I've long been of the opinion that nu-metal veterans Otep are one of the most overrated acts in the genre, and with the release of their new live album Sounds Like Armageddon, I can't say that I've changed my mind much. Led by the over the top vocal stylings of Otep Shamaya, the band launch into plenty of fan favorites here on this loud, raucous live album that should please loyal fans but leave those sceptics like myself scratching their heads. There's no denying the band bring a lot of energy, as tracks like "Filthee", "Crooked Spoons", "Blood Pigs" and "Fists Fall" all can certainly get your blood pumping with their brand of punky, extreme alternative metal. Ms. Shamaya is all over the place here with noisy screams, nasally clean vocals, melodic crooning, and death metal growls & grunts; you either love her or loathe her, but give her credit for pouring her heart and soul out to the audience, that much is evident.
As far as enticing metal is concerned, Otep just seems to always fall off the mark. There's nothing here in the least bit relevant anymore, as most bands who came out a decade or more ago doing the whole 'nu-metal' thing have long since adopted their style to change with the times, but these guys are still holding out strong. For some, Sounds Like Armageddon will be a raw, in your face, furious live album, but for others, a tired reminder of where metal was it in 2001 that we'd all like to forget.
Track Listing
1. Battle Ready 5:25
2. Fillthee 3:49
3. Crooked Spoons 4:52
4. Blood Pigs 7:16
5. Confrontation 5:16
6. My Confession 7:34
7. Rise, Rebel, Resist 3:50
8. T.R.I.C. 4:09
9. Ghostflowers 6:13
10. Fists Fall 4:37
11. Breed (Nirvana Cover) 4:25
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