Biography
Vocalist Lexa "Ophelia" Vonn characterizes Ophelia Rising with the declaration, "Our sound is the Go-Go's meets Marilyn Manson and our imagery is Kenneth Anger meets Russ Meyer." The group embodies that declaration through a fusion of punk intensity, metal riffs, and dark, erotic, gothic overtones.
Ophelia Rising originated in Boston, MA, where founding member Lexa, still a high school student named Yvonne Nicoletti, faced arrest in 1994 during an anti-censorship demonstration in support of White Zombie's artwork. Rob Zombie responded to Lexa's situation by stating, "I thought they stopped burning witches in Massachusetts a long time ago. This is another classic case of an outdated school system trying to break the spirit of an intelligent, free thinking student." Following the American Civil Liberties Union's successful legal defense that resulted in the case's dismissal, Lexa relocated to Los Angeles to launch a rock & roll career.
While in Los Angeles, Lexa performed as a go-go dancer for the Mentors, issued her self-published volume Girl's Guide to Hitchhiking, and served as personal assistant to KRS-One. In 2000 she surfaced as Ophelia Rising alongside Abominable Id on the Dwell Records Marilyn Manson tribute Anthems of Rust and Decay.
During 2001 Lexa assembled rhythm guitarist Echo Depression, bassist Isis Kano, guitarist Satania heraManic, and drummer Cat. The band then entered the studio under the guidance of legendary punk producer Geza X (Dead Kennedys, Black Flag) to cut its debut EP, Step 1: Acknowledge You Are Part of the System, a sexy, angst-ridden release reminiscent of early Hole that features a sinister cover of Lesley Gore's '60s pop classic "You Don't Own Me."
Ophelia Rising originated in Boston, MA, where founding member Lexa, still a high school student named Yvonne Nicoletti, faced arrest in 1994 during an anti-censorship demonstration in support of White Zombie's artwork. Rob Zombie responded to Lexa's situation by stating, "I thought they stopped burning witches in Massachusetts a long time ago. This is another classic case of an outdated school system trying to break the spirit of an intelligent, free thinking student." Following the American Civil Liberties Union's successful legal defense that resulted in the case's dismissal, Lexa relocated to Los Angeles to launch a rock & roll career.
While in Los Angeles, Lexa performed as a go-go dancer for the Mentors, issued her self-published volume Girl's Guide to Hitchhiking, and served as personal assistant to KRS-One. In 2000 she surfaced as Ophelia Rising alongside Abominable Id on the Dwell Records Marilyn Manson tribute Anthems of Rust and Decay.
During 2001 Lexa assembled rhythm guitarist Echo Depression, bassist Isis Kano, guitarist Satania heraManic, and drummer Cat. The band then entered the studio under the guidance of legendary punk producer Geza X (Dead Kennedys, Black Flag) to cut its debut EP, Step 1: Acknowledge You Are Part of the System, a sexy, angst-ridden release reminiscent of early Hole that features a sinister cover of Lesley Gore's '60s pop classic "You Don't Own Me."
Albums
