Five Finger Death Punch, Shadow's Fall, Otep, 2 Cents @ Starland Ballroom 10/11, pics, setlist

All photos by Adam Leota (Prophecy21.Com)

Five Finger Death Punch & Otep, NJ 10/11



Starland Ballroom ignited last Sunday night on October 11, when Five Finger Death Punch, Shadow's Fall, Otep, and 2 Cents performed together as part of the "Shock and Raw" tour. The line-up might sound familiar to those that saw Five Finger Death Punch the last time they played in Jersey. The reason is because this same line-up minus 2 Cents was in town last April for WSOU's 60th anniversary concert also featuring Unearth and A Life Once Lost.

Fans came back seemingly thrilled for the line-up, especially since everyone excluding 2 Cents had new albums out. Five Finger Death Punch released their sophomore album, War is the Answer and Shadows Fall released Retribution both in September and Otep released Smash the Control Machine back in August. Sure enough, the venue was packed. Even pulling up to the parking lot at 7pm, there was a long line up people waiting to get in. The night was filled was metal, crowd surfing, and most pits, of course, but also chants, and cover songs.

2 Cents hit the stage at 7:20pm, but I only caught two songs, their hit "Wedding Dress" and a cover of Pantera. The band sent out the song to the late Dimebag Daryl. It was interesting seeing the singer also playing drums. They had a great rock n roll driving punk sound.

Otep always put on a tight set. Even when Otep isn't feeling well she still manages to give it her all. At one point it looked like she was using an inhaler. But the crowd seemed ready. The Otep chants began. They started off with "Confrontation" and some oldies off Sevas Tra. They also squeezed in one new song and of course their cover of Nirvana's "Breed."

Shadows Fall played a good set, but for a fan like me that heard them early in their career I was bumped that they only played one older song. They mostly seemed to play from their new and last albums. One new song that got the crowd pumped was "A Public Execution" where the band curses for what seems the first time, screaming "Fuck it all." The lyrics speak to those that are tired of conforming to things, at least just from those lines. Sometimes you can't really care about things, so you let it go. It was great seeing Brian headbanging with his massive dreadlocks

Five Finger Death Punch played a good mix of new and old material which spanned a 90 minute set. Lead singer Ivan Moody seemed to pull into his tough guy attitude. He wore a bullet proof vest and joked about opening for Shadows Fall last time. But overall 5FDP had a tight set and the lyrics are pretty great. The music is driving, catchy,yet heavy. Ivan also said "Thank you for giving me my soul" and also made a shout out to Otep saying "Nobody throws down like that girl except you." Of course he also thanked all the bands for being on the tour and referred to Otep as the "princess of poetry and pain." They closed if off with "The Bleeding."

Each band managed to slip in a cover song into their set. 2 Cents did Pantera, Otep did Nirvana, Shadow's Fall did a snippet of a Pantera riff, and Five Finger Death Punch did Bad Company. It was great to see these bands remembering the roots of the music and dedicating the songs to these aspired musicians. It was a great night!

More pics and setlists below.



Five Finger Death Punch







Shadows Fall








Otep












Otep setlist:
(in order)
1. Confrontation
2. Crooked Spoons
3. Smash the Control Machine
4. Blood Pigs
5. My Confession
6. Breed (Nirvana cover)

Five Finger Death Punch setlist:
1. Burn It Down
(in no particular order)
2. Way of the fist
3. Salvation
4. Devils own,
5. White knuckles,
6. Can't heal you,
7. Death before dishonor,
8. Meet the monster
9. Never enough
10. Dying breed
11. Hard to see
12. Bulletproof
12. Bad company
13. War is the answer

Encore:
The Bleeding

Otep Interview to air this Friday on 89.5 FM WSOU

This Friday (8/28) around 5pm my interview with Otep Shamaya of Los Angeles based metal band OTEP will air on 89.5 FM WSOU. She speaks on the new album Smash the Control Machine, the current headlining tour, upcoming tour with 5 Finger Death Punch and Shadow's Fall, and what motivates her to connect with her fans. You can listen on your FM-dial in the North Jersey/ NYC area or on-line at www.wsou.net

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Recent Related Entries:

