Battle Cry: Bringing Out the Beast

These days, power metal bands tinged with epic sword and sorcery imagery are around every corner, but in the early 1980s, this was a fresh new genre that was part of a burgeoning heavy metal scene that included everything from glam bands like Poison to speed metal acts like Metallica. Omen hit the scene with Battle Cry in November 1984, unleashing a debut album on the unsuspecting masses of metalheads hungry for righteous riffs and grinding grooves. Former Savage Grace guitarist Kenny Powell and his band gained the respect of their peers as a band on the cutting edge.

Opening with the mind-blowing “Death Rider”, the album attacks the listener with one slice of metallic mayhem after another. With a musical style reminiscent of a faster version of Iron Maiden and lyrical themes similar to Manowar, the band was breaking new ground during a time of constant change in the realm of heavy metal. Tracks like “Last Rites” and “Bring out the Beast” set the band apart from the crowd. Metal Blade Records had signed the band on the strength of two songs Powell had written, “Battle Cry” and “Die by the Blade”and both of these tracks made it on Omen’s debut.

Everything about Battle Cry was impressive. Singer J.D. Kimball had a voice that was both unique and a perfect fit for the music. Guitarist Kenny Powell’s riffs were top-notch, mixing melody with intensity to create an epic sound that drove the band musically. Bassist Jody Henry was one of the best bass players in metal, possibly second only to Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris. Drummer Steve Wittig was a master at providing a strong beat that also adds a flourish to the band. In short, Omen was a classic act and Battle Cry is nothing short of a masterpiece.