Omen
The Curse

It's strange, yet it is so. Many, too many promising bands never achieved the fame they deserved. They have always remained hidden in a hostile music scene that labeled and labels a certain way of making music as "noise." Metal, beyond some exceptions, has always been considered an off-limits genre, unpresentable in some circles. This has contributed to oversaturating the music market with the same offerings, while deserving bands and artists are relegated almost to commodities, like items to be discarded, left to fend for themselves. Without funds, barely sponsored, and consequently little known. This is the situation in which the American heavy metal band Omen found themselves. It might have been the inability to make themselves known, or perhaps a musical proposal judged as "niche," but the fact is that the group in question never received the visibility that, given the quality of the albums produced, they would have deserved.

For these very reasons, I have decided to review The Curse, the third chapter of their discography. It is also an opportunity to introduce this album and the band, given their limited presence on the site.

The Curse is a classic heavy metal album: Omen has often been compared to the early Iron Maiden. Fast rhythms, a predominance of sharp and aggressive riffs, solos, great ability to unleash pathos. These are unmistakable elements of the American band, which from the start of their career has been considered a pillar of epic metal similar to acts like Manilla Road and Cirith Ungol, only to lose (and a lot) over the years its combative and unconventional spirit.

Always defined as their masterpiece by the band members themselves, but not by the critics, The Curse stands out from the two earlier works due to a renewed compositional ability and certainly a greater awareness of their technical means. From this point of view, I must highlight the stunning voice of J.D. Kimball, an atypical singer for the genre, who passed away in 2003. His distinctive voice can already be heard in the opening title track, where all the fundamental characteristics of the four musicians also emerge. Equally worthy of attention is the instrumental "S.R.B." with continuous riffs by Kenny Powell, the splendid "Teeth of the Hydra" always considered their masterpiece, and the excellent "Eye of the Storm", "The Larch", and "Bounty Hunter".

Naturally, there's subjectivity in all judgments, but I feel compelled to recommend this album (as well as its predecessors) both for the excellent music it contains and for the band itself. A truly remarkable work that definitely deserves a listen.

1. "The Curse" (5:45)
2. "Kill On Sight" (4:50)
3. "Holy Martyr" (4:02)
4. "Eye Of The Storm" (4:11)
5. "S.R.B." (5:46)
6. "Teeth Of The Hydra" (6:01)
7. "At All Cost" (5:26)
8. "Destiny" (3:24)
9. "Bounty Hunter" (4:24)
10. "The Larch" (1:31)