OMEN “The Curse” /LP + Poster/

The debut full-length studio album by cult American Epic Power/Heavy Metal band.
Originally released in 1984, "Battle Cry" is one of the quintessential US Metal albums, and it is one of the best Heavy Metal albums ever written. Alongside Manowar’s first four albums, Manila Road’s "Open The Gates" and "Crystal Logic" and Bathory’s (un)holy trilogy, Omen’s "Battle Cry" is one of the most important chapters in the Holy Bible of Epic Metal.
Omen were originally formed in 1983 in Oklahoma. Not long after they moved to Los Angeles and found an outstanding vocalist, J.D. Kimball. Their song "Torture Me" appeared on "Metal Massacre V". Soon after, Omen inked a deal with Brian Slagel’s legendary Metal Blade Records an started recording their first album, "Battle Cry", which saw the light of day in 1984.
Songs like “Death Rider”, “Dragon’s Breath”, “In The Arena” and “The Axeman” were hailed as classics in the band’s native America (and in the UK for that matter). Europe and especially Germany took Omen to its heart. At the time, Omen were quite often described as “Iron Maiden on speed”.
Boris Kaiser, chief editor of German Rock Hard Magazine said in the book "Best Of Rock & Metal": “The world will probably never again see a band that sounded as unique as Omen on their first three albums, "Battle Cry", "Warning Of Danger" and "The Curse". That was mainly down to J.D. Kimball’s deep, majestic and highly melodic vocals. Add some great guitar work by Kenny Powell and a more than solid rhythm section, and you will end up with one of the best American Power Metal bands of all time.”
"Battle Cry" is definitely a landmark album, for not only US Power Metal, but the entire Power Metal genre in general with its more violent approach to the lyrics and artwork, as well as its undeniable catchy, anthem-like choruses and riffs. If this album isn't one that you have got to yet, or one that you found to be entirely unenjoyable, then you had better lock your doors because the Axeman will have you bound and gagged!!
Metal Blade Records/Pacheco Records, 1984/2012. Made in Argentina.


Tracklist:
1. Death Rider 03:28
2. The Axeman 04:27
3. Last Rites 03:41
4. Dragon's Breath 03:01
5. Be My Wench 04:03
6. Battle Cry 03:44
7. Die by the Blade 03:10
8. Prince of Darkness 02:46
9. Bring Out the Beast 04:10
10. In the Arena 04:05
Total playing time: 36:35 min.

Re-release of the third full-length studio album + first EP by cult American Epic Power/Heavy Metal band.
Another god given present of the American Power Metal of the eighties is the third album by Omen. “The Curse” is the final studio album recorded by Omen's original lineup. Bandhead Kenny Powell formerly had played with Savage Grace, which also can be filed under "absolute cult". Most outstanding feature of Omen, besides Powell's intricate guitar-play, definitively is the heroic deep vocals of J.D. Kimball, booze-destroyer extraordinaire.
The description "Iron Maiden on speed" had made its way through the magazines, what is not all that wrong. The axes really had these typical twin-harmonies a la Dave Murray/Adrian Smith, of course played a lot faster. Every song of this album is a gemstone of Metal-art, simply perfect songs for eternity. But you could say the same for all songs of "Battle Cry" and "Warning Of Danger", because the two previous albums also are finest steel!
The final album recorded by Omen's classic lineup found the Los Angeles band in a state of transition, relinquishing many of their original New Wave Of British Heavy Metal-inspired trademarks in a somewhat forced attempt to play catch-up to the by-then dominant Thrash Metal movement. The ploy didn't work, however, and, even when they could still count on solid songwriting instincts and top-notch musicianship to carry them through, Speed Metal wannabes like the opening title cut, "S.R.B." and "At All Cost" were quite simply no match for the innately Thrashing likes of Metallica, Slayer, et. On the other hand, when Omen remembered their roots, their abilities for fashioning multi-paced and melodic Heavy Metal, bordering on the yet-to-be-conceived subgenre of Power Metal, were still as good as it got within the 50 states.
"The Curse" undoubtedly represents Omen’s compositional apex. Their third album is an overkill of frenetic rhythmic dynamics, miniature scales inserted just before the chord changes and coarse vocals. Musically, Omen were mere NWOBHM imitators, but this album is far from being a trash product. They managed to make a good album with "The Curse"!
As a bonus we even get the six tracks of the "Nightmares" EP. It was originally released in 1987 by Metal Blade and was included as bonus tracks on the 1989 re-issue of "Warning Of Danger" and the 1996 re-issue of "The Curse". This EP was really hard to find, so Metal Blade eventually reissued it as a bonus in few re-editions. There are a total of five songs including a live cover of AC/DC's "Whole Lot Of Rosie". What brings this EP together is song structure, which is pretty well thought and brought out. For the most part the music is pretty fast with some speed riffs. The singing is well done changing the sound from the first two albums. Overall, this is a well added bonus!
Metal Blade Records/Pacheco Records, 1986/1987/1996/2012. Made in Argentina.


