One thing I never got was, why has Otep always been classified as Nu Metal? Sure, they contain some elements of Nu Metal like, the occasional rapping, down tuned guitars, and lyrical subjects comparable to other Nu Metal bands but, when I think Nu Metal, I think Linkin Park and Korn. Not only is Otep heavier than both of these bands, they convey their message in a much more intelligent and aggressive way. One of the things I like about Otep is the fact that you really can’t genre classify them.
Their last album House Of Secrets was brutally heavy at parts but lacked the punchiness and overall winning sound of the prior album, Sevas Tra. After the hit or miss House Of Secrets, Otep had to overcome the sophomore curse and reclaim a name in heavy metal. Their latest offering The Ascension finds the band seemingly more focused and determined this time around. Like any other Otep album, you will hear, angst filled, brutally honest and haunting poetry supplied by singer Otep Shamaya but unlike House Of Secrets goes more with the flow of the album than just providing filler.
Singer Otep Shamaya and bassist Evil J Macguire have made progress on their respective instruments and the addition of Karma Cheema on guitar (Aaron Nordstrom providing live guitar) and Brian Wollf on drums the band seems to have found a winning line up. Is The Ascension heavy? Yes it is. I would say it is their heaviest album to date but they don’t limit themselves. Crooked Spoons and Ghostflowers are balls out metal songs while Perfectly Flawed is mellower and almost radio friendly. They also go in the direction of hardcore punk rock in Breed.
The production is not excellent but not bad in any respect. There is some very interesting bass and drum work on this album and those two things greatly contribute to the albums effectiveness. Otep Shamaya retains her instantly noticeable growl and the band overall sounds like the same ol Otep while not being too repetitive and restrictive. The lyrical content isn’t much different than their other albums but Otep Shamaya has a way of creatively conveying many of the same emotions again and again without becoming stale and monotonous.
There may be 2 or 3 skippers on this album but in the end is worth the purchase for long time fans. If you are new to Otep I would recommend Sevas Tra and if you like what you hear there, pick this up. After a fairly long hiatus, line up changes and, record label problems, I fully expect Otep to hit the nail directly on the head next time and look forward to their next release. 6.5/10
Webmaster recommendation: Otep-Sevas Tra
Otep-The Ascension Album Review
The Top 5 Hottest Women Of Heavy Metal
Heavy Metal, largely a man’s domain, has produced many women that are as beautiful as they are talented. Who are the top 5 hottest women of heavy metal? As we all know, as apparent in countless top 40 pop stars, a pretty face and sexy body does not equal talent. The top 5 hottest women of heavy metal provide not only physical beauty but a passion, talent and, dedication to the heavy metal that we all know and love. I present to you, The Top 5 Hottest Women Of Heavy Metal.
#1. Maria Brink: In This Moment
With the ability to go from seductive siren to screaming banshee within a verse, Maria Brink’s vocal range and ability is equaled only by her white hot good looks. A great stage presence and a girl next door, down to earth quality combined with her undeniable sexiness and beauty guarantee her a spot on this list and on the minds of heavy metal fans throughout the world.
#2 Angela Gossow: Arch Enemy
Not even considering the fact that she provides hands down the most brutal and intimidating female vocals in metal, Angela somehow manages to be as gorgeous as she is menacing. Maintaining beauty and charm can’t be an easy task while fronting a band as vicious as Arch Enemy but she pulls off the task with ease. Her long legs and delicate features tell a different story than her aggressive vocals and commanding presence would imply. May she continue to reign as heavy metal’s queen of scream.
#3 Christina Scabbia: Lacuna Coil
The sultry, mysterious and aesthetically model-esque singer for Lacuna Coil looks more like a fashion cover girl than front woman of a gothic metal band. On stage, she oozes sexuality and on album, her voice conveys her haunting and undisputable beauty. Besides her obvious physical traits, Christina provides one of the most beautiful yet diverse voices in heavy metal.
#4 Otep Shamaya:
The eternally tortured yet endlessly sexy singer’s vocals are as primal and hard edged as her appearance. Without a doubt, one of the most creative and mysterious women in heavy metal, her natural beauty and inventive attire insure that her image will be burned into your mind long after the lights go out. Her stunning eyes and overt fragility only add to her attractiveness but don’t be fooled; Otep Shamaya is one of the most dangerously tempting women in heavy metal.
#5 Candace Kucsulain: Walls Of
On stage, she is all business as one of the most energetic and engaging vocalists regardless of gender, in heavy metal. As beautiful as a rose yet as hard as nails, Candace’s face betrays the seemingly inhuman growl she is capable of. Covered in tattoos and sometimes blood, Candace possesses remarkable good looks while simultaneously, being one of the boys. She is a true credit to heavy metal and, without a doubt, endlessly adored by countless fans.
There you have it, The Top 5 Hottest Women Of Heavy Metal. Although every one of these women possess unparalleled beauty and sexiness, their true merit lies in the music they produce and the blood, sweat and, tears they put into their profession.
