Otep – Hydra
3rd February 2013
Band: Otep
Album: Hydra
Record Label: Victory Records
Release Date: 22nd January 2013
Reviewed By: Ant
Los Angeles based Nu Metellers Otep have released Hydra, a 13 strong track list of self proclaimed Artcore deemed to be the final discharge. Engaged in spiritual intercourse to impregnate minds with brutal truths & passionate combustion, the decade of work building up to Hydra is impressive to say the least after playing Ozzfest many a time and being originally signed to Capital Records from the power of live performances only!
Taking you on a journey through the poetic demons of the mind on a ride varying from solemn monologues to demonic riffs describing powerful truths and nightmarish abuse, there is a chilling eeriness to the spoken tracks on this release with Voyeur through Apex Predator. The album isn't gung-ho but does have epic tracks that need to be blasted full whack like Blowtorch Nightlight and Hag, The vocal multi-tracking and chunky thrash riffs of Blowtorch Nightlight are pure, concentrated Otep!
Hydra debuts at #9 ON BILLBOARD HARD ROCK CHART!! Selling more than 2,900 copyies in the first week, Otep seems to have bowed out in serious fashion. Not to my usual taste but still and enchanting story told through the twisted words of a the hard hitting artist.
7 out of 10