* Otep Shamaya In-Store at Vintage Vinyl 8-18-09

* Otep in NYC concert review

* OTEP’s new cd, upcoming shows, and video

Otep Shamaya In-Store at Vintage Vinyl 8-18-09

Otep Shamaya, the poetic prowess herself, of OTEP made an appearance at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey on Wednesday evening for an autograph signing and reading. I was excited to finally get my copy of her poetry book "Caught Screaming" signed. The lined moved fairly quickly despite mostly everyone either getting multiple things signed or taking pictures. Finally, it was my turn and she signed my book with "Art Sevas" and also a booklet and a poster. Upon mentioning I was from WSOU and would be interviewing her next week, she shock my hand and said something along the lines of: that's nice. I don't usually get to meet the people that interview me. I said thank you, took a picture with her, and was on my way.

Following the signing she began with her piece "Hail Caesar" from Caught Screaming, a political little piece. Then she called for people for either the book to read another piece or Q&A. Someone handed her the book and by the request of a fan she read "My Lover." A fan wanted her to lick her teddy, so she did.

That night Otep performed with her band at The Starland Ballroom.

Upcoming in-stores at Vintage Vinyl include The Used on Sept. 3, Lillian Axe on Sept. 9, Brand New on Sept. 23rd, and Anvil Sept. 25 and 27, among other.

Pictures and a video montage from the store can be seen here.

More photos and video below.

OTEP played in NYC, playing NJ tonight

The lights dimmed, but no signs of OTEP. The crowd kept cheering "OTEP. OTEP. OTEP" over the good rap music that was playing. It seemed to go on for a while, I just wanted OTEP to come out already. Finally, one by one the members came on stage. When Otep herself came on stage, everyone of course cheered. The interlude began..."Battle Ready" would kick off the set. It was the perfect song to start with. Although, there weren't many people in the small Gramercy Theatre, the fans seem really excited and why not? It was NYC on a Tuesday night for OTEP's cd release show. The band surely set it off right from the beginning. With each song Otep would put on something new whether it be a hat or a mask. Each song had a different vibe that found me either jumping, 2-stepping, moshing, headbanging, singing, or whatever else.

Other tunes included "My Confession," "Blood Pigs," "Ghostflowers," "Homegrown," and a cover of Nirvana's "Breed." By the end of the night I was drenched in sweat. Saw some great people and was able to network. It was crazy. It was beautiful. It was cathartic. It was fun. This is how a show should always be! They played mostly off of their last release The Ascension and first release Sevas Tra, only playing three new songs and none off of House of Secrets. I wish they would've played longer, but it was a tight set.

Openers Destrophy, Seven Year Existence, and local NY natives, Hung, slayed, as well.

OTEP perform tonight in Jersey! Should be better, because OTEP in Jersey always kicks ass. OTEP will be at Vintage Vintage in Fords at 6pm for an autograph signing and poetry reading from Otep herself. After get to Starland Ballroom to check out local openers Ashes of Your Enemy, Romance at Gunpoint, and AnAka.

Check out Smash the Control Machine, it's very poetic, anthemic, and hard!

As the guy said to his friend in the 7-11, "OTEP is heavy metal thrash-core." Take it for what you will. I'd call OTEP a me(n)tal mutiny of the senses.

Setlist below.



OTEP NYC Setlist 8/18/09

Battle Ready
Crooked Spoons
My Confession
Ghostflowers
Smash the Control Machine
Blood Pigs
Confrontation
Rise. Rebel. Resist
Homegrown
Breed (Nirvana Cover)

Encore:
Serv Asat

OTEP’s new cd, upcoming shows, and video

Los Angeles metal band OTEP will release its new album, Smash the Control Machine on Aug. 18th. To celebrate its release the band will perform a CD release show at New York’s Gramercy Theatre. Also performing is Destrophy and Seven Year Existence. The day after, Aug. 19th Otep Shamaya will be doing a poetry reading and autograph signing at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ. Afterwards, the band plays at The Starland Ballroom with AnAka, Ashes of Your Enemy, and Romance at Gun Point.

The band also has a deluxe edition package for their new release. It includes a limited edition OTEP t-shirt, poster, digipack with bonus Victory Records CD, holographic cover and short DVD, 52-page booklet with lyrics, poems and illustrations from Otep Shamaya, DVD with interviews, poetry readings, and more.The CD features 13 songs including “Rise, Rebel, Resist” and the single “Smash the Control Machine.”

