There is not much information on this band on the internet, so I have decided to post a page up about them, and what little I know.

The band Omen was formed in the early eighties by guitarist Kenny Powell, and they released four full length albums, an EP and a greatest hits cd on Metal Blade records during the years 1984-1989, and broke up.  The band recently reformed and and released another cd, Reopening the Gates, which is a fitting title, with their reformation in mind.  I have heard their later releases were more commerical sounded and suited to radio play better than their earlier works. 

Not knowing much else about the band, I can only continue this section riding on my personal opinion about the band and their music, and having only heard their first cd, I can't say much about the band other than what I thought about 1984's Battle Cry. 

I first heard this band, not too long ago.  In a fit of boredom one night I decided to pop by a Real Audio website and listen to some of the bands on there, I just happened to be intrigued by the title Die By the Blade, which reminded me of some of Manowar's tunes.  After one listen to the scratchy sounding, poor quality real audio file, I was completely HOOKED.   The name Omen was branded into my musical loving mind and the song, so addictive and everything I love wrapped into one headbanging, riff infested tune, I truly was enchanted.  Love at first  listen.  So there was but one thing to do, buy an Omen cd.

So I purchased Battle Cry, and was more than pleasantly surprised.  The quality of the recording is not even close to being as good as what is being mixed and churned out today, but trust me, somehow the primitiveness of the quality actually enhances the mood and feel of the music.  In general, this is NOT a band for the Poison/Europe, pop metal fanatics, this is one of the TRUE metal bands that Manowar is always hyping.  All of the songs have a similiar sound  on Battle Cry, but each have unique parts that capture the attention and the imagination.   One of the most notable things about the sound of their music, besides the brutal attack of the music, is the vocalist, J. D. Kimball, his voice contains all of the majesty and power of greats such as Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson.  Kimball's voice becomes an instrument on here, and often is the highlight of the song, especially the way he belts out the lyrics to Die By The Blade.  The music is medieval themed, mixed with a touch of darkness and the battle between good and evil.  It is a MUST HAVE for anyone that loves heavy, assaulting, guitar driven music with drums that pound the speakers to pieces. 

Not knowing what the other vocalists sound like, Coburn Pharr from 1986-1989, or the new guy, I cannot predict what the music will sound like, but I assure anyone that if Battle Cry is any kind of example of what was coming next in the band's career, then anything with J.D. Kimball is safe to buy and will probably instantly appear on any metal fan's favorite lists. 

Omen Discography