Smash the Control Machine

Otep | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 18, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Victory Records
• ASIN: B002CRJWQ2
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,890 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Whoever said that 'resistance is futile' must have never heard a song from Otep. Their 2009 record Smash The Control Machine is a rally cry to mobilize the apathetic and turn the establishment on its ear. Otep teamed up with the fiercely independent Victory Records and went to work on what would become the most important record of their career. Smash The Control Machine is sure to set the public in motion and urge them to march towards a new level of confidence and power. The masses have stood by with an unwillingness to react for long enough, Smash The Control Machine is daring everyone to take that first step and take some action. This record is for the impoverished, the exploited and the working class to take notice and smash whatever control machine is in their way.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smashingly Good!, August 20, 2009

By 

S. Kesterson "The Raven" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smash the Control Machine (Audio CD)

Smash The Control Machine By Otep is a solid album. Many people falsely assumed that Shamaya had toned herself down because the title track seems so polished, but Hell no. To sell out would be against the legacy that Otep is known for. The title Track (Smash the Control Machine) is arguably the best song on the album, but "Rise Rebel Resist" is another jewel of a song. `Run For Cover' is a bit T.R.I.C.y so it's nice to hear a bit of diversity as well. After listening to the entire album, it's is pretty clear to me that Thorin's books has been influential to this album (the video for Smash The Control Machine even alludes to this further), but it is about time some great minds came together to push the wolf mentality.Even though the original members got back together, it still sounds closer to The Ascension than Sevas Tra. This is a very good album, and is a great soundtrack to individuality, and fighting for equality. Digging deeper into the lyrics, it seems like Otep has lost the satanical overtones in favor of Hinduism and Buddhism. This is not to say that she excuses religious bigotry by any means, but she seems to be a bit more spiritual if you will. The sound is a bit more mature, but with still plenty of angst to spare. If you are looking for a fresh metal album, then buy this one. If you are an Otep fan, then you shouldn't even be reading this far into the review: buy it already!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Wait!, August 18, 2009

By 

Knowledge Contagion (California - again) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smash the Control Machine (Audio CD)

I know it's only been two years since they put out an album, but it felt like a lot longer. What's super spiffy about this album is that Moke and Evil J are back, which is great for fans because according to the interview on the Deluxe Edition (or boxed set as this happens to be), it allowed her to get more personal with her lyrics. This album really makes you think.

I think this is a very strong album because a lot of songs are hard hitting and have an obvious political/social message (namely "Rise, Rebel, Resist," "Smash the Control Machine," "Numb & Dumb," etc.). As heavy as most of these songs are, "UR A WMN Now" struck me as the most shocking because it's only the second time you really hear Otep actually sing - instead of roar or do more spoken word style - with violin and piano accompanying. It's a beautifully done song that begs the question "What actually is the point at which a girl becomes a woman?"

I love the way she sings her lyrics - you can hear the derision, hypocrisy, rage, incredulity, passion, and inspiration that her lyrics are meant to reflect but that her voice drives home ("Smash the Control Machine" is the first song that comes to mind ... "Unveiled" is another great example). She is such an incredibly creative, articulate person and I can't say enough about how I feel about the way she expresses her thoughts, opinions and experiences.

The DVD was a great bonus, especially for those of us who aren't glued to our computers and watch everything via YouTube or MySpace pages. Otep goes over the songs on the album and what inspired them (Prop 8 to ban gay marriage here in California figured prominently) and what went into getting them written and recorded. She also reads three original poems which I thought was a treat. My only complaint is that the DVD wasn't longer and more in depth.

I push Otep on anyone I meet just because I think she's simply fabulous. It's great being able to hear a chick roar better than most men in the genre and it's better still knowing that she has a brain to back up the voice. Five stars doesn't even begin to cover how I feel about this album.

PS - for the aspiring/actual entomologists, I am sad to say that unlike previous albums, insects do not make up any of the lyrical content on this one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Otep Keeps Delivering, February 3, 2010

By 

mike (DC, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smash The Control Machine (MP3 Download)

This album is great. Although it isn't as heavy as The Ascension it does have the unique guitar riffs and emotional singing/screaming that Otep is best known for. There are a couple songs that remind me of Sevas Tra and House of Secrets and the rest sound more like what's on The Ascension. One or two more songs would have been nice.

Bottom line is, if you love Otep then you'll love this album.