Finger Death Punch, and Shadows Fall.
On September 30, 2010, bassist Jay McGuire exited the group.
Atavist and Sounds Like Armageddon (2011–2012)
Otep's fifth studio release, Atavist, was unveiled on April 26, 2011. The album achieved a peak position of 61 on the Billboard 200, number 10 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 19 on the US Rock Albums chart. Later, on November 6, 2012, Otep introduced their debut live album titled Sounds Like Armageddon.
Hydra and subsequent developments (2013–2014)
In an interview, Otep Shamaya revealed that Hydra would serve as the band's concluding studio album. Released on January 22, 2013, it reached number 133 on the Billboard 200. The band maintained an active touring schedule, including performances along the U.S. east coast and in Australia during their Sounds of Armageddon tour. Early in 2014, Otep announced intentions to produce another album.
April 2014 saw Otep enter into a management agreement with Kam 9.8 Machlation Group, an enterprise founded by Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson and Synonym Mead; however, this partnership was not extended. By September 2015, Otep declared a new management arrangement with Napalm Records and revealed plans to release a forthcoming album in spring 2016, with pre-orders commencing in winter 2015.
Generation Doom (2015–2017)
Otep expressed excitement about their partnership with Napalm Records, highlighting eagerness to craft new material alongside producer Howard Benson. On February 4, 2016, they announced that their next album would be titled Generation Doom, scheduled for release on April 15, sharing the cover art via Facebook.
Starting April 11, Billboard provided an exclusive stream of Generation Doom, which was extended due to popular demand. The official music video for "In Cold Blood" debuted on April 15 through Music Choice. To celebrate Record Store Day on April 16, a special picture vinyl edition was issued. Napalm Records uploaded the "In Cold Blood" video to YouTube on April 20.
Within its first week in the United States, Generation Doom sold approximately 5,825 copies and ranked third among Napalm Records' best-selling releases in late April. It achieved number seven on the Billboard Rock Albums chart, number ten on the Independent Albums chart, number 109 on the overall Top 200 Albums chart by April 26, and advanced to number four on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart by May 7.
Kult 45, The God Slayer and Shamaya's retirement (2018–2024)
On May 2, 2018, Otep announced the title and cover art for their eighth studio album, Kult 45, highlighting its unfiltered lyrical themes and eclectic musical influences designed to appeal to a wide audience. Shamaya characterized the album as a call to action for pragmatic patriots to reclaim their agency, tackling subjects such as the immigrant crisis, rape culture, and challenges within the US government.
The recording sessions took place at The Lair in Los Angeles, utilizing the same gear as their debut album Sevas Tra, including Shamaya’s SHURE Beta 58 microphone. Kult 45 was self-produced with support from Larry Goetz, Nicolas Schilke, and Lizzy Ostro. The band aimed to craft a record primarily for their fanbase rather than for personal artistic exploration. The lead single, "To the Gallows," debuted on May 25, 2018. Despite these efforts, the album sold 1,850 copies during its initial week, marking Otep’s first studio release not to enter the Billboard 200 chart.
Otep’s ninth album, titled The God Slayer, was released under Cleopatra Records on September 15, 2023. This record includes original compositions alongside covers of songs by artists such as Lil Peep, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and Eminem. After its launch, Shamaya suggested that this might represent Otep’s final studio effort, signifying a conclusion to the band’s recorded output.
Between April and May 2024, Otep supported Doyle on tour. In November 2024, Shamaya announced her retirement from the music industry and began selling off her collection of musical instruments and equipment.
Musical style and influences
Otep’s sound is predominantly categorized as nu metal with strong ties to alternative metal. They have also been described using genres such as gothic metal, rap metal, and extreme metal. According to AllMusic, Otep fits within "art house nu-metal." Their inspirations include bands and artists like Slipknot, Slayer, Korn, Rage Against the Machine, The Notorious B.I.G., Nine Inch Nails, Jim Morrison, Tool, The Doors, Nirvana, and Deftones. While nu metal forms their core sound, elements of death metal are notably present throughout their music.
Awards
In 2004, the "Warhead" music video secured a spot in MTV’s Headbangers Ball top ten list. At the 21st GLAAD Media Awards in 2010, Otep earned a nomination for "Outstanding Music Artist" for their album Smash the Control Machine.
From the release of The Ascension through Generation Doom, Otep consistently placed within the top five positions 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
Studio albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Positions | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 |
US Independent |
US Rock |
BEL (Flanders) |
BEL (Wallonia) |
FRA | JPN | SWI | UK | UK Rock | ||
| Sevas Tra |
|
145 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 86 | 10 |
| House of Secrets |
|
93 | — | — | — | — | 102 | — | — | — | — |
| The Ascension |
|
81 | 6 | 25 | — | — | — | 197 | — | — | — |
| Smash the Control Machine |
|
47 | 6 | 13 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Atavist |
|
61 | 10 | 19 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Hydra |
|
133 | 22 | 39 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Generation Doom |
|
109 | 10 | 13 | 137 | 136 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Kult 45 |
|
— | 11 | — | — | — | — | 100 | — | ||
| The God Slayer |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Live albums
| Album Title | Release Details |
|---|---|
| Sounds Like Armageddon |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Release Information |
|---|---|
| Jihad |
|
| Wurd Becomes Flesh |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Highest chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Act. Rock |
US Main. Rock | ||||
| "T.R.I.C." | 2001 | — | — | Jihad | |
| "Blood Pigs" | 2002 | — | — | Sevas Tra | |
| "Warhead" | 2004 | — | — | House of Secrets | |
| "Buried Alive" | — | — | |||
| "Ghostflowers" | 2007 | — | — | The Ascension | |
| "Breed" | — | — | |||
| "Perfectly Flawed" | 2008 | — | — | ||
| "Confrontation" | — | — | |||
| "Smash the Control Machine" | 2009 | 27 | 28 | Smash the Control Machine | |
| "Rise, Rebel, Resist" | 2010 | — | — | ||
| "Fists Fall" | 2011 | — | — | Atavist | |
| "Not to Touch the Earth" | — | — | |||
| "Apex Predator" | 2013 | — | — | Hydra | |
| "In Cold Blood" | 2016 | — | — | Generation Doom | |
| "Royals" | — | 39 | |||
| "To the Gallows" | 2018 | — | — | Kult 45 | |
| "Shelter in Place" | — | — | |||
| The symbol "—" signifies that the track did not chart or was unavailable in that region. | |||||
Promotional singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "March of the Martyrs" | 2007 | The Ascension |
| "Necessary Accessories" | 2008 | |
| "Special Pets" | ||
| "Molotov" | 2018 | Kult 45 |
External links
- Official website of Otep
- "Otep's Next Step," Phoenix New Times
- [ Hard Rock Albums Charts] on Billboard
- Articles with short description
- 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