Tracklist:
1. The Curse  5:46
2. Kill On Sight 4:50
3. Holy Martyr 4:02
4. Eye Of The Storm 4:11
5. S.R.B. 5:47
6. Teeth Of The Hydra 5:59
7. At All Cost 5:26
8. Destiny 3:24
9. Bounty Hunter 4:25
10. The Larch 1:35
11. Nightmares 2:51
12. Shock Treatment 2:40
13. Dragon's Breath 3:00
14. Termination 3:33
15. Bounty Hunter 4:24
16. Whole Lotta Rosie (Live; AC/DC cover) 3:54
Total playing time: 65:47 min.

The second full-length studio album by cult American Epic Power/Heavy Metal band.
Omen’s debut album, "Battle Cry", showed a very talented band. It was a really promising yet somewhat immature first effort. Omen's debut was definitely a classic, but this one just overshadows it in every way possible. "Warning Of Danger" their best record and one of the true landmarks of Epic/Power Metal, one that can witness Omen’s talent at its fullest. While the ingredients are pretty much the same, since the Iron Maiden influence is still evident, and the band still depends too much on the effectiveness of the dual guitars, the galloping, muscular riffs and JD Kimball’s commanding vocals, this record is much richer than their debut and a work that couldn’t be accused of lacking variety or ambition at all.
One of the greatest things about Omen is vocalist J.D. Kimball. Along with Harry Conklin and Patrick Brown (Oblivion), Kimball was one of the strongest blue-collar US Power Metal singers of the 80s. His powerful, gruff, roaring midrange is just about the most battle-thirsty thing out there. Although his delivery here is a bit more melodic than it was on "Battle Cry", it's by no means inferior, and it fits the slicker, more Power Metal approach better. Omen sound strong, tight and in killer form overall, while performing their magnificent blend, which now consists of two parts Epic and one part Power Metal.
"Warning Of Danger" is both less consistent and less aggressive than "Battle Cry", but that doesn't stop it from kicking some serious ass. The album is pretty good, with riffs and harmonies, and consistent charisma from Kimball. The fact remains that "Warning Of Danger" is the closest Omen got to recording their very own classic album. If they have a loyal fan base that still cares for new material, they owe it mainly to the incredible level of quality that "Warning Of Danger" displayed. "Warning Of Danger" is endlessly re-playable and hooky, and if you have a shred of Metal in you, it's a given that you'll love this! Go get it, right now!!
Metal Blade Records/Pacheco Records, 1985/2012. Made in Argentina.


Tracklist:
1. Warning of Danger 04:25
2. March On 04:04
3. Ruby Eyes (of the Serpent) 03:49
4. Don't Fear the Nigh 05:04
5. VBP 04:54
6. Premonition 01:47
7. Termination 03:33
8. Make Me Your King 03:50
9. Red Horizon 03:38
10. Hell's Gates 05:42
Total playing time: 40:46 min.

For the first time on vinyl, the first compilation album by cult American Epic Power/Heavy Metal band.
Originally released in 1989 by Metal Blade Records, Omen’s first ‘best of’ comes almost exactly five years after their debut and five releases after their inception:
 - tracks 3, 5, 10 taken from "Battle Cry" (1984);
 - tracks 2, 11 taken from "Warning Of Danger" (1985);
 - tracks 1, 4, 6, 8 taken from "The Curse" (1986);
 - track 7 taken from "Nightmares" (1987);
 - track 9 taken from "Escape To Nowhere" (1988).
Limited to 100 copies numbered Yellow Vinyl includes foldout Booklet-Poster.
Century Media/Jolly Roger Records/Blackbeard, 1989/2021 (JRR-BB016). Made in Italy. Pressed in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Holy Martyr 04:02
2. Termination 03:33
3. Dragon's Breath 03:01
4. Teeth of the Hydra 05:59
5. Battle Cry 03:44

Side B
6. The Curse 05:46
7. Nightmares 02:51
8. Bounty Hunter 04:25
9. Thorn in Your Flesh 04:05
10. Die by the Blade 03:10
11. Hell's Gates 05:42

Total playing time: 46:54 min.

