Otep

Last night, I went and saw Otep Shamaya for the first time since 2011. Before I got to the show, I got stuck a loop of - I don't know how I'm going to get on with it because of my evolution as of... Forever. I'm not the same person as I was when I saw Otep the last time - I'm going to let it be what it is. I love Otep, and a metal show is the exact prescription that I'm looking for. Always divinely orchestrated - especially considering that I didn't even have to look for this one. I opened up Facebook yesterday and the show was staring me in the face! Arriving to West Hollywood to catch the last two songs of the previous band before Otep, the Whisky-a-Go-Go appeared right in front of me as I deboarded transit - welcoming me as if arms were reaching out - "come in! We've been waiting for you!" This night was a tsunami. Otep came on with her electronic producer, who resembled a Mortal Kombat character, as he got down behind his barrier of electronic creation. "Satanic" imagery draped in red and black adorned the live electronic set-up. I felt my inner "evil" start to smile. Having not seen Otep since 2011 - I was surprised because there was no DJ back then. I said to myself, "where's the band?" I always enter artistic spaces with an open mind though. Otep came out in red and black (two of my favorite colors, by the way), dressed like the Goddess of Hel (I'm talking Norse mythology here). It took a while for me to get into it, probably because I was expecting something different based on previous experiences - and I was looking for a metal show, not a rave. Eventually, something clicked, and the set turned into something of a breakcore, metal-driven, Bass music-laced wrath of God. I felt like I was at a PRSPECT/European night - and I "lost myself" in the frequencies. Soon enough, my human form had turned into a headbanging mass of relentless chaotic energy. Bringer of Death and Goddess of Destruction now present. Having been transmuting life and shedding the chains of dread that San Francisco had put upon me - I stood at the corner of the floor, awkward and alone at the end of the set, deciding to feel into it anyway - and be with it. When everyone around you is conversing and you're the only one by yourself, sometimes it gets kind of weird, especially for someone who's extremely sociable most of the time. There was one point that I was going to leave because I thought that was the end of the show. Luckily, I was wrong, and I changed my mind just as the drums were being brought out. I took a deep breath and I geared myself up for what was about to come - what I came for. Otep came out in another transformation. This time as the badass that (s)he always is - that badass that would punch you in the mouth if she had to but loves ya all in the same. Cinematics as usual. Otep flare as usual. Raging legions of Shadow Soldiers - thrashing myself into a breakneck frenzy and going into catharsis - while screaming out all of the discordant remnants of past life frequencies - I had been initiated by Sekhmet in an invocation previous to showing up last night. So the raging kitty was indeed present! Opening up with the raging anthem, Battle Ready, the war was on. The set was a cavalcade of old school anthems that made my spirit maniacally jubilant - TRIC, Blood pig, Eet the Children, My Confession, Menocide, Filthee - Equal Rights, Equal Lefts unleashed another raging demon inside of me. Apex Predator - another headbanger on the favorites list. Of course Smash the Control Machine was present as the anthem against the ones who try to hold society down, something Otep hides nothing in spreading on. In the end, for me - this was RAPTURE and the shattering of everything I've ever been taught/programmed with that wasn't ME - only small bits remained as I walked out onto Sunset Blvd. The evolution has been completed that seemed like a life journey through Hades. Thank you Otep! I salute you! (Also, who was your bassist last night, and is there anywhere I can listen to or connect with her? She's a badass!) (I also haven't written a review like this in forever. Something tells me I should start again!)

Twas absolutely amazing. My nieces first show and she was so excited. Then our car got towed and the rest of the night sucked, but that wasn't Oteps fault.

Out of the bands that were on this tour with Otep, I will say that "Almost Kings" & "Otep" were great. "Almost Kings" from Atlanta GA. were a great contrast to Otep. The band came out and knew they were out of their element but put on a great performance and sounded to notch. Otep sounded great and the crowd interaction was really vibrant. I understand the politics of the band but there were a few things that were said in a Military town that were pretty disrespectful, but I guess it's too be expected. All in All Otep sounded great, the show was great and I would love to see them performing for a much larger crowd.

