Otep "House of Secrets" (Capitol Records) 3 Stars Sounds Like: Slipknot meets Marilyn Manson circa 2000 and 1998, respectively.
In an unholy orgy of Pantera, Marilyn Manson and Slipknot, Otep would be the child of 1,000 madmen. The Freddy Kreuger of metal, Otep wields its wit and ability to terrorize listeners' aural cavities to leverage its political message. Beyond the brash and guttural screams of front-woman Otep and her backing band's metal mayhem, "House of Secrets," the So-Cal foursome's second full-length album, is more than a record - it's a testament to the times. With elections on the horizon and boundless violence going on abroad, Otep has spearheaded the metal scene's eulogy for the current administration.
If William Congreve's observation that "hell hath not fury like a woman scorned" ever vexed you, "House of Secrets" will remedy your confusion. From the single "Warhead," on which Otep screams hysterically, "break free!" until the song comes to a close, to songs like "Buried Alive," "Hooks and Splinters" and the bone-crushingly heavy "Self Made," "House of Secrets" is a huge step forward for Otep, both sonically and artistically.
The 12 tracks, which work their way through spoken word rants, mysterious chants, blast beats and brushes, come across as more of a concept than your average record. This growth is important, especially in a genre where sticking to the clear-cut path has created only stagnation. "House of Secrets" might be the most promising and creative heavy metal record of 2004; hopefully its innovation does not scare the flock.
-ALEX KARGHER
Paris Texas "Like You Like an Arsonist" (New Line Records) 3 Stars Sounds Like: A less angry Refused combined with the urgency of Taking Back Sunday and the introspectiveness of Brand New.
Listening to "Like You Like An Arsonist," the sophomore release from Wisconsin's Paris Texas, makes you see that rock didn't need saving, just a jump start. The band's sound falls somewhere between the Refused, Hot Rod Circuit and the Foo Fighters, and is constantly energetic with lyrics that seem urgent to cause change. The band often has that dreamy '80s style, which only adds to their appeal. The band sings about the need for heroes on "Hip Replacement," the pitfalls of quick solutions for bigger problems on "Better Off," death of a friend's family member in "Your Death" and the power of the individual on "Bombs Away." Paris Texas has an original sound and voice that is fresh in a genre mostly centered on love, relationships and heartbreak.
-JORGE DEL PINAL
Ministry "House of the Mole" (Sanctuary) 3.5 Stars Sounds Like: The sequel to "Psalm 69"
Industrial pioneers Ministry have once again proved themselves to live by their promise of "harder and faster." With their latest release "House of the Mole," harder and faster is the best way to describe it. Fueled by anti-Bush lyrics and liberal themes, tracks such as "No W," "Waiting" and "WTV" dig deep in the alleged dirty politics of the current presidential administration and social state of the country.
Musically, this album is a perfect concoction of metal, punk and the signature dash of industrial that Ministry is known for. Clearly this album is the best compilation that this band has put out in almost a decade. One might go as far as to call "House of the Mole" a sequel to the 1992 multi-platinum release, "Psalm 69." Hopefully this album will receive the same status - it certainly deserves it.
-JASON GEISINGER