The third full-length studio album + first EP by cult American Epic Power/Heavy Metal band.
Another god given present of the American Power Metal of the eighties is the third album by Omen. “The Curse” is the final studio album recorded by Omen's original lineup. Bandhead Kenny Powell formerly had played with Savage Grace, which also can be filed under "absolute cult". Most outstanding feature of Omen, besides Powell's intricate guitar-play, definitively is the heroic deep vocals of J.D. Kimball, booze-destroyer extraordinaire.
The description "Iron Maiden on speed" had made its way through the magazines, what is not all that wrong. The axes really had these typical twin-harmonies a la Dave Murray/Adrian Smith, of course played a lot faster. Every song of this album is a gemstone of Metal-art, simply perfect songs for eternity. But you could say the same for all songs of "Battle Cry" and "Warning Of Danger", because the two previous albums also are finest steel!
The final album recorded by Omen's classic lineup found the Los Angeles band in a state of transition, relinquishing many of their original New Wave Of British Heavy Metal-inspired trademarks in a somewhat forced attempt to play catch-up to the by-then dominant Thrash Metal movement. The ploy didn't work, however, and, even when they could still count on solid songwriting instincts and top-notch musicianship to carry them through, Speed Metal wannabes like the opening title cut, "S.R.B." and "At All Cost" were quite simply no match for the innately Thrashing likes of Metallica, Slayer, et. On the other hand, when Omen remembered their roots, their abilities for fashioning multi-paced and melodic Heavy Metal, bordering on the yet-to-be-conceived subgenre of Power Metal, were still as good as it got within the 50 states.
"The Curse" undoubtedly represents Omen’s compositional apex. Their third album is an overkill of frenetic rhythmic dynamics, miniature scales inserted just before the chord changes and coarse vocals. Musically, Omen were mere NWOBHM imitators, but this album is far from being a trash product. They managed to make a good album with "The Curse"!
As a bonus we even get the six tracks of the "Nightmares" EP. It was originally released in 1987 by Metal Blade and was included as bonus tracks on the 1989 re-issue of "Warning Of Danger" and the 1996 re-issue of "The Curse". This EP was really hard to find, so Metal Blade eventually reissued it as a bonus in few re-editions. There are a total of five songs including a live cover of AC/DC's "Whole Lot Of Rosie". What brings this EP together is song structure, which is pretty well thought and brought out. For the most part the music is pretty fast with some speed riffs. The singing is well done changing the sound from the first two albums. Overall, this is a well added bonus!
Release features 18-page poster-booklet.
Metal Blade Records GmbH, 1986/1987/1996/2017 (3984-14216-0). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. The Curse 5:46
2. Kill On Sight 4:51
3. Holy Martyr 4:02
4. Eye of the Storm 4:11
5. S.R.B. 5:47
6. Teeth of the Hydra 5:59
7. At All Cost 5:27
8. Destiny 3:24
9. Bounty Hunter 4:25
10. The Larch 1:29
11. Nightmares     2:51 
12. Shock Treatment 2:40
13. Dragon's Breath 3:00
14. Termination 3:33
15. Bounty Hunter 4:23
16. Whole Lotta Rosie (Live; AC/DC cover) 3:54
Total playing time: 65:44 min.

