Iconic rockers OTEP are about to unveil they’re most uncompromising, candid, all-inclusive and controversial assessment of the current residing political regime that they have ever released in the form of their eighth full-length album, aptly titled Kult 45. 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 on July 27, 2018 when Kult 45 drops via Napalm Records. This is OTEP like you’ve never heard them before.
Throughout the span of her career, Otep Shamaya has been an undeniable force in bringing awareness via various acclaimed mediums to 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, it’s prime time for OTEP to make their voices heard in their primary medium – song.
“You can expect a complete and total mutiny of the senses on Kult 45,” says Shamaya. “That said, it’s important for fans to know that this record is not just an indictment of Trump. The idea was rather to empower people to stand up and remind them this is our country and we have the power. It’s primarily a rallying cry for people with common sense and good-natured patriots to rise up and know that we own this nation.”
“Although the album is produced well technically, lyrically, it’s very raw. Musically, we explore different genres – we’re trying to reach everyone. I don’t want to be limited to one genre or to be anchored to a particular space where I can only reach certain political minds. It was important to me that what I was sending a clear and concise message to the Resistance – the people out there bending the barricades and fighting for justice is this country.”
Shamaya explains that Kult 45 is the most authentic album OTEP has ever released, at least since their first record, and self-producing it helped achieve this result. “We had the freedom to be able to write, record and exist within the songs on Kult 45. Things needed to be said and songs needed to be written that reflect the times. We weren’t under anyone else’s agenda, there was no pressure to create a “single” or a song for radio, and the band was really able to shine.”
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, and “Trigger Warning” targets rape culture – specifically Stanford rapist Brock Turner –with a vengeance.
Pre orders for Kult 45 are available now
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