Art by PR Brown
Today, iconic rockers OTEP have unleashed their most uncompromising, candid, all-inclusive and controversial assessment of the current residing political regime that they have ever released, the new album Kult 45, via Napalm Records. Order now in digital formats here, and/or CD and vinyl formats via the Napalm Records Online Store. You can also stream Kult 45 in full now via Spotify here.
In celebration of the album’s release, OTEP has revealed a brand new, 20+ minute documentary about the making of Kult 45, performing together as a band, and more. Watch here: https://youtu.be/titpZgl4F6Q
Otep Shamaya expressed to her fans via social media post: “Kult 45 has been unleashed! We are so proud of this album and so grateful to have such passionate fans and supporters! Thank you for all of your love and devotion to our music and message! Love you guys so much.”
“Protest music is alive on well on Otep Shamaya’s new bible for dissenters.” – Alternative Press
“Kult 45 sees OTEP at their controversial best, assessing and tackling the issues swimming around the political pool party that currently harbours their capital.” – Metal Wani
“OTEP speaks out, savages President Trump and stands tall on Kult 45.” – Salt Lake City Weekly “[OTEP] is a powerful voice for civil rights, for people of color, for the LGBTQ community, for the working class, for animal rights.” – Reading Eagle “OTEP‘s message is one that needs to be heard.” – Jamestown Post-Journal
Drawing influences from politically-charged recording artists of the past but allowing her artwork to remain fully and undeniably OTEP, Otep Shamaya continues her nearly two-decade invasion of the senses with Kult 45.
Throughout the span of her career, Otep Shamaya has been an undeniable force in bringing awareness via various acclaimed mediums to the social and political injustices felt by various communities and subcultures. For years, publications such as Revolver Magazine have lauded Shamaya for “following in the footsteps of outspoken musicians from folk singer Woody Guthrie to Rage Against The Machine‘s Zach de la Rocha”, dubbing her “one of music’s catalysts for social change”. So, with the political climate as it is today, now it’s the perfect time to impact with Kult 45.
Kult 45 was recorded at The Lair in Los Angeles, completely utilizing the same equipment used for OTEP‘s first album, Sevas Tra (down to Shamaya’s vocal microphone, a SHURE Beta 58), in order to create a sound reminiscent of their roots. Kult 45 was self-produced by Otep Shamaya and Aristotle, with assistant engineering from Larry Goetz, Nicolas Schilke and Lizzy Ostro.
OTEP does not hold back on Kult 45, pointing out all sorts of political duplicities and leaving them in their wake. The band explodes on aggressive, adamant anthems like “Halt Right” and “Molotov”, which act as timely outcries against the recent resurgence of hate groups.Tracks like the in-your-face “Cross Contamination” explore the hypocrisy of the evangelical right giving Trump a pass on his infidelities, and cherry-picking scriptures to fit their ideologies. “Invisible People” approaches immigration issues while pointing a strong finger at Trump, the electronically-charged “Boss” aims to break, fight, and redefine gender roles, “Shelter In Place” investigates the topic of school shootings, and “Trigger Warning” targets rape culture – specifically Stanford rapist Brock Turner -with a vengeance.
One of the last tracks on the album is a true-to-form cover of “Wake Up” – an homage to political music icons, major Kult 45 writing inspirations, and original track recording artists Rage Against The Machine. The album closes with the bonus track “The Tribe Speaks”, featuring recorded voicemails from fans expressing how OTEP‘s music has changed their lives. Shamaya says the voicemails are truly moving and keep her fighting as an artist and activist.
OTEP is on the road supporting Kult 45 now. See below for all currently confirmed tour dates.
Remaining OTEP Summer 2018 Headline Tour Dates:7/27 – Cleveland, OH @ The Odeon Concert Club#7/28 – Findlay, OH @ All American Rock House#7/29 – St. Louis, MO @ Fubar#8/1 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Ruins Live&8/2 – Austin, TX @ Come & Take It Live&8/3 – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live!&8/4 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar&8/5 – San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box&8/7 – Mesa, AZ @ Club Red&8/8 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky A Go Go8/9 – Flagstaff, AZ @ The Green Room&8/10 – Tucson, AZ @ The Rialto Theatre&8/11 – Anaheim, CA @ The Parish @ House of Blues&8/12 – Sacramento, CA @ Holy Diver&8/14 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon&8/15 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre&8/17 – Fresno, CA @ Fulton 55&8/18 – Ventura, CA @ Ventura Theater&* w/ Dropout Kings & One Day Waiting# w/ Dropout Kings & Kore RozZik& w/ Dropout Kings & Ragdoll Sunday
OTEP is:Otep Shamaya: VocalsAristotle: GuitarsDrewski Barnes: BassJustin Kier: Drums
OTEP Online:https://www.facebook.com/
