Otep
Sevas Tra

THE REVIEW

After their debut in 2001 with the EP "Jihad", the Californians Otep released "Sevas Tra", their first official full-length, in 2002, a period when the nu-metal scene (which is no longer so 'nu') is flooded with bands as undeservedly famous as they are insipid (Linkin Park, Hoobastank, Alien Ant Farm ...). In contrast, Otep established themselves as a very interesting reality and, paradoxically, very tough and uncompromising; yes, because the voice of the band, the creator of a very dark and brutal crossover, is a girl, Otep Shamaya.
The four cite among their influences various genres, including death, hardcore, grunge, and hip hop. Listening to them, however, it seems that Korn and Slipknot are the major references: the riffing (not by chance the guitarist back then, Rob Patterson, now plays with Korn in place of Head), the rhythm section, modernisms and effects, even Otep Shamaya's impressive voice draws from the vocalists of the two groups: the spasmodic whispers recall Jon Davies' melodic timbre, while the breakneck raps and growls (!) remind more of an early Corey Taylor.
The songs are quite similar to each other, but they all possess an admirable power, an effective antidote against monotony. Moreover, despite the confirmed similarities with Korn and Slipknot, Otep demonstrate a selling personality and even a certain freshness, qualities that distinguish them from their aforementioned colleagues and make them one of the best bands of the more recent nu-metal scene. The best tracks are "Blood Pigs", "My Confession", "Possession", "Fillthee", and the long and heartbreaking "Jonestown Tea" (read the lyrics).

Curiosity: the name of the band, which is also the stage name of the singer, is an anagram of "poet" (Otep Shamaya is also a poet) and the album title is the reverse of "art saves".

Highly recommended!