Full Length Review: Omen "The Curse" (Metal Blade) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: Omen

Location: Los Angeles, California

Country: USA

Genre: Power metal

Full length: The Curse

Format: Vinyl, cassette

Label: Metal Blade

Release date: October 1986

I spent some time away from writing reviews, and honestly I needed the break. But this did not last long and I soon made my way back to the realms of the thrashing and the heavy. In a fit of nostalgia, I made my way to the album “The Curse” by Omen. According to Wikipedia, this is the third full-length album from the band, and it was originally released on Metal Blade.

This album was pretty monumental in my childhood. It was one of the first albums I owned on cassette, and I completely wore out the original tape from years of use. Most of the albums by Omen are pretty amazing, but this is the one that has stuck to my heart, and recently I have had it pretty much on repeat. It’s that damn good!

It also states on Wikipedia that this is the final studio album by Omen with the original lineup. I mean, I guess it isn’t uncommon for bands to go through a slew of different members, but I am glad I was indoctrinated to Omen with the original cast of characters. (J.D.Kimball, Kenny Powell, Steve Wittig, and Jody Henry).

I would try to pick a favorite track, but this is something that is really hard to do. All of the songs are pretty amazing and are all of the same heaviness and quality. With ten tracks, this album is standard length for an 80s thrash album. (Though the 1996 re-issue includes six bonus tracks from the Nightmares EP).

So, In conclusion, if you like that 80s rasp, heavy and intricate guitars, pounding drums, and a bass that just doesn’t quit…I suggest checking this album out. Fans of metal new and old are sure to dig what is offered on this release…or at the very least, I did. (And still do). –Devin Joseph Meaney

Lineup:

J.D. Kimball (R.I.P. 2003): Vocals

Kenny Powell: Guitars

Jody Henry: Bass

Steve Wittig: Drums

Track list:

1. The Curse

2. Kill on Sight

3. Holy Martyr

4. Eye of the Storm

5. S.R.B.

6. Teeth of the Hydra

7. At All Cost

8. Destiny

9. Bounty Hunter

10. The Larch