Otep got their start in 2000, when singer/band namesake Otep brought her Marilyn Manson-meets-Kim Gordon style of singing to a crew of musicians known only as Rob, Moke, and eViL j. The foursome began gigging around Los Angeles, scoring a deal with Capitol and releasing the Jihad EP the following year. Rumors of cannibalism and dabbling in the mystical arts helped add to their mysterious image, and they found themselves being complimented by the likes of Marilyn Manson himself for their antics. They stepped back into the studio with Terry Date at the tail end of 2001 to record their full-length debut, Sevas Tra, which saw the light of day in the summer of 2002. That summer they also joined the Ozzfest tour, gaining a prime spot on the second stage. In 2004 the group released their sophomore effort House of Secrets. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide