Bad Omens Kicked Off Their UK Tour With Anthemic Sound, but Arena Nerves Took Center Stage.
The US melodic metalcore band made their mark on the UK arena circuit last night, boasting huge riffs, dramatic visuals, and a sound that's as big as the venues themselves. The opening act, Specter, proved to be an adequate representation of the band's ambitions - an anthemic single with an atmospheric quality reminiscent of dry ice wafting around frontman Noah Sebastian.
However, it was clear from the start that Bad Omens' arena debut wasn't without its growing pains. Their setlist, a mix of metal and industrial elements, showcased their versatility, but it also highlighted the band's inexperience on a grand scale. Drummer Nick Folio stood out as a master of his craft, balancing crunch with resonance. But despite Sebastian's adaptable vocals, which spanned from croon to scream to whisper, there was an undercurrent of tension that undermined the performance.
The band's willingness to lean into zeitgeisty pop sounds is undeniably key to their mainstream appeal. Their third album, The Death of Peace of Mind, drew comparisons to the Weeknd's darker R&B - a clever move that brought them closer to the metalcore crowd. However, last night's show felt more like a faithful reproduction of past glories rather than an organic expression of their art.
Perhaps the biggest issue was Sebastian's stage presence, which felt stiff and unengaged at times. When he asked the audience if they were having fun, his response seemed hesitant and even forced - a moment that stole away from the rest of the performance.
In the end, Bad Omens' UK tour is still very much in its early stages, and it's clear that the band has yet to find their footing on the arena circuit. While their sound is undeniably anthemic and impressive, there's something lacking - a connection between the band members that makes them feel more than just a group of consummate professionals playing to a crowd.
The US melodic metalcore band made their mark on the UK arena circuit last night, boasting huge riffs, dramatic visuals, and a sound that's as big as the venues themselves. The opening act, Specter, proved to be an adequate representation of the band's ambitions - an anthemic single with an atmospheric quality reminiscent of dry ice wafting around frontman Noah Sebastian.
However, it was clear from the start that Bad Omens' arena debut wasn't without its growing pains. Their setlist, a mix of metal and industrial elements, showcased their versatility, but it also highlighted the band's inexperience on a grand scale. Drummer Nick Folio stood out as a master of his craft, balancing crunch with resonance. But despite Sebastian's adaptable vocals, which spanned from croon to scream to whisper, there was an undercurrent of tension that undermined the performance.
The band's willingness to lean into zeitgeisty pop sounds is undeniably key to their mainstream appeal. Their third album, The Death of Peace of Mind, drew comparisons to the Weeknd's darker R&B - a clever move that brought them closer to the metalcore crowd. However, last night's show felt more like a faithful reproduction of past glories rather than an organic expression of their art.
Perhaps the biggest issue was Sebastian's stage presence, which felt stiff and unengaged at times. When he asked the audience if they were having fun, his response seemed hesitant and even forced - a moment that stole away from the rest of the performance.
In the end, Bad Omens' UK tour is still very much in its early stages, and it's clear that the band has yet to find their footing on the arena circuit. While their sound is undeniably anthemic and impressive, there's something lacking - a connection between the band members that makes them feel more than just a group of consummate professionals playing to a crowd.
... I mean, Bad Omens is defo a talented band, but they felt like they were still figuring out how to translate their sound from smaller clubs to arenas 
. They've got some huge riffs and a killer energy, but it was clear they're still finding their footing on the bigger stage 
. Nick Folio's drumming was on point tho! 
And I can see why they're drawn to that pop-R&B vibe - it's catchy as heck 
. But at the same time, it felt like they were playing to a crowd of fans who already knew their music, rather than really connecting with the audience in the moment 
. Maybe just need some more shows under their belt to get that arena chemistry right 
and it was like, "Dude, relax, we're here to rock" 
. And yeah, I'm not a fan of when bands lean too heavily into pop sounds - it's like they're trying too hard to appeal to everyone 
. But at the same time, I get where they're coming from, especially with their new album 
. It's just...I want to see them break out of that mold and find their own identity as a band 
. Maybe they just need some time to figure things out and gel as a team 
?
I mean, Bad Omens totally killed it with those huge riffs and dramatic visuals 
but arena nerves kinda took over 
. Drummer Nick Folio is straight fire 
especially with Noah Sebastian's vocals - he's got the range, but sometimes it feels like he's just going through the motions 
.
. And yeah, Nick Folio is a beast behind the drums 
.
... Bad Omens brought their A-game in terms of sonic intensity, but unfortunately, it felt like they were struggling to find their footing on the arena circuit 
. The band's willingness to experiment with different sounds is admirable, but it's clear that they're still finding their rhythm (pun intended) 
. Nick Folio was definitely on point behind the drums, and Noah Sebastian showed off his vocal range, but there were moments where I felt like he was just going through the motions 
. The tension in the performance was palpable, and it's clear that they're still growing into their role as an arena act 
. Can't wait to see how they develop over the course of this tour!
. And don't even get me started on Noah Sebastian's stage presence... I mean, I get that he's trying to be all edgy and stuff, but when you ask the crowd if they're having fun and it feels forced, that's not exactly gonna win anyone over