OTEP frontwoman Otep Shamaya has issued another statement in response to the persistent rumors that the band has been dropped by Capitol Records as a result of the recently announced merger of Capitol and Virgin Records into the Capitol Music Group.

OTEP's third full-length album, "The_ Ascension", was previously scheduled for release on March 20. The CD was recorded in New Orleans over the course of several months with Grammy-winning producer Dave Fortman (EVANESCENCE, MUDVAYNE).

Commented Shamaya: "It is true Capitol is going through a very intense reorganization at this time. To the question: Are we dropped? No official word has come down to us. Would it matter? Not really. The matrix of this band is titanium strong. With myself, eViL j, our management, lawyers, pencil pushers, finger pointers, and other assorted suits, sages, soldiers, PLUS our fans and supporters — this collective is ready to walk through Vesuvius without breaking a sweat.

"The only thing that truly 'sucks' about this reorganization is the delay of the album which is inevitable. Could be a week, could be a month — but it's going to be delayed. I know, I know but think how we feel. I started writing songs for this album on a plane while flying to our first show on Ozzfest 2004 — so imagine how frustrating this for us. Over two years of my life poured into an album that sits in a frozen stasis waiting for paperwork and emails and Excel and PDF files to be reviewed and stamped in boardrooms somewhere high above the smog and kinetic violence that spirits the frenzied climaxes that nourish me. What a world.

"The STATIC-X tour is going to be INSANE. You think our shows have been insane in the past?? Ha. Nothing can prepare you for what we are about to unleash.

"We can't wait to enter the ritual with all of you again. We are thankful for such insane, passionate supporters."

Unrelenting yet vibrant and utterly musical, "The_ Ascension" features the aggressive rhythms and defiant vocal performances — on such tracks as "March of the Martyrs" and "Crooked Spoons" — that fans have flocked to throughout the band's more than five-year history. The album also reflects the band's ever-present drive to challenge genre conventions, as with the stirring, delicate sounds of "Perfectly Flawed" — a melodic gem that places Otep's compelling vocals at center stage. The multifaceted album is further highlighted by the explosive dynamics and looming drama found on songs including "Milk of Regret" and the band's inspired rendition of NIRVANA's "Breed".

"We recorded 'Breed' to celebrate an inspiration that means so much to me," says Otep of NIRVANA and Kurt Cobain in particular. "His death left a huge vacancy in this world and I wanted offer a tribute to a band that had done so much for music. Our version still sounds like an OTEP song but honors the original, which is exactly what we wanted."

In addition to writing with longtime comrade and original bass player, eViL j, the band recruited guitarist Karma Cheema and drummer Brian Wolff. The multitalented Otep teamed with Grammy-nominated MUDVAYNE guitarist Greg Tribbett in composing "Invisible", "Crooked Spoons", and the powerful protest anthem, "Confrontation". She also collaborated with Grammy-winning songwriter Holly Knight to create the hauntingly beautiful "Perfectly Flawed".