REVIEW: OMEN, Battle Cry (1984)

 

OMEN, Battle Cry (1984)

Metal Blade Records

Κάποτε είχα διαβάσει ότι οι Omen είναι οι ακατέργαστοι Maiden στο πεδίο της μάχης. Αν και αυτή η δήλωση φαίνεται βαρύγδουπη, οι Αμερικάνοι στον πρώτο τους δίσκο απέδειξαν ότι είναι πολύ περισσότερα από αυτό. Το σύνολο τους περιλαμβάνει κλασσικά έπη όπως τα "Death Rider", "Dragon's Breath", "The Axeman", "Last Rites", "Be My Wench" (ο απόλυτος macho ύμνος - σε αυτήν την εποχή οι ψεύτο-λιμπεραλ ψόφιοι θα τους κατηγορούσαν για τον τίτλο του), "Battle Cry", "Die By The Blade", "Bring Out The Beast", "In The Arena". Ο αψεγάδιαστος J.D. Kimball είχε μια φωνή που ακόμα και μετά τον θάνατό του ακούγεται σαν να βγαίνει από τον τάφο. Κυριολεκτικά, αφού δεν ζει πλέον. Η ρυθμική τους ενότητα είναι στιβαρή, ενώ ο κιθαρίστας Kenny Powell, μοναχικός συνεχιστής των Omen μέχρι σήμερα, δεν είναι μόνο ένας εξαιρετικός τεχνίτης αλλά και παθιασμένος με τα riffs του.

English Text:

Once I came across a statement claiming that Omen were the unrefined Iron Maiden on the battlefield. While this assertion might seem brash, the Americans proved with their debut album that they were much more than mere imitators. Their catalog boasts classic anthems like "Death Rider," "Dragon's Breath," "The Axeman," "Last Rites," and "Be My Wench" (the quintessential macho anthem - a title that pseudo-liberals of the era would undoubtedly criticize them for). Tracks such as "Battle Cry," "Die By The Blade," "Bring Out The Beast," and "In The Arena" further solidify their prowess. The late J.D. Kimball possessed a voice that, even posthumously, resonates as though emanating from the depths of the grave. This is quite literal, given his passing. Their rhythmic cohesion is unwavering, and guitarist Kenny Powell, the sole torchbearer of Omen to this day, not only exhibits exceptional craftsmanship but also exudes a fervent dedication to his riffs.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης