Bad Omens, an exceptional American rock band hailing from Richmond, Virginia, first took shape in 2015 under the visionary leadership of vocalist, frontman, and producer Noah Sebastian.
Alongside guitarist Nicholas Ruffalo and bassist Vincent Riquier, the foundation of this musical endeavor was laid. The group’s roster expanded with the addition of guitarist Joakim “Jolly” Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio. Their inaugural, self-titled album, released in 2016 via the renowned Sumerian Records label, garnered widespread acclaim, marking an impressive debut.
In 2019, they followed up with their second full-length masterpiece, “Finding God Before God Finds Me.” This record’s impact was so significant that a deluxe edition emerged in 2020, featuring hit singles like “Limits” and “Never Know,” both of which earned noteworthy placements on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart.
Tracing the Band’s Journey
The origins of Bad Omens trace back to 2013 when Noah Sebastian embarked on a covert journey of crafting lyrical narratives while simultaneously contributing his guitar prowess to a Washington, D.C.-based ensemble known as Immoralist. In 2014, Noah Sebastian’s path diverged from his former musical cohort, paving the way for the birth of Bad Omens.
The year 2015 witnessed the reconnection of Noah with his long-standing comrade, Nicholas Ruffilo, to breathe life into their shared aspiration of forming the band. Further strengthening their lineup, Vincent Riquier, Noah’s ally, introduced a gifted musician from Sweden, Jolly Karlsson. This introduction stemmed from their earlier connection as tour companions during a past project. United by their passion and talents, these four artists transcended geographical boundaries, migrating from Sweden to Richmond to actualize their collective dream.
A pivotal moment in the band’s evolution occurred with the inclusion of Nick Folio. His entry was marked by a striking online cover of one of the band’s demo tracks. This decisive addition completed the ensemble and solidified the emergence of Bad Omens as a full-fledged entity. Remarkably, the band’s appellation, “Bad Omens,” initially conceived as a song title, morphed into a symbol of their artistic identity, encompassing their musical essence.
The band strategically unveiled an untitled demo EP, showcasing early versions of tracks destined for their debut album. This compilation captured the attention of none other than Sumerian Records, a significant player in the music industry. Sumerian Records recognized the promise held within the demo and proposed transforming many of its contents into a full-length studio release.
A Journey to Musical Mastery
Months of arduous rehearsal within the confines of Folio’s basement paved the way for the band’s transformative voyage. Their destination: Graphic Nature Audio in Belleville, New Jersey, under the expert guidance of producer Will Putney, renowned for his work with acts like Upon a Burning Body, The Amity Affliction, and Body Count. This transformative experience birthed their debut album, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in their musical odyssey.
In December of the same year, a defining moment arrived as Bad Omens secured a record deal, complemented by the release of a captivating single accompanied by a visually engaging music video titled “Glass Houses,” showcased on the Sumerian YouTube channel. This strategic move garnered significant attention, underscoring the band’s growing influence.
A mere month later, the band introduced “Exit Wounds,” further fortifying their musical prowess. Their journey converged with the Sumerian Records 10 Year Tour, where they shared stages with esteemed acts including Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, After the Burial, and Erra. The release of “The Worst in Me” in April 2016 catapulted Bad Omens into the spotlight, amassing nearly one million streams within a month, a testament to their burgeoning popularity.