Otep Shamaya Announces Return to Music in New Genre After 2024 Retirement

Otep Shamaya, the former frontwoman of the Los Angeles‑based nu‑metal band Otep, confirmed on August 9 2026 that she is working on new music that will not be in the genre that defined her career. The announcement comes after the singer publicly retired from music in November 2024 and sold a large portion of her equipment.

In a social media post shared on August 9, Shamaya wrote: “hi. many are asking if I’m making new music. YES. I am. Not in the old genre. But same message, mood, atmosphere. I’m proud of all my albums & everything I contributed to that space. But it’s changed, I’ve changed and new creative terrain was necessary for my creative engine & my sanity. The new music explores my recent battles with mental & emotional health, growing up Queer, fighting for equity & equality & the ghouls who want to destroy us, being a fighter, a survivor & living authentically.” The post also noted that she has one demo near completion and that she is considering a release.

Shamaya’s statement follows the release of a single titled “I’m Still Here” on the same day, which marks her first new track since the 2023 album The God Slayer. The single was uploaded to SoundCloud and received coverage from outlets such as Revenant Media and Loaded Radio. While the track retains the aggressive vocal style that fans associate with Otep, it is described as a departure from the nu‑metal sound that dominated the band’s catalog.

Otep formed in 2000 and released nine studio albums, with the most recent, The God Slayer, issued by Cleopatra Records on September 15, 2023. The band’s earlier work—Sevas Tra (2002) and House of Secrets (2004)—was released through Capitol Records, and subsequent albums were issued by Victory, Koch, Napalm, and Cleopatra. Shamaya remained the sole constant member throughout the band’s lineup changes.

The retirement announcement in 2024 was accompanied by a statement that she was selling off her music gear, including autographed guitars, a drum set, stage lighting, and smoke machines. The move was reported by MetalAddicts and ThePRP, which noted that the singer had been “selling off a large portion of her music equipment.”

Industry observers note that Shamaya’s shift mirrors a broader trend of metal vocalists exploring new sonic territories after long careers in a single subgenre. Her focus on mental health, queer identity, and social activism aligns with her history of politically charged lyrics, which have addressed abuse, inequality, and personal struggle.

Shamaya’s current project is described as “different” but “the same message, mood, atmosphere.” She emphasized that her words remain the priority and that she is “centered on the message, the lyrics, the meaning.” The single “I’m Still Here” was released with a minimal promotional push, and no official release date for a full album has been announced.

The artist has expressed uncertainty about the next steps: “Some will hate it, they want the girl who goes grrrr, others will love it, but I have to stay true to my self. My words have always mattered most to me & that’s my focus now. Centering the message, the lyrics, the meaning ? I have one demo near completion. I was thinking of releasing it but I dunno, needs some minor changes to the mix, etc. But my ppl are telling to wait. It’s hard bcz I’m just really excited. No clue where my passions will take me except I know it will be armored with joy Love & respect to all xx #otep xx.”

As of now, Shamaya is preparing to release additional material, but she has not set a public release schedule. Fans and industry analysts will be watching for further announcements regarding the genre, distribution, and potential touring plans.