Bad Omens' latest UK arena tour has kicked off with a bang, showcasing the US metalcore band's anthemic sound and elaborate visuals. Formed in 2015, Bad Omens have made significant strides since their third album, The Death of Peace of Mind, which caught mainstream attention in 2022. Their fourth studio album is yet to be released, but this tour solidifies their status as a force to be reckoned with alongside genre peers like Bring Me the Horizon.
The setlist is a masterclass in eclecticism, blending metal with elements of industrial, electronica, and drum'n'bass. Lead vocalist Noah Sebastian's vocal range is impressive, effortlessly shifting between croons, screams, and whispers. He even pays homage to fellow artist Poppy on their collaborative single VAN. The band's willingness to lean into pop sensibilities has been key to their mainstream success, evoking the likes of The Weeknd's R&B-infused soundscapes.
Drummer Nick Folio deserves special mention for his dynamic performance, balancing visceral intensity with expansive resonance. However, despite this impressive technicality, there's an undeniable air of detachment on stage. It feels more like a well-oiled machine rather than a cohesive unit, with Sebastian struggling to connect with the audience.
As the setlist is largely rooted in metal, it's clear that Bad Omens are still finding their footing in the arena environment. The big-venue nerves are palpable, and the lack of chemistry between band members makes for an awkward spectacle. Even when Sebastian asks the audience if they're having fun, his own enthusiasm seems lukewarm.
The setlist is a masterclass in eclecticism, blending metal with elements of industrial, electronica, and drum'n'bass. Lead vocalist Noah Sebastian's vocal range is impressive, effortlessly shifting between croons, screams, and whispers. He even pays homage to fellow artist Poppy on their collaborative single VAN. The band's willingness to lean into pop sensibilities has been key to their mainstream success, evoking the likes of The Weeknd's R&B-infused soundscapes.
Drummer Nick Folio deserves special mention for his dynamic performance, balancing visceral intensity with expansive resonance. However, despite this impressive technicality, there's an undeniable air of detachment on stage. It feels more like a well-oiled machine rather than a cohesive unit, with Sebastian struggling to connect with the audience.
As the setlist is largely rooted in metal, it's clear that Bad Omens are still finding their footing in the arena environment. The big-venue nerves are palpable, and the lack of chemistry between band members makes for an awkward spectacle. Even when Sebastian asks the audience if they're having fun, his own enthusiasm seems lukewarm.
nowadays it feels like everyone's all about the spectacle over the music, you know? like bad omens' show was cool and all, but it didn't feel as raw or energetic as some of the older bands i used to see live... & yeah, nick folio was on point drumming wise, but there was somethin off about the whole vibe... maybe they just need a little more time to work out their stage presence? 
, but his stage presence is kinda lacking. I mean, when he asks if everyone's having fun, does anyone really think he's genuinely feeling it? 
The drumming's on point, Nick Folio's skills are undeniable 
, but that awkwardness between the band members is pretty cringeworthy 
. I'm curious to see if they can shake off this "machine" vibe and really connect with their audience on a deeper level 
, but there's something missing from that arena tour performance. Like, don't get me wrong, Noah's vocals are insane 
and the visuals are straight-up mind-blowing 
, but it felt like they were just going through the motions on stage... I couldn't help but think about how much more energy Poppy brings to their live shows 
. And yeah, I get that nerves can be tough in big venues, but it's clear they need to work on building that chemistry between band members 
. Still love 'em tho 
, just gotta see some growth from them, you feel? 
the way noah sebastian can switch between singing and screaming is insane 
my only thing would be to see them live more often, coz they seemed kinda stiff on stage 
still, their energy and talent shine through in every performance
. Still, I love their blend of metal and pop - it's so fresh! And let's be real, Nick's drumming was insane 
! It sounds like Bad Omens really brought the house down with their sick sound and visuals 
! But what's up, guys? It seems like they still need some time to get that arena energy right 
. Fingers crossed! 
Their vocals are great don't get me wrong, but when Noah Sebastian's crooning on stage, it feels so forced. And the drumming is on point, but Nick Folio needs to work on his stage presence. It's like they're all going through the motions 
. The crowd seemed pretty meh too, I mean I was kinda checked out after a while 
. Maybe they just need to find their groove in these bigger venues...
lead singer noah's vocals are insane too - he can go from soft to screeching in seconds. but yeah, the whole arena vibe feels kinda forced... i think they're still finding their footing in this setting. it's like they're trying to fit into a big venue, but not all the pieces fit together quite yet 
But, on the other hand, there's something missing... it feels like they're still trying to figure out how to make this metal thing work in an arena setting 
! The only thing that really gets me is how detached the whole experience feels... it's like they're just going through the motions 
. Still, I gotta respect their willingness to experiment and push boundaries 
. Maybe next time they'll find their footing (pun intended) 
. it feels like they're trying too hard to be everything to everyone - metal, pop, industrial, electronica... they're blending styles left and right, which is cool, i guess 
. i get that big venues can be intimidating, but i was expecting more from bad omens