OTEP, the band led by singer, poet, illustrator, author and activist Otep Shamaya, has signed with Austria’s Napalm Records. Famed producer Howard Benson will helm the band’s new album, due in 2016.
Shamaya commented on joining the Napalm Records roster: “Signing with Napalm Records is one of the most exciting alliances I’ve ever made. I haven’t felt this excited to write a new album since ‘Sevas Tra’. There’s a lot of work to do, a lot of music to write, a lot of things to say, a lot of injustices to confront and a lot of madness to summon and capture. To be able to forge this sacred alchemy with the dark brilliance of producer Howard Benson is a dream come true.”
Napalm Records A&R Demetri Benoist said about the signing of OTEP: “Beyond excited to be working with such a polarizing artist who stands for something and is not afraid to speak their mind.
“This is a new beginning in OTEP’s history and Napalm Records is committed to making it the most successful! Let the OTEP revolution begin.”
OTEP’s sixth full-length studio album, “Hydra”, sold around 2,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 155 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was issued in January 2013 via Victory Records.
OTEP was formed in Los Angeles in 2000 and immediately signed to Capitol Records, an achievement based solely on the strength of its live performance. They were selected to appear at Ozzfest after Sharon Osbourne witnessed one of these incendiary performances. Their debut at Ozzfest was only their ninth live show, a major achievement for any band. It would be the kick-off for a career spanning 15 years.
Source: Blabbermouth
