OTEP – Hydra

The artist, poet, activist, and Metal goddess Otep Shamaya has announced the final studio album of her illustrious career to be Hydra. This would be only her sixth album since 2002 with the immensely successful debut album Sevas Tra (Art Saves spelled backward). Otep has never been afraid to make a statement, or cause a controversy, and Hydra is filled with her signature poetic resonance that is both horrifying and entertaining at the same time.

Otep’s music has been traditionally known for being brutally aggressive, and there is certainly no shortage of that on Hydra. However, with this album Otep seems to take a more introspective approach to the final product. There is much more story telling/poetic readings heard here than in previous efforts. Furthermore, the lyrical content as a whole is definitely raised to another level. It is clear that Otep has put all her cards on the table to make a very lasting impression with her fans if this indeed is her final album.

Hydra begins with the same intensity, fervor, and passion that would not differentiate it from her previous albums. The opening track “Blowtorch Nightlight” hits hard and fast with an incredible burst of energy to begin the expedition. However, as the tracks proceed further along, Otep’s mission to create an emotional and dramatic trip for her devoted listeners becomes much more evident. The track “Crush”, one of the heaviest songs on the album, is Otep delivering her finest ruthless, severe screams that would make anyone bang their head with anger and rage.

The highlight of Hydra comes during the middle of the album with a series of narrated tracks laced with scary background music. The climax of which being the track “Voyeur”. This story is of a man who enjoys broadcasting video of himself murdering and torturing animals over the internet. Of course Otep being an outspoken animal activist makes sure this fictitious character is punished by “helping him understand how they (the animals) felt”. She tells a visually gruesome tale of revenge against a man whom she tortures and eventually kills; even Edgar Allan Poe would be proud of this prose.

Another great and innovative song is “Apex Predator” which is actually delivered in a Rap style which is unlike anything Otep has done in the past. Fortunately she pulls it off quite well even though there are no guitars but instead a highly synthesized, bass heavy background. This song is just a further indication that Otep wants to take Hydra to levels unseen before and give her fans a great legacy.

Hydra may not be a vast musical experience, as Otep’s lyrical content is designed to be the prominent force behind its success. Despite that, Hydra is to be highly commended for the both artistic integrity and innovational spirit. This untraditional record is a great way for Otep to leave her final mark on the music industry.