Otep is a female-fronted, four-piece metal band from Los Angeles, California formed in 2000. Witnessing a brief live performance impressed Sharon Osbourne enough for Otep to land a spot on Ozzfest before signing onto a label. Otep's lyrics often involve discussions of pain and abuse, and there is a very personal feeling to many of Otep's tracks; due to the use of original poetry as the origin of many of the lyrics.

• The band Otep was signed after only four shows, without a demo, strictly on the power of their live performance. Their live performance proved to be so impressive that Sharon Osbourne offered the unsigned act a spot on the 2001 Ozzfest tour. Since then Otep has appeared at the festival three times.

• To date, the band has released three full lengths, one EP and toured in support of all four releases.

• Otep Shamaya has also published two books of poetry, spoken at the Democratic National Convention in 2008,and is a painter. Some of those groups that she supports, but not limited to are RAINN, Carbon Rally, PETA, & WSPA. In addition to lending her support to numerous groups, Otep has started the social networks All Shapes & Sizes, along with Girls Out Now.

• On December 21, 2008, Otep's founder and front woman created a blog entitled, I'm Not A Monster.

• On April 6, 2009, it was announced that Otep is now signed to Victory Records.

• On April 7, 2009 Otep Shamaya announced that the new album will also mark the band reuniting with former members Mark "Moke" Bistany on drums and Rob Patterson on guitar.

• Otep Stated a song from the new album, Smash the Control Machine, would be on the Vans Warped Tour various artists CD 2009. the song is titled "Rise, Rebel, Resist" "smash the control machine" will be the first song to be heard, receiving air play in June 2009, off the new album slated for release August 18th, 2009.

• Koichi Fukuda Is playing piano, on the new Otep album Smash the Control Machine and Emilie Autumn will be playing violin on the cd as well

Discography

* Jihad (2001)
* Sevas Tra (2002)
* House of Secrets (2004)
* Wurd Becomes Flesh (EP)(2005)
* Ascension (2007)

Members

Current

Otep Shamaya - Vocals (2000-present)
"Evil" J. McGuire - Bass (2000-present)
Rob Patterson - Guitar (2001-2004, 2009-present)
Mark "Moke" Bistany - Drums (2000-2004, 2009-present)

Former

David Gentry - Drums
Brian Wolff - Drums
Karma Singh Cheema - Guitar
Aaron Nordstrom - Guitar
Steven Barbola - Guitar
Matt Damon - Guitar
Tarver Marsh - Guitar
Lane Maverick - Guitar
Lee Rios - Guitar

More information and material can be found at their official website.
www.otep.com