Finally, the band will take part in the “Shock and Raw Tour” this Fall with Five Finger Death Punch and Shadow’s Fall. Sound like a familiar line-up? Well, if you remember it was half of WSOU’s 60th anniversary concert at The Starland Ballroom last April. Yep, they liked it so much they decided to bring the three bands together for a tour.

New Starland Ballroom On-Sales: Otep, 3oh3, Streetlight Manifesto, Social D, Misfits

Otep hits the Starland Ballroom on Aug. 19th for the Smash the Control Machine Tour with Destrophy and Seven Year Existence. Tickets are on-sale for $15.50 at noon. Buy them here.

The following tickets are all on-sale this Friday at noon.

3oh3 comes to Starland on Sept. 11th.

Streetlight Manifesto returns with Outernational and Broadway Calls on Oct. 4th.

Social Distortation, TAT, and The Stranger visit on Oct. 7th.

The Misfits perform its annual Mischief night show with Johnny B. Morbid, Methodical, and End of an Era on Oct. 30th.

Skasgiving II comes featuring The Toasters, Mustard Plug, Voodoo Glow Skulls, and The Pilfers brings you non-stop ska on Nov. 15th.

OTEP signs to Victory Records, New Album "Smash the Control Machine" due August 18th

VICTORY RECORDS signs OTEP to recording, merchandising and publishing deal

"Smash The Control Machine" in stores August 18th, 2009

CHICAGO, IL – VICTORY RECORDS has signed Los Angeles recording artist OTEP. OTEP's all encompassing musical approach coupled with her shaman like artistic qualities and other creative musings have lead to over half a million albums sold over the course of three studio albums. Singer, songwriter, renegade Otep Shamaya describes the band's music as "...a total and complete mutiny on the senses. We are a fusion band by nature, inspired by many styles and tones from a variety of musical genres- rock, punk, metal, hip-hop, spoken word, jazz and classic rock. We never allow the antiquated limits of a genre confine or restrict us. Our music is universal and does not belong nor can it be contained in a nice, neat, little box."

The first release under the new alliance is OTEP's highly anticipated fourth full-length studio album "Smash the Control Machine". The new studio album will be released August 18, 2009. Ms. Shamaya says of the album, "The economic crisis is hitting every working family in this country. The album and its title track, "Smash The Control Machine", will lay bare the greed and corruption that fostered this calamity, but will also focus on the undying spirit of the working class that always fights the good fight. The title is a line from a William S. Burrough's poem. It is my intention to create an album that serves every head of the hydra that is OTEP. From poetry, to politics, to shock and awe, to sex and righteousness, to standing up and fighting back. Like the mystical symbol of the Ouroboros (the sacred serpent swallowing its tail) all things will be brought back to circle."

OTEP was originally signed after only four shows, without a demo, strictly on the power of the band's live performance. Sharon Osbourne offered the unsigned act a spot on the 2001 Ozzfest Tour leading to three appearances on the festival.

The band's leader, Otep Shamaya, is well respected for her lyrical content and dramatic live performances. She has also published two books of poetry, spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2008, is a gifted painter and Revolver Magazine compared OTEP to Woodie Guthrie and Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine) for her fusing of political activism and music. Some of the primary groups that she supports are RAINN, Carbon Rally, PETA and WSPA. She is also an accomplished television personality having appeared on HBO's "Def Poetry" (twice), Bravo's "Date My Ex" and TLC's "L.A. Ink".

Otep had this to say about signing with VICTORY, "When I received the news of a possible OTEP/VICTORY alliance I could swear I felt the sky tremble. This triumvirate (of myself, my manager Jack Ponti and Victory Records) is going to be a terrifying coalition for some and a righteous confederation for others. For me, this is exactly the kind of circumstance I have been waiting for. I believe my creative, intellectual and political instincts and inclinations will flourish alongside the fertile minds of Jack Ponti, Tony Brummel and the amazing staff at Victory."

