OMEN - Battle Cry c 12" Vinyl LP Album

- 1984 RoadrunneR Release, incl OIS (Original Custom Inner Sleeve)

1984. A year when heavy metal wasn’t just music; it was a lifestyle, a rebellion, a middle finger to the establishment. Bands like Metallica and Slayer were breaking through, and the underground was teeming with raw, hungry acts vying for their piece of the sonic pie. Amid this maelstrom emerged Omen, a band from Los Angeles with their debut album, "Battle Cry."

Now, "Battle Cry" wasn't your typical hair metal fluff. No spandex, no power ballads, no pandering to MTV. This was pure, unadulterated heavy metal, straight from the gut. The production was raw, the guitars were razor-sharp, and the vocals of J.D. Kimball were a primal scream that could shatter glass.

From the opening salvo of "Termination," it was clear Omen were on a mission. The riffs were relentless, the drums thunderous, and the lyrics painted a bleak picture of a world on the brink of destruction. Songs like "The Axeman" and "Nightmares" were sonic assaults, fueled by anger and frustration. Kenny Powell's intricate guitar work and the galloping rhythms laid down by Steve Wittig and Jody Henry provided a powerful foundation for Kimball's ferocious vocals.

This wasn’t just music; it was an exorcism of demons, both personal and societal. In the wake of the Cold War and the threat of nuclear annihilation, Omen's music tapped into the anxieties of a generation. The album's dark, apocalyptic themes resonated with those who felt disillusioned and alienated by the world around them.

Of course, this kind of music wasn’t without its controversies. Some critics dismissed it as noise, while others worried about the dark themes and violent imagery. But for those who got it, "Battle Cry" was a cathartic experience, a way to channel their own frustrations and rage. The album's raw intensity and uncompromising attitude made it a favorite among those who craved something more substantial than the polished, commercialized metal that dominated the mainstream.

Behind the scenes, Omen were a tight-knit unit, honed by years of playing the LA club scene. The production team, led by Brian Slagel (founder of Metal Blade Records), captured the band's raw energy, while the recording studio (Track Record Studios) provided the perfect environment for their sonic onslaught. Slagel's keen ear for emerging talent and his commitment to preserving the band's authentic sound proved crucial in shaping the album's final form.

"Battle Cry" might not have been a commercial success, but it resonated with a dedicated fanbase. It was an album that spoke to the disenfranchised, the outsiders, the kids who felt like they didn't belong. And in that sense, it was a triumph. The album's influence can still be felt today, with many citing it as a landmark release in the evolution of heavy metal.

So, if you're looking for a blast of pure, unfiltered heavy metal, crank up "Battle Cry" and let Omen's savage howl transport you back to a time when metal was dangerous, exciting, and full of possibilities. It's a testament to the power of music to connect with the deepest parts of our being and to provide a voice for those who feel unheard.