[4] The album was partly recorded in New Orleans, Louisiana, where producer Dave Fortman was living.

[5] The band began recording the album in late July 2006, and it was completed by the end of the year.

[6] Several songs were written with Mudvayne guitarist Greg Tribbett, who Fortman had worked with in the past.

[7] Otep explained the song to KNAC.com: "It was about writing a protest anthem to stand up, speak out and strike back.

I just wanted to do something to inspire and to, in a way, connect our energies.”[9] The Ascension received mixed reviews from critics.All lyrics are written by Otep Shamaya; all music is composed by Shamaya, Karma Singh Cheema, "Evil" J. McGuire, and Brian Wolf, except where noted