Victory Records Founder Tony Brummel said, "Signing an artist of OTEP's caliber, intelligence, work ethic and artistic diversity sensibly expands our diverse and formidable roster. I am personally enamored by her work and believe that she has yet to realize a fraction of her potential. More importantly, her art and music have crucial meaning in a time when people need change, hope and something to believe in. We have the tools, she has the material and together we will build a culturally formidable fortress."

Manager Jack Ponti had this to add, "It both thrills and honors me to be working with OTEP and Victory Records. In my thirty years in this business, it's always been about the proper "marriage". I cannot convey how excited I am about the possibilities of these daunting forces joining together in what promises to be a thunderous union."

In addition to lending her support to numerous groups and causes (some being the genocide in Darfur, Women's and artists' rights, Marriage Equality, the war in the Congo and support of President Obama), Ms. Shamaya, an accomplished, captivating and astute technophile, has started the social networks "All Shapes and Sizes", along with "Girls Out Now". On December 21, 2008 she created a popular and highly trafficked blog entitled, "I'm Not A Monster". The site was an instant success and a reliable source for current events and her latest musings. Her loyal and passionate fan base are active followers of her frequent Facebook and Twitter postings. Coupled with Victory's proprietary marketing and promotional platforms (VicTorV, VictorStream, VictoryMetal and VictorME) a truly interactive and real-time artist/fan/label fusion has been realized for selling music in 2009.

In closing Otep wanted to add the following quote from Sylvia Plath:

"I don't believe that the meek will inherit the earth: the meek get ignored and trampled. They decompose in the bloody soil of war, of business, of art, and they rot into the warm ground under the spring rains. It is the bold, the loud-mouthed, the cruel, the vital, the revolutionaries, the might in arms and will, who march over the soft patient flesh that lies beneath their cleated boots."

www.otep.com

ABOUT VICTORY RECORDS
Victory Records, Inc. is the top independent rock label in the United States and one of the world's leading, privately held, independent record companies.

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Unite and Conquer Tour 2008 @ The Starland Ballroom 11/2

photos by Stephanie Rademacher



















The tour visited The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ for a night of madness, fun, and some political ranting. Four local bands opened the show—Chronic D, Lamps Burning, Red 13, and Castronate. Unfortunately, I missed them, but check em out! The rest of the bill was rounded out by Sister Sin from Sweden, Walls of Jericho from Detroit, OTEP from Los Angeles, and Ill Nino from “dirty Jerz.” I had an awesome time and this show was great.

The tour comes to NYC's Blender Theatre @ Gramercy on Nov. 4!

Sister Sin was a female fronted hard rock band with ‘80s metal influences. The band even played a Motorhead cover. Having heard their songs I was able to get into the music, but the crowd either seemed unimpressed or was too unfamiliar with the band to give a reaction just yet. The band’s single “On Parole” was a good one. They clearly have a defined sound—all the songs are in the same vein. By the end of the set I think they won a bunch of people over.

Walls of Jericho owned. I hadn’t seen them since they played with Kittie at B.B. Kings Blues Club a few years ago. They played a number of songs off the new album like the title track “The American Dream,” and “The Prey,” as well as “All Hail the Dead,” “A Trigger Full of Promises,” “I Know Hollywood and You Ain’t It” and I think “Playing Soldier Again.” Candace was brutal and commanded the mic amazingly as always. She kept inciting the crowd to surf, saying they should make the security guards do there work.

After Walls of Jericho I went to the merch table to try to meet the band. While I waited, I noticed that Sister Sin was at their merch table, so I went over to say hi. I spoke with the lead singer and told her: great job and that I worked at a radio station and have played the band before and she hands me the band’s sampler cd. All of a sudden this woman with Rock Eyez asks me if I’d like a picture with the band. The band autographed the cd and I got in a photo with the band. It was pretty neat.

Candace finally came by the table and I told her how much I enjoyed the performance and again that I work at a radio station and have been playing the new album. She was appreciative and she said thanks and we shook hands. It was cool.

