Proudly carrying the torch that artists like Zack de la Rocha, Woody Guthrie, Chuck D, System of a Down, and Kendrick Lamar lit up with their politically charged lyrics, the talented singer, rapper, poet, illustrator, author, and activist OTEP SHAMAYA has proven to be one of the prolific, loudest and most sincere voices in protest music! On KULT 45, the powerhouse eighth studio album, OTEP expertly fuses aggressive and pervasive metal molotovs, imbued with eruptive rapcore, that captivate the mind and body, not only with lyrically-embraced social enlightenment, but with poignant messages regarding the current political and cultural conditions in America. On hymns such as 'Halt Right' and 'Molotov', OTEP thrashes out with brute force and skillful pun, clearly calling out against the return of odiferous hate groups. With the more emotionally charged 'Shelter In Place’ OTEP speaks out against school shootings and gun violence while also commending the strength and courage of survivors and the passion and devotion of the Parkland high school students who organized and set forth the MARCH FOR OUR LIVES movement. Later the album segues to a beautiful ballad called BRAVE that seductively beckons listeners to abandon their comfort zones and go after their dreams. "Things needed to be said and songs needed to be written without fear so to bravely reflect the times." Shamaya explains that KULT 45 is the most authentic album OTEP has ever released. The album closes out with a cover of the classic song "Wake Up" - a tribute to the legends, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.
