Omen are a name heavily associated with US power metal, their early material is some of the best out there. Of recent times, in which their last studio album was some 13 years ago (this one has been delayed by some considerable time), the band have made some high profile live appearances, albeit with differing line ups and released live and compilation albums. For this album, Kevin Goocher (Phantom X) returns on vocals and provides a raspy delivery of which works in some parts of the album but not all of them.
The first few tracks sound a touch laboured, a little hard work, as if trying to become more epic. Whilst some of the songs like ‘Eulogy for a Warrior’ has the right intention, it simply does make for a comfortable listen adding an over use of vibrato, a pet hate of mine. However, it’s not all downbeat, the album picks up with the rousing ‘Hellas’ and ‘Caligula’, in which the latter fits better with the bands heritage. Throughout numerous plays of this release, not only to set my mind straight, but to get things right as I really respect and like this band, I find some of the solos a little chaotic as if removed from the melody of the track. I can just imagine the inspiration, eyes closed and go for it. But on a couple of places, I feel the balance of that virtuoso moment lacks coherence with the track(s).
Overall, it’s a hit and miss affair for me this album, there are moments of the expected US metal allegiance, especially the closing ‘A.F.U.’ and you can really feel the energy, but for other sections of the release it becomes a little lack lustre and reminds me of releases some 20 years ago by bands that remained active whilst this style died out with the trends of the 90’s and the 00’s. Therefore, ‘Hammer Damage’ not the raging comeback I was expecting, but live, you never know, the energy might still be applicable.
(6/10 Paul Maddison)
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