Search - Omen :: Curse / Nightmares

The Metal Classic you've probably never heard...

Matthew Maynard | Winston-Salem, NC | 01/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Where do I start with this incredible album? Perhaps by saying it is arguably the best album in the Metal Blade catalogue, which is quite a statement! Originally released in 1986, it had the benefit of that label's joint venture with Capitol Records (recorded in the music giant's famous studio and marketed using its vast distribution channels). The Oklahoma-bred, L. A.-based band had just left the wake of an acclaimed, if modest-selling album ("Warning of Danger") and it seemed that guitarist-songwriter Kenny Powell felt he had something to prove because this album has no weak spots that I can discern. The songs are powerful and well-executed. (Drummer Steve Wittig and bassist Jody Henry play with Pro-Tools tightness, years before anyone knew what Pro-Tools was; Powell's leads sear and riffs crush.) Singer J. D. Kimball's vocals get the proper sonic treatment this time and he sings with the conviction of a man whose future was truly uncertain. (In fact, he left the band shortly after the support tour for this album and went unaccounted for nearly the next 20 years, ostensibly fighting a battle with the bottle. Heartbreakingly, Powell didn't know what had happened to his former bandmate until the news of Kimball's death in Ocober 2003.) Some standout tracks include the title track, "S.R.B." (a stirring insrtrumental inspired by the Challenger shuttle accident), and "Teeth of the Hydra". Tragically, this album with seemingly everything going for it, did't get the support and exposure it could have. Powell was a true hero to the genre, but power metal was never that well-received in the States. The band didn't even tour Europe or Asia (The album actually charted in Germany and Japan based on word-of-mouth.) Thankfully, a savvy Metal Blade re-released it in the mid 90s, giving the album a new lease on life. As an added bonus, the re-release includes the low-budget, but worthwhile "Nightmares" ep from 1987. This is an excellent place for the uninitiated to discover this shamefully-underrated band. I believe that fans of Iron Maiden, Armored Saint and early Helloween would really get into this!"

Damn good metal!

Matthew Maynard | 07/31/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My god i cant believe that im the first person to review this album...I woulda thought that metalheads worldwide would be raving about this album.Omen is one the best metal bands PERIOD.Metallica doesnt hold a candle to these guys.Metalheads unite and buy this albuM!"

A True 80's Metal Classic !

Marcel B. SALGUEIRO | Sao Paulo - Brazil | 05/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, I'd like to apologyze about my bad english, but I hope to be understood.

This is one of my favourite metal records. Powerfull, straight and honest. Not speed, thrash, black or speed metal. Just Heavy Metal. Since the first to last track. In my opinion, Kill on Sight, Holy Martyr, Teeth of the hydra and Termination are the highlights. But the other tracks also deserve to be listen to.

If you are fan of bands like Manowar, Liege Lord, Savage Grace and Armored Saint you have to be this album ! You won't regret !

"