With the first audible screams on Otep’s fourth studio effort, Smash the Control Machine, “Let’s commit a hate crime!” you expect to be in for one hell of a metal ride. The album opens with “Rise, Rebel, Resist,” which is precisely what the title denotes: a call-to-arms for the subjugated to embrace their identities and join together to overcome the persecution of the majority. All-in-all, certainly not a poor choice of song to kick off the start of the album. Smash the Control Machine marks the return of founding members, guitarist, Rob Patterson, and drummer, Moke, after a whirlwind revolving door of musicians since Otep’s debut, Sevas Tra. Some might recognize Rob Patterson as the touring guitarist for Korn after original guitarist, Brian “Head” Welch, left the band to embrace Christianity. That being said, there is a distinct nu-metal tinge to this album, especially when compared to the last album Patterson collaborated on with Otep, Sevas Tra, which is much harder.
Unlike previous albums, frontwoman, Otep Shamaya did not delve into her books of poetry nearly as much to form the lyrical basis for the songs. This was the first time Otep entered the studio and wrote both lyrics and music simultaneously. Understandably, this is going to have a marked effect on the lyrical stylings and in my opinion, it would be a negative effect. The first half of the album is strong, angsty and guitar-driven. However, as the album progresses, both the music and lyrics become monotonous. The lyrics feel forced, unfinished, and constrained to fit the music mold of a particular song. In past efforts, it seemed as though Otep collaborated with the band so they could be successful at writing music that appropriately complemented her poetry.
The self-titled track and first single, “Smash the Control Machine,” is absolutely phenomenal in its depth, intelligence and drive. It certainly has one of the best endings to a song that I have ever heard. It is a catchy tune, almost poppy even, but don’t let that dissuade you from giving it the time of day. It’s addictive and WILL be stuck in your head. When I first heard the single, I easily listened to this track a dozen times a day. It has a strong message, similar to 2007’s The Ascension leading single, ”Confrontation.” Whereas “Confrontation” dealt with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, “Smash the Control Machine” rails against big business, obviously keeping contemporary with the current economic recession.
Another surprising favorite is “Sweet Tooth,” which I can only describe as what has to be the sexiest metal song that has ever traversed my ears. For those that are unaware, Ms. Shamaya is one of, if not the only openly lesbian vocalist in the metal scene. While in the past, she has typically refrained from putting much lyrical emphasis on that facet of her life, it is blindingly illuminated in “Sweet Tooth.” This song is nothing more than Otep expressing her absolute love of women, body and soul (mostly body). It is guaranteed to have even the straightest of female metal fans quivering at the knees.
It should come as no surprise to fans that after the success of The Ascension’s ”Perfectly Flawed,” Otep would try to follow-up the success of that ballad with another. The second half of the album contains the obvious ballad, “Ur a WMN Now.” However, unlike the rock-driven depth of “Perfectly Flawed,” “Ur a WMN Now” comes off as lyrically forced. There is absolutely nothing rock about this song. And, while Otep definitely has the vocal skills to perform soft rock, she simply doesn’t have the lyrics to back it up.
So, enjoy the energized anti-consumerism message and tribute to writer, William S. Burroughs, “Smash the Control Machine.” Lose yourself in the incredible eerie guitar riffs in “Head of Medusa.” Witness Otep Shamaya amazingly channel Kurt Cobain in the chorus of “Numb & Dumb.” But mostly… skip the second half of this album and you will be much more pleased with the talent and pure metal it exudes.
"Smash the Control Machine" is on sale August 18, 2009 from Victory.
