With polyrhythmic guitar stylings, raw vocals, progressive song structures,… Read Full Bio ↴With polyrhythmic guitar stylings, raw vocals, progressive song structures, and a unique sound, Botch were a driving force in the metalcore scene from 1993 until their break-up in 2002, particularly influential to the creation and rise of the mathcore subgenre.

In May 1998, the four-piece from Tacoma, USA released their first album, American Nervoso.

On November 30, 1999, Hydra Head released Botch's We Are The Romans. Since its initial release, bands have been influenced by its style, creating, to many, what is now called mathcore.

Recently, Hydra Head Records has released Unifying Themes Redux, an anthology of EPs and compilation tracks as well as a few unreleased tracks and a live set that was originally released by Excursion Records. In addition to this, on December 5 Hydra Head released 061502, a CD/DVD of Botch's final show.

American Nervoso was remastered and re-released in July 2007. The new version included four demo tracks and an extended version of Spitting Black. In September 2007 Hydra Head released a deluxe edition of We Are the Romans featuring two discs; the first being the actual album, and the second filled with seven demos from the album and four live tracks.

Since their break-up in 2002, members have gone on to take part in bands such as Minus The Bear, These Arms Are Snakes, Roy, and Russian Circles. After a long hiatus, singer Dave Verellen has recently returned to the scene with Narrows.

In 2022, Botch returned with a new single called “One Twenty Two” and a reissue of We Are the Romans. Bassist Brian Cook originally stated that the band was not reuniting and this was just a one off single that was originally written for David Knudson’s solo album. However, the group announced shows at The Showbox in Seattle and The Spanish Ballroom in Tacoma, WA. Their first shows in 20+ years.

Botch Is;
Dave Verellen (vocals)
Brian Cook (bass)
Dave Knudson (guitar)
Tim Latona (drums)

Oma
Botch Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Were you expecting a prayer from me
Take this thing off my face
But don't let them know I said that
Oh nevermind
Without my mask you wouldn't recognize me
We wanted to see you so bad
Even when you thought I didn't
I always always always did

What was I to do with
Thoughts of losing you
It's hard to talk to you
Hazyhead clouded with marinol
This one's king size
Oma, we'll be waiting
What's the message sent
Who's it represent

It's all on you
Oma

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Botch's song "Oma" is a contemplation on courage and fear from an unknown narrator. The song starts with the singer expressing their reluctance to say a prayer, indicating that they are struggling with their faith or are stressed about praying in front of someone. The line "Take this thing off my face" implies they want to remove a mask or a facade that they are putting on. They further request the other person not to expose their hesitation or their resistance to pray.

The lyrics further reveal that the singer is scared of losing someone, and that fear is weighing heavily on their minds. They confess to the other person that they've always wanted to see them, even when the other person didn't think so. This line may suggest that the other person may have thought of the singer as apathetic or indifferent towards them. The singer confesses that it's hard to talk to them, and their mind is muddled with medicine, as they mention "Hazyhead clouded with marinol."

The song ends with the singer addressing another person, Oma. The singer says, "Oma, we'll be waiting," which suggests that they will be waiting for Oma's response or for Oma to come to their aid. The lyrics of the song leave many questions unanswered, but it's clear that the singer is struggling with fear, nostalgia, and possibly their religious beliefs.

Line by Line Meaning

Were you expecting a prayer from me
Were you anticipating a sacred utterance from me

Take this thing off my face
Remove this contraption from my countenance

But don't let them know I said that
However, please keep my request confidential

Oh nevermind
Oh, disregard my previous statement

Without my mask you wouldn't recognize me
Sans my concealment, my identity would evade your recognition

We wanted to see you so bad
Our yearning to encounter you was intense

Even when you thought I didn't
Even though you believed otherwise

I always always always did
I perpetually harbored such a desire

What was I to do with
How was I supposed to handle

Thoughts of losing you
The contemplation of losing you

It's hard to talk to you
Communicating with you is demanding