In the ever-shifting landscape of modern rock and metal, few bands have captured the global zeitgeist quite like Bad Omens. From their metalcore origins to their current status as genre-bending titans, their ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. The band’s name is now a permanent fixture in discussions about the future of heavy music, propelled by viral success and an artistic vision that refuses to be contained.
The story of Bad Omens begins in Richmond, Virginia, conceived in 2015 as the solo project of frontman, creative architect, and vocalist Noah Sebastian. Seeking to build a full lineup, he connected with guitarist Nicholas Ruffilo, followed by bassist Vincent Riquier, guitarist Joakim “Jolly” Karlsson, and drummer Nick Folio. Their early demos quickly caught the attention of Sumerian Records, a label known for housing some of the most innovative acts in the scene.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 2016, immediately drew comparisons to bands like Bring Me The Horizon, a label that, for a time, became both a blessing and a curse. While it introduced them to a wide audience, the band were keen to carve out their own identity. This determination fuelled their sophomore effort, Finding God Before God Finds Me (2019). The album showcased a significant evolution, with more intricate songwriting and a deeper exploration of melody and atmospheric textures, distancing themselves from the initial scepticism and proving they were a force to be reckoned with. However, it was their third album that would irrevocably change their trajectory. Released in 2022, THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND is a masterclass in artistic reinvention. Created largely during the isolation of the global pandemic, Noah Sebastian took the helm on production, resulting in a meticulously crafted sound that fuses industrial grit, ethereal electronics, and gut-punching metalcore with a dark, cinematic pop sensibility. The album’s lead single, “THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND,” set the tone, but it was the slow-burning track “Just Pretend” that ignited a firestorm.
This sonic brilliance translates into an electrifying live performance. The demand for Bad Omens tickets has become legendary, with tours selling out in mere minutes. The “CONCRETE JUNGLE” and “Concrete Forever” tours have seen the band command stages worldwide, their powerful and visually stunning shows leaving audiences breathless. This has led to fans eagerly anticipating any news of a future Bad Omens UK tour in 2025, hoping to witness the phenomenon firsthand.
Never a band to rest on their laurels, their recent collaboration with experimental pop artist Poppy on the track “V.A.N.” further cements their innovative spirit. The song, which earned them a prestigious Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance, is a bold, industrial-heavy venture that highlights their refusal to be pigeonholed.
Bad Omens are more than just a band; they are a testament to artistic evolution, perseverance, and the power of a unique vision. They have masterfully navigated the music industry, transforming early comparisons into a legacy that is entirely their own, and securing their place at the vanguard of modern rock music.