Bad Omens

The Rise of a Metalcore Powerhouse

Bad Omens has emerged as one of the most dynamic forces in modern metalcore, blending heavy sounds with electronic elements and atmospheric production. This blog post explores their journey, music, and current tour schedule. I've been wanting to showcase this band for awhile now, I saw them a few years back in San Francisco. Always a great show. Check them out. Enjoy the blog.

History

Bad Omens was formed in 2015 in Richmond, Virginia, though they're now associated with Los Angeles, California. The band was founded by vocalist Noah Sebastian after leaving his previous band in 2014 to pursue his own musical vision. Noah initially intended to record solo songs but soon connected with friends Nicholas Ruffilo (guitar) and Vincent Riquier (bass). Vincent introduced the group to Joakim "Jolly" Karlsson, a musician from Sweden who joined as a second guitarist. The lineup was completed when Nick Folio joined as drummer after the band discovered his online cover of one of their demo songs.

The early days of Bad Omens were characterized by humble beginnings. After forming, the band members moved to Los Angeles and lived together in a cramped two-bedroom apartment that also housed all their equipment and merchandise inventory for their first tour. Despite these challenging conditions, this period laid the foundation for their future success.

An interesting fact about the band's name: "Bad Omens" was originally intended to be the title of an early song, which eventually became known as "Glass Houses." The band adopted the name after a suggestion from their label.

In 2018, the band experienced their only lineup change when bassist Vincent Riquier left due to health issues, particularly a back injury that made touring difficult. He has since pursued a career as a tattoo artist.

Discography

Bad Omens has released several albums and EPs that showcase their evolution as artists:

1. Bad Omens (2016) - Their self-titled debut album was released on August 19, 2016, through Sumerian Records. The album features twelve tracks that blend metalcore with nu metal, industrial metal, and pop influences. Singles from this album included "Glass Houses," "Exit Wounds," and "The Worst in Me," all of which received music videos. While the album didn't chart on the Billboard 200, it established Bad Omens as a promising act in the metalcore scene.

2. Finding God Before God Finds Me (2019) - The band's second studio album was released on August 2, 2019. It charted on the Billboard 200, reaching number 151, showcasing the band's growing popularity. In December 2019, the band released a deluxe edition featuring new songs including "Never Know," "Limits," and a cover of Duran Duran's "Come Undone."

3. The Death of Peace of Mind (2022) - Released on February 25, 2022, this album marked a significant evolution in Bad Omens' sound, incorporating elements of alternative rock, electronic music, and pop into their established metalcore foundation. The album achieved commercial success, reaching number 79 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart.

4. Concrete Jungle [The OST] (2024) - This release appears to be an experimental extension of their 2022 LP, The Death of Peace of Mind.

Throughout their career, Bad Omens has accumulated over 250 million worldwide streams, demonstrating their growing influence in the metal scene.

Upcoming Tour Dates (2025)

Bad Omens has several confirmed tour dates for 2025:

• May 8, 2025: Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival - Columbus, OH

• May 18, 2025: Welcome to Rockville - Daytona Beach, FL

• July 4, 2025: Summerfest - Milwaukee, WI

• July 11, 2025: Rock the Park Music & Arts Festival - London, ON

• July 19, 2025: Rock Fest - Cadott, WI

• September 20, 2025: Louder Than Life - Louisville, KY

Additionally, the band has announced their 'goodbye, friend' tour in Australia for January 2025, with support from Poppy and House of Protection:

• January 23, 2025: Festival Hall - Melbourne

• January 25, 2025: Riverstage - Brisbane

• January 28, 2025: Hordern Pavilion - Sydney

Fans should check official ticket sources for updates, as tour schedules may change.

Musical Style and Performance

Bad Omens has established themselves with a sound that blends metalcore, post-hardcore, and electronic elements. Their music is known for its dynamic and polished production. The band is recognized for their thematic complexity and personal lyrics that explore themes of personal struggle, existential angst, and social commentary.

Noah Sebastian and Joakim "Jolly" Karlsson handle much of the production and songwriting for the band, contributing to their distinct sound. Their third album, "The Death of Peace of Mind," was particularly noted for allowing them creative freedom, with Sebastian stating: "Making the record changed us as songwriters and musicians. In many ways I feel like it set me free as an artist because every decision made in the writing process was for myself."

Live performances are where Bad Omens truly shines. Fans have praised the band's shows, with one attendee noting: "Their show was 100% times better... I WILL BE THERE IN THE PIT WITH BELLS ON!!" Another fan described their concert as: "Holy. Sh*t. Without a doubt the best show I've been to this year... The amount of raw talent that these guys have is absolutely mind boggling."

Sources

1. Wikipedia - Bad Omens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Omens

2. Wikipedia - Bad Omens (album): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Omens_(album)

3. ClassicRockHistory.com - Complete List Of Bad Omens Albums And Songs: https://www.classicrockhistory.com/complete-list-of-bad-omens-albums-and-songs/

4. Impericon - Bad Omens Wiki: https://www.impericon.com/pages/bad-omens-wiki

5. Bandsintown - Bad Omens: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/2534884-bad-omens

6. Ticketmaster - Bad Omens: https://www.ticketmaster.com/bad-omens-tickets/artist/2196697

7. Songkick - Bad Omens: https://www.songkick.com/artists/4651863-bad-omens

8. Live Nation News - Bad Omens Australia Tour: https://anznews.livenation.com/news/bad-omens-announce-goodbye-friend-tour-heading-to-australia-in-january-2025-supported-by-poppy-house-of-protection