Otep instantly raises the bar on today's female-fronted metal band scene. Signed in the wake of some serious Ozzfest buzz (the band landed a coveted spot on the tour with no record deal), the California quartet makes acts such as Kittie or Snake ... Full DescriptionRiver Conspiracy seem tame by comparison. The band's first full-length, SEVAS TRA packs a menacing groovecore punch. Part poet and part Barbie-doll growler, enchanting vocalist Otep Shamaya could easily give Corey Taylor (Slipknot) or Phil Anselmo (Pantera) a run for their money. Shamaya's self-proclaimed poeticism clearly suggests that the scary-sounding band name is a simple anagram. Otep's music is at times, crushing, anthemic, and venemously vengeful. Think Slayer-meets-RATM for "T.R.I.C," one of many brutal tracks, expertly produced by metal veteran Terry Date. "Posession" and "Blood Pigs" capture Pantera-like intensity with mountainous grooves. Recurring lyrical themes address empowerment ("Battle Ready"), politics ("Thots"), and especially the issue of abuses committed in what were once relationships of trust ("Tortured"). "Jonestown Tea" contains a disturbing twist on the Oedipal section of the Doors' "The End.," while "Emptee" makes use of a haunting Nine Inch Nails vibe. The future of heavy music is suddenly much prettier with the release of SEVAS TRA.