Coming back from their previous release over 2 and a half years ago, Richmond-based metalcore group Bad Omens are attempting to push the momentum forward with THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND, a 53 minute wide-ranging piece taking their sound to new territories that haven't been visited yet, while also reinforcing some of those core heavy elements. (Disclaimer: if you're wanting non-stop punching heaviness like in the past, this isn't the album for you except for bits and pieces; if you're more open to other types of genres/styles, this album will surprise you.)
Opening track CONCRETE JUNGLE starts off in an electronic atmosphere: Drum samples, sirens off in the distance, and synths that flow under vocalist Noah Sebastian’s whisper-like delivery. By the second verse of course, their magic of adding layers on top of layers one by one comes into play and going into the breakdown gives you that classic Bad Omens we all know. Not sure if this was intentional or not, but the callbacks to previous songs in the chorus (Running In Circles, Careful What You Wish For, Said And Done) are a nice touch for returning fans. Nowhere To Go immediately switches the experimental soundscape at a faster pace along with auto-tuned vocals. It almost feels like you're racing through a video game soundtrack, which makes the “trying to run away from who I used to be or from someone else” theme feel more real. A noticeable trend so far is it seems like the lighter side of Noah’s talent is pushing even softer than before, while these are some of the most raw screams we’ve gotten yet. Take Me First continues down this lyrical content of feeling like it’s too late to change who you are, therefore feeling stuck in the person you don’t want to be. Musically, this could end up being a radio single with it’s mainstream format and familiarity. This is when I could see some fans who don’t want that kind of sound start to turn away from this album, but personally I am all for it. The title track THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND set the tone for this era being the first single to roll out. The mysterious flow and bouncy beat sets up the addicting vocal melodies, and every section of the songs adds another layer of intensity and energy until the breakdown brings everything together for the final chorus. Lyrically, I hope Noah is okay. In all seriousness though, the way every song contributes to this “love is the death of peace of mind” lyric and dives into the different mindsets surrounding that, whether it’s towards yourself or other people in your life, is worth recognizing.
What It Cost being the added intro for Like A Villain is such an amazing combo; the latter is already a top contender as the instrumentals are perfectly in the pocket, the tempo feels just right for this groove, and the vocals are all over the place in the best way. This added intro with the electronic drops and subtle violins fading in and out brought this experience to another level. With bad decisions being one of the softest songs, the feeling was still breathtaking as the scaled back and isolated instrumentals allowed Noah’s lower register vocal lines to shine through. This little break in energy gives the listener time to mentally catch up with the vulnerable topics being talked about before we dive further into some real sad shit. Because Just Pretend.. This was the one that absolutely blew me away and so far is my favorite. There’s this certain “nostalgic” feeling that’s not really explainable but it scratches some itch that I feel was needed out of this band; it just lingers and feels like you’re at the bottom reaching out for something as Noah continues to sing softly like the previous track. Once a small build up leads you into the first punch of the chorus, you’re struck with an unexpected goosebump worthy delivery. “Will you wait me out or will you drown me out?” stands out as the subject seems to be struggling and is hoping others in their life won’t abandon them and make them feel unworthy of any love.
After listening in order, The Grey, which was the latest previously released single, now feels like it’s in the perfect place of this tracklist as it carries on that nostalgic feeling into a more “at my rock bottom” tone. This is another one that showcases Noah's range as he soars in the chorus, continues that mainstream sound, and is another great radio contender. Who are you? brings the energy down and takes a softer, more float-like pop vibe into play, along with some of the more vulnerable side of lyrics. If I didn't know who this was beforehand, I would not have thought it was Bad Omens. Somebody else. also continues down this path, and ironically enough, this reminds me of something out of The 1975. This is another point where older fans could tune it out if this isn't what they wanted or expected out of this band, but once again it feels refreshing and new to see this side being brought to light. IDWT$ brings us back up to speed with a track that feels like a solid combination of everything showcased in this album so far. Including all of the vocal styles, the mix of both electronic and acoustic instrumentals, and the range going from a “pop” feeling to a heavier tone, it has something for everyone. I could see this one being a crowd favorite, especially in a live setting.
What do you want from me? gives off huge Nine Inch Nails vibes, but the amazing aspect is how there’s still that Bad Omens sound in it. The switch from the upbeat electronic-infused groove to the drop into the low guitars is something that will grab your attention every time. Then, taking that core sound and leading it into ARTIFICIAL SUICIDE gives us the heaviest song musically, and I predict this will be another fan favorite, both studio and in a live setting. Syncopated guitar and double bass hits, aggressive chants and alarming electronic synths keep the energy levels at one of the highest so far. Miracle concludes this session with a format that sounds like something out of Bring Me The Horizon’s Post Human: Survival Horror, and all of these comparisons to influences are meant with respect and in the best way possible. The lyrical flow is one of my favorites off the album, and there’s a feeling of “shutting down” within the music from the second verse on to the end that brings the album to a unique close.
Overall, this is a stunning body of work that is bound to bring this group to new heights, if the fans will allow it. I’m sure there will be differing opinions as this is the most experimental and diverse album we’ve seen yet, but I’m hopeful that the band will come out on top and use this momentum to push forward. You can catch Bad Omens and some of these songs live now on the Voyeurist Tour with Underoath, Spiritbox, and Stray From the Path.
Link to Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0auTn0kFZk71WAv3BbKVxQ?si=IrXdNzd4RHmk-Yel67VJjw