A Tribute To Vocalist J.D. Kimball, R.I.P.

Out of the myriad of heavy metal and cheese metal groups formed in America during the 1980s, few singers retained as strong a following among fans and critics alike as John “JD’ Kimball. Most famously with the group Omen, Kimball was also the lead singer of the little-known Hammer Damage.

With a powerful yet steady voice similar to Led Zeppelin-s, Kimball was Omen-s true voice for many of today-s fans. Kimball-s vocals added strength and grittiness to the express-train rhythm of lead guitarist Kenny Powell. Although Kimball lacked the extreme vocal ranges such as the piercingly high scream of Angus Young, fans knew he could take any lyric and give it heart and soul.

Kimball stayed with the group for only four albums and left the band in 1987. A subsequent five albums did poorly in comparison to the first four. In order to pay the bills, Kimball eventually became a hair dresser. He kept his private life private. He died in the Seattle area in 2003 due to stomach cancer.

Although Omen-s classic lineup dissolved in 1987, Omen and Kimball continue to win new fans, especially in Europe and the former Soviet Union. Omen-s label, Metal Blade, reissued the four CDs in 1996, bringing a new generation of fans to the pure speed metal fold.