With a mix of new material and covers, the ninth studio album, The God Slayer, from Otep does not disappoint.
The first single from the album was a brilliant cover of Billie Eilish’s song “You Should See Me in a Crown” and if I’m honest, I prefer Otep’s version compared to the original. They were able to bring out the darker edges of the song that weren’t shown in the original.
Other covers include, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U”, Eminem‘s “The Way I Am”, Nirvana’s “Territorial Pissings”, Lil Peep’s “Star Shopping”, and Slipknot’s “Purity”.
To be honest again, I wouldn’t know either song by Olivia Rodrigo or Lil Peep if I heard the originals, and upon listening to them, I definitely prefer Otep’s versions, but I like my music on the heavier and angrier side. What makes both covers stand out is like the cover of “You Should See Me in a Crown” the heavier and darker edges of pop are illuminated.
But for me, it’s the original Otep songs that stand out on the album.
“Ostracized” has a wonderful drum and bass and vocalist Otep Shamaya compliments both with her growls and snarls while “Exit Wound” takes me back to 90’s rap.
But for me, “Pet” is the shining star of the album. This cover of A Perfect Circle reminds me why I like Otep.
Shamaya’s voice is precise, sharp, angry while simultaneously delicate. It showcases the balance between growls and singing that she does so well. The bass slithers between groans and grumbles that play wonderfully with vocals while the guitars and drums wrap everything in a heavy and crushing package that just destroys the senses.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Pet”, “Ostracized”, “You Should See Me in a Crown”, “Purity”, “The Way I Am”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “Pet”, “Ostracized”, “You Should See Me in a Crown”, “Purity”
Editor’s Note – Thanks to Peter for correcting us in that “Pet” was a cover of A Perfect Circle which we should have indicated as such. This article was corrected on 24-September to reflect that.