Another awesome show!! Never would have thought Beaver Dam, WI would have a venue. Mike the sound guy did such a great job that The World Over asked him to do their sound too. First time I understood her vocals (and I’d been missing out, she’s great) and I’ve seen the 3 times this week.

OTEP delivered as always. they are such an inspiration and wonderful role models for our kids. As always keeps to my old ass heart going at full speed! love you all!! xoxo the Petersons

@otepofficial helped me get through my teenage years. For that, I am so grateful. I gave my all at the riot last night! Mad respect to her for putting her body, mind, and health into giving us her all! Thank you Otep!

Otep was amazing. Could have done with less opening acts and waaaay more Otep. Paid for VIP; couldn't get to front of stage. Disappointment there.

They were amazing and as usual put on an epic show. It was over too quickly for me, I could've listened to them for hours more. The opening acts weren't bad either. All in all it was completely worth it.

Show didn't go on because of a shitty promoter not paying for the gig, but Otep still catered to us fans who had VIP & took us to coffee & talked to us for hours. She gave everyone refunds for the show & free tickets to the next show in Louisville KY. She is the single greatest person in the music industry! SS4L!

She was KICK-ASS AND HER BAND WAS ON IT ALL NIGHT,THE V.I.P. WAS GREAT,SHE POLITICALLY VOICED HER THOUGHTS,VIEWS,AND LET ALL 11 OF US THAT WE TO LET OUR MAYORS,OUR CONGRESSMEN THAT OUR VOICES MATTER AND WE SHOULD GO AND EXPERIENCE A MARCH/ RALLY AND IF WE WANT JOIN AN ORGANZATION RESISTANCE, ,BECAUSE OUR GOVERNMENT AND CURRENT PRESIDENT, AND HIS CABINET, AND PARTY ARE DOING ALOT OF VERY HATEFUL ,RACISTS ,ACTIONS, AND HAVE ONE SIDED HIDEN AGENDA'S,ALONG WITH HIS GOVERNMENT PARTY.SO RESIST ALONG SIDE OF THE RESISTANCE AND MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT IN 2021 PRESIDENT ELECTION,AND RETIRE HIS SORRY ASS OUT OF OFFICE .

the show was amazing!! Unfortunately the Back Bar was an unorganized mess. Drove 5 hours to wait for 3 hrs because they couldn't get their shit together.

One of the best shows I have ever been to. She treats you like a person not just a fan. The VIP was more than worth it!

Otep always puts on a great show but last night at the Sunshine Studios was probably the best I've seen them put on!! Can't wait for them to come back ❤️

Excellent Show! Never under estimate these small town small venue up close & personal shows! Otep herself is one badass wicked cool lady! Definitely see more shows here! Good food & drinks cozy comfortable environment

It was my first Otep show and it was kickass. I got to do a meet and greet that was very cool. Otep has mad love for her tribe. I have much love and respect for ya!!! Keep pumping out the great music!!!

The show was fucking amazing!!! just like it was when I seen her the Friday before and Detroit! 😁 This was an extra special show though as it was the first concert for my oldest daughter. 😁💖 OTEP!!!

The best concert I've ever been to! Otep was so much fun to watch and to rock out with! Can't wait to see her perform again! <3

Off The Charts. I had Never heard Otep before meeting my Dude in Sept 2015, I fell in love with Otep through him and I couldn't wait to her her scream last night. High powered show, Otep fan forever now.

She had no energy , looked tired and her show was not long enough , definitely not the otep that I saw 6 years ago . Not impressed at all , I can see why there was nobody at the show last night

Dope and Wayne Static canceled for some reason, kinda lost a bit of respect. Otep was incredible. Thira tore it up and a local band, Balance Of Power was real strong. Gained respect for these two and look forward to seeing them again.