OMEGA Band Album Cover Gallery 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

- Prog Rock From Hungary

OMEGA Band Description:

  Omega is a Hungarian progressive rock band formed in 1962 in Budapest. Over the course of their nearly 60-year career, they have become one of the most successful and influential bands in Eastern Europe. Omega's unique sound and style has been recognized not only in Hungary but also internationally.

History of Omega

Omega began in 1962 when a group of high school friends formed a band called the "Apaches". The band consisted of János Kóbor (vocals), Tamás Mihály (bass guitar), Ferenc Debreceni (drums), and László Benkő (keyboards). In 1965, they changed their name to Omega and began to explore new musical styles. At first, Omega played covers of popular songs from Western Europe and the United States, but they soon started to incorporate Hungarian folk music into their sound.

In 1968, Omega released their first album, "Omega Red Star from Hungary," which was a critical and commercial success. Their sound combined elements of rock, folk, and classical music, which was unlike anything else in Hungary at the time. Over the next few years, Omega released a series of albums that helped to define the sound of Hungarian rock music.

In the 1970s, Omega continued to evolve and experiment with their sound. They incorporated synthesizers and other electronic instruments, which gave their music a futuristic feel. The band also started to incorporate more political and social commentary into their lyrics. This was especially evident in their 1976 album, "Time Robber," which criticized the oppression and lack of freedom in Hungary at the time.

In the 1980s, Omega's popularity continued to grow both in Hungary and internationally. They toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia, and their music was featured in several movies and TV shows. The band also continued to release new albums, including "Working," which was a concept album about the struggles of the working class.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Omega continued to tour and release new music. In 1994, they performed a concert at the United Nations headquarters in New York City to celebrate Hungary's entry into the European Union. In 2006, they performed a series of concerts in Hungary to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Impact of Omega

Omega's influence on the Hungarian music scene cannot be overstated. They were one of the first bands to combine Western rock music with Hungarian folk music, which helped to create a unique sound that has since become synonymous with Hungarian rock music. Omega's success also helped to pave the way for other Hungarian bands to gain recognition both in Hungary and internationally.

Omega's influence can also be seen in the global music scene. Their music has been sampled by several hip-hop and electronic artists, and their sound has been cited as an influence by bands such as Radiohead and Muse. Omega's music has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "The Martian" and "Stranger Things."