Bad Omens' latest UK tour is an unapologetic showcase of their anthemic songwriting and big sound, perfect for arena environments. The US metalcore band has made significant strides since the release of their third album "The Death of Peace of Mind" in 2022, earning mainstream success with its hooky pop-inspired writing and complex storytelling.
The band's fluid approach to genre, incorporating elements of industrial, electronica, and drum'n'bass, is a key factor in their appeal. Lead vocalist Noah Sebastian's adaptable vocals are particularly noteworthy, effortlessly switching between screams, whispers, and even mimicking the style of metal princess Poppy on their collaborative single "VAN". The band's willingness to lean into zeitgeisty pop sounds has helped them connect with a broader audience.
However, despite their polished performances, there is a noticeable lack of chemistry on stage. Bad Omens appear more like consummate professionals playing a faithful reproduction of their existing material rather than a cohesive group. The result can be somewhat jarring, with the band's nerves and distance from each other evident in Sebastian's hesitant interactions with the audience.
The setlist boasts a diverse range of tracks, including the atmospheric opener "Specter", the gothic "Dying to Love", and the perky "Nowhere to Go". Drummer Nick Folio is particularly deserving of praise for balancing the band's brutal riffs with expansive resonance. Nevertheless, it's clear that Bad Omens still have some growing pains to overcome before they can truly feel like a cohesive unit on stage.
In an arena setting, their big sound and anthemic songwriting are undoubtedly well-suited. However, despite their impressive performances, there is still a sense of distance between the band members, which detracts from the overall experience. It remains to be seen if Bad Omens can overcome this hurdle and develop the chemistry that will take them to the next level as a live act.
The band's fluid approach to genre, incorporating elements of industrial, electronica, and drum'n'bass, is a key factor in their appeal. Lead vocalist Noah Sebastian's adaptable vocals are particularly noteworthy, effortlessly switching between screams, whispers, and even mimicking the style of metal princess Poppy on their collaborative single "VAN". The band's willingness to lean into zeitgeisty pop sounds has helped them connect with a broader audience.
However, despite their polished performances, there is a noticeable lack of chemistry on stage. Bad Omens appear more like consummate professionals playing a faithful reproduction of their existing material rather than a cohesive group. The result can be somewhat jarring, with the band's nerves and distance from each other evident in Sebastian's hesitant interactions with the audience.
The setlist boasts a diverse range of tracks, including the atmospheric opener "Specter", the gothic "Dying to Love", and the perky "Nowhere to Go". Drummer Nick Folio is particularly deserving of praise for balancing the band's brutal riffs with expansive resonance. Nevertheless, it's clear that Bad Omens still have some growing pains to overcome before they can truly feel like a cohesive unit on stage.
In an arena setting, their big sound and anthemic songwriting are undoubtedly well-suited. However, despite their impressive performances, there is still a sense of distance between the band members, which detracts from the overall experience. It remains to be seen if Bad Omens can overcome this hurdle and develop the chemistry that will take them to the next level as a live act.
! Their UK tour is giving me LIFE, with those anthemic choruses and big soundscapes 
. But I gotta say, their chemistry on stage could use some work 
. I mean, we're talking 2025 here - shouldn't they be totally killing it by now? 
Still, lead vocalist Noah Sebastian's got skills for days 
, and that drummer Nick Folio is bringing the heat 
! Their willingness to blend genres and push boundaries is definitely making them stand out in a crowded music scene 
. But let's be real, chemistry is key - they gotta work on connecting with each other (and the crowd!) if they wanna take it to the next level 
.
!
. I mean, I love a good industrial beat as much as the next person, but come on Bad Omens, you don't need to mimic Poppy's style just to get the crowd going 
. I mean, Noah's vocals are impressive and all, but when he's not connecting with his bandmates, it feels like a choreographed dance routine 
. Still, I'm rooting for them - who doesn't love an underdog story? 
I mean, I love how Bad Omens is pushing boundaries with their genre-bending sound - it's so refreshing to see bands taking risks like that. But at the same time, I'm kinda disappointed they didn't bring more energy to the stage... it felt like they were just going through the motions 
. I get it, they're still figuring things out, but I think that's what makes their fans so dedicated - they want to see them grow and improve live 
. And honestly, some of those instrumental transitions between tracks are SO on point 
! Still, there's something about the setlist that felt a bit formulaic? Maybe it's just me, but I'd love to see them experiment more and try new things in their live shows 
.
their vocals are fire tho, gotta love noah's range 
nick folio's drumming is insane too 
arena shows r perfect 4 them cuz its all about the big sound 
. and can we talk about noah's vocals? he's literally so talented 
! anyway, it's defo clear that they're still growing into each other as a group, but i'm here for it! can't wait to see what they do next 
. It feels like they're just going through the motions, you know? 
But overall, it feels like they're still trying to find that special sauce that makes their live show truly unforgettable 
. But, for real though, their live show is kinda meh... I mean, the energy's there but they seem so rehearsed 
Like, yeah, we've got a catchy hook and some heavy riffs... but what's the real message behind the song? I don't know if I'm just being too skeptical, but I need to see more depth from them before I start jumping on the bandwagon 
.
Nick Folio tho is a total beast behind the drums 
. Noah's vocals are insane, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I feel like he's trying too hard to win over the crowd 