Created in August 2000, ritualistic Nu-Metal band OTEP (an anagram of 'Poet') scored a major deal with the Capitol label underscored by a valuable placing on the 2001 Ozzfest tour. OTEP, led founders by vocalist Otep Shamaya and bassist Jason McGuire ('Evil J'), delivered their inaugural messages courtesy of the 'Jihad' EP couched in allegory and esoterica. An English release of 'Jihad', no doubt influenced by the Afghanistan conflict, was re-titled simply 'Otep'. A flux in the band's initial line-up saw guitarists Tarver Marsh and 'Spookie' (Dave Aguilera) replaced by 'Robu' (Rob Patterson).

Drummer 'Moke' is in fact Mark Bistany, a veteran of acts such as 80's Heavy Metal band TYRUS, BONE ANGEL, IMPELLITERRI and CELLOPHANE. In the Spring of 2002 erstwhile OTEP guitarists Dave Aguilera and Tarver Marsh announced a new band project billed as AWKWARD in league with vocalist James Reeves, former GODHEAD drummer James O'Connor and METHODS OF MAYHEM bass player Marty O'Brein. The full length 'Sevas Tra' would be delivered in July 2002.

OTEP utilised the temporary services of BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION drummer Scot Coogan for touring in March 2003. For recording of a new album the band pulled in SLIPKNOT's Joey Jordison to guest on two tracks. Patterson exited and the band shifted shape once more in February 2004 with the incorporation of new guitarist Lee Rios, formerly of SPEAK NO EVIL. Meantime, erstwhile OTEP guitarist Tarver Marsh united with former REASONS TO LIVE members Mark and Donavan in a new band entitled GOOD LUCK TRAVESTY.

OTEP, working with stand in drummer Doug Pellerin, would find themselves a last minute addition to the second stage of the Summer 2004 'Ozzfest' dates, alongside a billing of headliners SLIPKNOT and HATEBREED and fellow supporting cast LAMB OF GOD, ATREYU, BLEEDING THROUGH, LACUNA COIL, EVERY TIME I DIE, UNEARTH and GOD FORBID. A new album, 'House Of Secrets', arrived in July. Meantime, former drummer Moke would join (HED) P.E. The band was back on the road in September, allied with KITTIE and CRISIS.

Road work continued into 2005, the group, having acquired former MTF guitarist Scotty CH, uniting with AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE, BLOODSIMPLE and CANDIRIA for the 'Alliance of Defiance' tour commencing in late February. The band, installing second guitarist Melissa DeGott, also put in supports to SLIPKNOT in April. Gigs in May and June, dubbed the 'Mouth Of Madness' tour, witnessed an alliance with GIZMACHI, DEVILINSIDE and Australian Alt-Metallers DAYSEND.

Erstwhile OTEP guitarist Lane Maverick announced the formation of a new outfit billed ALLELE in union with ex-COLD man Kelly Hayes. Another ex-OTEP member, guitarist Rob Patterson, joined the ranks of KORN, as "backstage" guitarist, in July. In January 2006 OTEP announced the addition of former AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE guitarist Karma Singh Cheema and ex-SYNAPSE drummer Brian Wollf to the group's ranks.

New album tracks, dubbed 'The_Ascencion', were recorded in June in New Orleans working with Grammy award winning producer Dave Fortman. The record was slated for a March 2007 release but a merger between Capitol and Virgin Records prompted rumours the band had been dropped. Otep Shamaya responded by announcing "the album will be released as soon as corporately possible." Shortly afterward, OTEP parted ways with guitarist Karma Cheema. He would be replaced by Aaron Nordstrom.

'The_Ascension' sold 10,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release in November 2007 to debut at no. 81 on The Billboard 200 chart.

ILL NIÑO, OTEP and WALLS OF JERICHO toured together across the USA commencing 27th October 2008 kicking off at Bourbon St. in New Port Richie, Florida.

'Smash The Control Machine' was released on 18th August 2009 via Victory Records. A deluxe CD/DVD version came housed in a digipack holographic cover with a 52 page lyric booklet and with bonus material including interviews and poetry readings.

Garry Sharpe-Young