Here’s another New Wave of British Heavy Metal obscurity from the good old days which has emerged. This one is by the little-known Omen (UK) and consists of their sole demo from “back then” rediscovered and remastered in CD format.
The band was formed in 1981 by a bunch of (then) teenagers who probably had dreams of becoming the new Judas Priest or Motorhead as the style on Dragon Flight is somewhere between the two with the obligatory sprinkling of early Iron Maiden.
Apparently the six songs here amount to the total output of Omen which was a demo only. They were not around long enough (or perhaps did not have the resources) to attract a record deal – despite being from the relative NWOBHM “hot spot” of the Middlesbrough region which saw quite a few of their counterparts finding their way on to the Neat label.
Omen UK couldn’t be faulted for effort or enthusiasm on this evidence. The fast, frantic, earthy riffs of trademark NWOBHM, thumping bass nicely up in the mix and solid drumming. The vocals aren’t the best though can be forgiven seeing as we’re talking about a remastered demo from almost fourty years ago.
Here’s the title cut – Dragon Flight – so you can hear for yourself. No messing about – short and in your face.
The other five songs are of a similar style. However the band does demonstrate some wider chops and the ability to stretch out in to more ambitious territory with, for example, Sign of the Sorcerer which strays in to proggy territory.
Yes, it’s something of a curiosity yet most enjoyable for all us old NWOBHM survivors or perhaps anyone enjoying a blast of enthusiastic metal.
Dragon Flight is available with a run of only 500 copies. I bought mine from HR Records in Germany. As I type the CD is still available: https://www.hrrshop.de/OMEN-UK-Dragon-Flight-CD
Do check it out.
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