Customer Reviews

Smash The Control Machine

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

A must own for every parent of daughters and the daughters themselves! As a father of 4 teenagers, I can see each of my girls opinions edified in song throughout this CD. The vulnerability as well as the rage of a girl growing up in a society that has such impossible expectations of what a girls should be is heard screaming in every song! Not to mention the pain of the manipulation of mankind expecting more of a girl than what she is willing to share as well as the regret and pain of sharing. A truly thought provoking, inspirational, and heart wrenching CD. Looking forward to buying and listening to everything else this band has to offer!

Great cd to add to your Heavy Hitters list. Listen close and you might learn something!

i thought it was a good album if i lost it i would buy it again.

With Smash The Control Machine, Otep attacks the government head on. Sure they've made no point in shying away from doing so in the past, but every song on here has some sort of social commentary that deals specifically with the government. I'm not normally a fan of getting politics in my music so Otep got lucky by making a CD that rocks hard, and even when it isn't--example, Ur A WMN Now--I was shocked enough not to care.

Let's be honest, Smash The Control Machine is a step down from the sheer brilliance that was The Ascension. Maybe its because I was just so happy to FINALLY get The Ascension that made it that much sweeter, but in certain areas of STCM things just sound rushed and not fully fleshed out. I mean, The Ascension didn't come out THAT long ago did it?

All things considering, we shall now focus on the music itself..and I'm pleased with that aspect. Otep has always been one of the few metal acts that has an identity all their own. When you hear an Otep song you immediately know it, thanks, in due part, to Otep Shamaya. But Otep isn't great simply because Shamaya is a powerful woman not afraid to state her beliefs whether you like it or not. No. The rest of the band are to thank as well, because without their powerful performances Shamaya wouldn't have a whole lot to work with. At the end of the day, the one given is that with every new Otep release you are sure-fired to get some new, thought provoking lyrics. Which is exactly what STCM is full of.

From the very start when you begin hearing whispering in Rise. Rebel. Resist. that culminates in Shamaya letting out the demonic delivery of "Let's commit a hate crime" you know you're back in Otep's reality. 'What's the best part of the new offering' you ask? The triumphant return of Otep RAPPING! Yes, it got kind of gimmicky on their debut, Sevas Tra, but I always wondered why they dropped it. As awkward as it was at first, it's a welcome return.

A few of the standouts are Rise. Rebel. Resist., Head, Numb & Dumb, Oh, So Surreal, Run For Cover, and Ur A WMN Now. Special mention goes to Ur A WMN Now too. Otep always finds a way to put out at least one completely unexpected song that proves to be incredible, and that song on Smash The Control Machine is Ur A WMN Now. Backed only by a piano we hear some of Otep's most emotional, and beautiful, work to date. Definitely check it out. Oh! And kudos to Otep for getting the wonderful Emilie Autumn to play violin on here as well!

If possible, I would have given it a 4 1/2.

The album starts off strong. My favorite song off the album Rise, Rebel, Resist has unmatched lyrics. Such a great song to listen to when you're angry.

Sweet Tooth: Another one of my favorites. I had to listen to it 2 or 3 times for it grow on me but I love it.

Smash the Control Machine: How can you not love this song? I was hooked from first listen. Many hardcore Otep fans think this song is too soft but I disagree. I love it.

Head: A good song. I don't listen willingly but when it comes on I'll listen and appreciate it.

Numb & Dumb: Easily my second favorite song. Just stuck on me from first listen.

Oh, So Surreal: I love this song. It just sounds cool.

Run for Cover: Not one of my favorites. Not my least favorite, though.

Kisses & Kerosene: I don't really understand this song. I believe when the time is right, I will listen to this song and appreciate it.

Unveiled: Same as Kisses & Kerosene. It doesn't mean much to me right now.

Ur a WMN Now: I LOVE THIS SONG. So emotional. So powerful. One of the highlights of the album.

Serv Asat: Probably my least favorite from the album. It will grow on me.

Where the River Ends: A cool song to listen to. Still toward the bottom of my list.

My favorite songs in order:


12. Unveiled
11. Kisses & Kerosene
10. Serv Asat
9. Where the River Ends
8. Run for Cover
7. Head
6. Oh, So Surreal
5. Smash the Control Machine
4. Sweet Tooth
3. Numb & Dumb
2. Ur a WMN Now
1. Rise, Rebel, Resist


I love Otep and think they really made this album worth the wait.

IMO, Otep is quite possibly the hardest female fronted metal band on earth. The lyrics are confrontive and meaningful, and the music is blistering bass lines with aggro drum beats and industrial (Ministry-style) guitar riffs. I enjoy this album and I think that this band deserves more cred. Good album....BEST FEMALE SINGER IN THE METAL SCENE AS OF 2009!!!!

I'll be honest, when I first listened to OTEP (which happened to be this CD), I had no clue it was a female singer. It wasn't until "Smash the Control Machine" that I figured it out. As embarrassing as that would seem to a hardcore fan, it does show how remarkable OTEP's voice is. She growls with the best of them, while still showing a, slightly, more feminine side. Point being, it's awesome. Some of her die-hard fans may be disappointed that this isn't as heavy as her older, or newer, material. However, this is an awesome, politically charged album in its own right.