OTEP – Sounds Like Armageddon

The little ball of energy known as Otep Shamaya has released the first full length live album from her band Otep called Sounds Like Armageddon. Otep’s live shows have become famous for being extremely energetic and robust. Otep’s core fan base known as “The Tribe” will consistently attend multiple shows not only because Otep makes herself extremely accessible to her fans, but because the cult following immensely praises the live performances. Otep puts her entire heart and soul into every live show, and Sounds Like Armageddon proudly exemplifies that.

Sounds Like Armageddon was recorded during the 2012 Destroy To Create tour and covers the entire gamut of Otep’s musical career. Many of the songs selected for this album have become fan favorites including “Battle Ready” and “T.R.I.C.” from her debut album. Although some preferred tracks seem to be missing like chart topping “Smash The Control Machine” as well as the melodic “Remember To Forget.” Either way, the album is still filled with many outstanding tracks including a cover of Nirvana’s “Breed” as Otep pays homage to the late Kurt Cobain.

Otep has also become widely known for her storytelling ability which comes out in many of her studio recordings. Her Jim Morrison-like dissertations into a twisted tale that usually includes subject matter like a controversial rape or murder are evident here as well. She certainly utilizes great thespian aptitude to engulf the audience into a fearful tale of horror, and her fans feed off this with glorified anticipation. She performs in this manner quite effectively during the track “Blood Pigs” which segues between a dramatized narration and an intensified musical interlude.

Musically, there isn’t much deviation from Otep’s studio albums. The overall production quality of the live recording does leave something to be desired. It does come off slightly muddy and lacks a crisp and clean sound. Her touring band does have to be commended for maintaining Otep’s high energy level throughout the album. All of the tracks are clearly well rehearsed and guided completely by Otep. The band does not deviate in any way from their script, and even when Otep goes off on a tangent, the band has been trained to follow her until she gets back on point. As a result, it gives the overall performance a slightly less than organic feel.

Sounds Like Armageddon is no doubt a great treat for the Otep Tribe. However, fans could be better served with a double live CD album with a greater diversity of performances instead of a single CD with only 11 tracks. That being said, there is much to be praised for this album as it provides fans with a tease of how amazing her live performances can become. Sounds Like Armageddon gives the listener an unabridged view into rage and enthusiasm that Otep portrays so vigorously.