The second European re-release of the debut full-length studio album by cult American Epic Power/Heavy Metal band.
Originally released in 1984, "Battle Cry" is one of the quintessential US Metal albums, and it is one of the best Heavy Metal albums ever written. Alongside Manowar’s first four albums, Manila Road’s "Open The Gates" and "Crystal Logic" and Bathory’s (un)holy trilogy, Omen’s "Battle Cry" is one of the most important chapters in the Holy Bible of Epic Metal.
Omen were originally formed in 1983 in Oklahoma. Not long after they moved to Los Angeles and found an outstanding vocalist, J.D. Kimball. Their song "Torture Me" appeared on "Metal Massacre V". Soon after, Omen inked a deal with Brian Slagel’s legendary Metal Blade Records an started recording their first album, "Battle Cry", which saw the light of day in 1984.
Songs like “Death Rider”, “Dragon’s Breath”, “In The Arena” and “The Axeman” were hailed as classics in the band’s native America (and in the UK for that matter). Europe and especially Germany took Omen to its heart. At the time, Omen were quite often described as “Iron Maiden on speed”.
Boris Kaiser, chief editor of German Rock Hard Magazine said in the book "Best Of Rock & Metal": “The world will probably never again see a band that sounded as unique as Omen on their first three albums, "Battle Cry", "Warning Of Danger" and "The Curse". That was mainly down to J.D. Kimball’s deep, majestic and highly melodic vocals. Add some great guitar work by Kenny Powell and a more than solid rhythm section, and you will end up with one of the best American Power Metal bands of all time.”
"Battle Cry" is definitely a landmark album, for not only US Power Metal, but the entire Power Metal genre in general with its more violent approach to the lyrics and artwork, as well as its undeniable catchy, anthem-like choruses and riffs. If this album isn't one that you have got to yet, or one that you found to be entirely unenjoyable, then you had better lock your doors because the Axeman will have you bound and gagged!!
Remastered re-release features two bonus tracks and 18-page poster-booklet.
Metal Blade Records GmbH, 1984/1996/2017 (3984-14215-0). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. Death Rider 3:28
2. The Axeman 4:27
3. Last Rites 3:40
4. Dragon's Breath 3:00
5. Be My Wench 4:05
6. Torture Me (Bonus Track)* 3:28
7. Battle Cry 3:42
8. Die By The Blade 3:09
9. Prince Of Darkness 2:46
10. Bring Out The Beast 4:11
11. In The Arena 4:01
12. Battle Cry (Live; Bonus Track)** 4:02
Total playing time: 43:59 min.

* taken from "Metal Massacre 5" compilation.
** recorded live at San Antonio, Texas 1986.

The first re-release of the second full-length studio album by cult American Epic Power/Heavy Metal band.
Omen’s debut album, "Battle Cry", showed a very talented band. It was a really promising yet somewhat immature first effort. Omen's debut was definitely a classic, but this one just overshadows it in every way possible. "Warning Of Danger" their best record and one of the true landmarks of Epic/Power Metal, one that can witness Omen’s talent at its fullest. While the ingredients are pretty much the same, since the Iron Maiden influence is still evident, and the band still depends too much on the effectiveness of the dual guitars, the galloping, muscular riffs and JD Kimball’s commanding vocals, this record is much richer than their debut and a work that couldn’t be accused of lacking variety or ambition at all.
One of the greatest things about Omen is vocalist J.D. Kimball. Along with Harry Conklin and Patrick Brown (Oblivion), Kimball was one of the strongest blue-collar US Power Metal singers of the 80s. His powerful, gruff, roaring midrange is just about the most battle-thirsty thing out there. Although his delivery here is a bit more melodic than it was on "Battle Cry", it's by no means inferior, and it fits the slicker, more Power Metal approach better. Omen sound strong, tight and in killer form overall, while performing their magnificent blend, which now consists of two parts Epic and one part Power Metal.
"Warning Of Danger" is both less consistent and less aggressive than "Battle Cry", but that doesn't stop it from kicking some serious ass. The album is pretty good, with riffs and harmonies, and consistent charisma from Kimball. The fact remains that "Warning Of Danger" is the closest Omen got to recording their very own classic album. If they have a loyal fan base that still cares for new material, they owe it mainly to the incredible level of quality that "Warning Of Danger" displayed. "Warning Of Danger" is endlessly re-playable and hooky, and if you have a shred of Metal in you, it's a given that you'll love this! Go get it, right now!!
Remastered re-release includes 18-page poster-booklet & bonus track recorded live at San Antonio, Texas 1986.
Metal Blade Records GmbH, 1985/1996/2017 (3984-14217-0). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:
1. Warning of Danger 04:25
2. March On 04:03
3. Ruby Eyes (of the Serpent) 03:49
4. Don't Fear the Nigh 05:03
5. VBP 04:53
6. Premonition 01:47
7. Termination 03:33
8. Make Me Your King 03:49
9. Red Horizon 03:38
10. Hell's Gates 05:39
11. Termination (Live; Bonus Track) 03:50
Total playing time: 44:29 min.