I was excited to see OTEP because they would be getting an hour set, as opposed to a 35 minute set when they opened WSOU’s 60th anniversary show back in April. The band kicked it off with “Battle Ready,” the perfect opening song. I started moving around like crazy, went into the mosh pit and even crowd surfed. I remember being up in the air and seeing Otep and she smiled at me. Next, was the heavy “Blood Pigs.” I was actually singing along, something I usually don’t do because I don’t like how my voice sounds—but not mouth lyrics this time. After was “My Confession,” the poetry that proceeded was a great intro into the song- Evil Jay’s bass started and I knew things were going to get nuts. “You’ve got to push, push…you’re way out,” Otep sings. It was impressive to hear them play three songs off “Sevas Tra” and then follow with nothing but new songs. Though, I’m not sure what the closing song. When the band started introducing the second to last song and I heard “Kurt Cobain” I immediately went back to the middle of the crowd. “Nirvana means freedom from pain, suffering and the external world.” That riff would start—I would jump up and move around, probably the most during this song than any during the set. I crowd surfed again. It was fun.

It’s funny, every time I remember seeing OTEP live, Otep has always said that she thinks this is the best show of the tour—I think artists say that every show, ha. This probably was my favorite OTEP show of my 4 or 5!

Ill Nino played a tight set with their heavy Latin percussion beats and hardrock sounds. They got on stage at 10:17pm. Christian got political at one point talking about war, government, and the election. He said fuck school, fuck work, fuck politics, and fuck war. During the set I was in the back, just rockin' out and still recovering. I didn't want to ware myself out. But I did go into the crowd during "I am Loco"--on of my favorite Ill Nino songs. I heard most of the bands set before I decided to call it a night.

OTEP- Setlist:
8:50-9:50pm (in order)

“Battle Ready”
“Blood Pigs”
“My Confession”
“Confrontation”
“Ghostflowers”
“Crooked Spoons”
“Breed” (Nirvana cover)
?? Song off the Ascension. It might be Milk of Regret

Walls of Jericho- Setlist:
(not in order and there were more songs)

“The American Dream”
“The Prey”
“All Hail the Dead”
“A Trigger Full of Promises”
“I Know Hollywood and You Ain’t It”
“Playing Soldier Again”

Ill Nino- Setlist:
10:17pm-? (in order, but missing a bunch of songs)

“This is War”
“If You Still Hate Me”
“Finger Painting with the Enemy”
“My Resurrection”
“I am Loco”
“Corizon”
“How Can I Live?”

Ill Nino/Otep Co-Headlining Fall Tour Dates

A wicked dose of hardrock is in tour as Latin rockers Ill Nino and female fronted acts Otep and Walls of Jericho hit the road together this fall for the Unite and Conquer tour. Ill Nino is touring in support of its latest release "Enigma," Otep in support of "The Ascension," and Walls of Jericho in support of "The American Dream."The tour hits up Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ on Nov.2 and Blender at Gramercy Theater in NYC on Nov. 4. Tickets for NJ here. Tickets for NY here.

Dates under "read more"


Ill Nino/Otep Headlining Tour 2008:
Oct 27 Bourbon Street Night Club New Port Richey, Florida
Oct 28 The Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 30 Ground Zero Spartanburg, South Carolina
Oct 31 Hooligans Jacksonville, North Carolina
Nov 01 Jester’s Fayetteville, North Carolina
Nov 02 Starland Ballroom Sayreville, New Jersey
Nov 04 Blender at Gramercy Theater New York, New York
Nov 05 Crocodile Rock Allentown, Pennsylvania
Nov 06 Webster Theatre Hartford, Connecticut
Nov 07 Sonar Baltimore, Maryland
Nov 08 Al Rosa Villa Columbus, Ohio
Nov 09 Hayloft Liquor Stand Mt.Clemens, Michigan
Nov 11 Peabody’s Cleveland, Ohio
Nov 12 The Pearl RoomMokena, Illinois
Nov 14 Piere’s Ft Wayne, Indiana
Nov 15 The Intersection Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nov 16 Pop’s Sauget, Illinois
Nov 17 The Village Little Rock, Arkansas
Nov 18 Scout Bar Beaumont, Texas
Nov 20 Scout Bar San Antonio, Texas
Nov 21 Scout Bar Houston, Texas
Nov 22 Ridglea Theatre Fort Worth, Texas
Nov 23 Tequilla Jungle Lubbock, Texas
Nov 25 Gator’s Bar and Grill Farmington, New Mexico
Nov 26 Black Sheep Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nov 28 Jillians Las Vegas, Nevada
Nov 30 Key Club West Hollywood, California