Bad Omens is a metalcore band from Richmond, Virginia, known for their emotional lyrics, powerful choruses, and a blend of heavy and melodic elements. Formed in 2015 by Noah Sebastian (vocals), Nicholas Ruffilo (guitar), and Vincent Riquier (bass), the band quickly expanded to include Joakim Karlsson (guitar) and Nick Folio (drums).
Early Days and Formation
Noah Sebastian started writing music as a solo project after being inspired by artists like Caleb Shomo of Beartooth and Landon Tewers of The Plot in You, who both wrote and produced their own records. This inspired Noah to teach himself music production and leave his previous band, aiming to create something unique. Initially, Bad Omens began as a solo project named Man Vs. Self before transforming into a full band.
Breaking Through
Bad Omens released an untitled demo EP, which garnered attention from Sumerian Records. This led to the production of their self-titled debut album in 2016. The album featured standout tracks like “Glass Houses” and “The Worst in Me,” which helped the band gain a solid fanbase and led to tours with major acts like Asking Alexandria.
Musical Style and Evolution
The band is known for their blend of metalcore with melodic and experimental elements. Early comparisons to Bring Me the Horizon were common, but Bad Omens has developed a distinct sound over time. Their music often explores themes of despair, mental health struggles, and addiction. Their debut album leaned heavily on traditional metalcore elements, but subsequent releases have shown a broader range of influences.
Albums and Major Releases
Bad Omens (2016): The debut album featured a mix of heavy and melodic tracks, establishing their presence in the metalcore scene.
Finding God Before God Finds Me (2019): This album marked a significant step in their evolution, blending heavier riffs with more melodic, almost pop-like choruses. The deluxe edition included additional tracks and covers.
The Death of Peace of Mind (2022): Their most recent album has been described as their most experimental work yet, incorporating R&B influences and more electronic elements. Songs like “Like a Villain” and “Just Pretend” have been particularly successful, with the latter going viral on TikTok.
Tours and Performances
Bad Omens has toured extensively, both as headliners and supporting major acts. They have shared stages with bands like Underoath, A Day to Remember, and Beartooth. Their first headlining tour in 2020 was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they bounced back with major tours in 2022 and 2023.
Recent Activities
In 2023, Bad Omens released “Concrete Jungle [The OST],” an album featuring new songs, remixes, and live tracks. They also announced their participation in Bring Me the Horizon’s tour, further solidifying their place in the metalcore scene.
Influence and Impact
Bad Omens is often praised for their lyrical depth and musical versatility. They have managed to create a unique sound that resonates with a wide audience, blending intense metalcore elements with catchy melodies and emotional authenticity. This blend has not only set them apart from other bands in the genre but has also earned them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
Bad Omens continues to push the boundaries of their genre, experimenting with new sounds and production techniques while staying true to the emotional core of their music. With each album, they have grown more confident in their abilities and more willing to take risks, which has paid off in their growing popularity and influence in the metalcore scene. Fans eagerly anticipate their future projects, expecting more groundbreaking music from this innovative band.
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