Bad Omens

Bad Omens Artistfacts

  • 2015-
    Noah SebastianVocals2015-
    Joakim KarlssonGuitar2015-
    Nick FolioDrums2015-
    Vincent RiquierBass2015-2018
    Nicholas RuffiloBass2018-
  • Bad Omens formed in 2015 out of Richmond, Virginia, quickly carving out a niche in the metalcore scene with their blend of heavy riffs and melodic, atmospheric flourishes.
  • Before starting the band, frontman Noah Sebastian played guitar in the deathcore outfit Immoralist. The group's original name was "CHLDRN" (Children), but Sumerian Records suggested "Bad Omens" while they were working on the track "Glass Houses," which was originally going to be called "Bad Omens."
  • Swedish guitarist Joakim Karlsson literally moved across the ocean to join the band after meeting bassist Vincent Riquier on tour, showing early on that Bad Omens was a band committed to its lineup and sound.
  • Their early, untitled demo drew attention from Sumerian Records, so much so that most of its tracks ended up on their official self-titled debut album.
  • Noah Sebastian was just 17 when he signed with Sumerian, with no high school diploma and very little money. The deal allowed the band to tour and record full-time, living together in a cramped two-bedroom apartment that doubled as storage for their merch and equipment.
  • Bad Omens' 2016 self-titled debut was a breakout, thanks to songs like "Glass Houses" and "The Worst in Me," which balance aggressive riffs with catchy, almost pop-like melodies. Their 2022 single "Just Pretend" was the band's first major hit, topping both Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs and Alternative Airplay charts, and earning a Gold certification from the RIAA in July 2023.
  • October 2023 brought a setback when Sebastian's health issues forced the band to cancel live performances. By December, he had deleted all social media accounts, citing the pressures of constant scrutiny and the obsessive nature of online attention.
  • Despite their metalcore roots, Bad Omens aren't afraid to push boundaries. The 2025 single "Impose" dropped heavy guitars entirely in favor of R&B-infused electronic production and hypnotic percussion, a marked departure from their usual style.
  • Live, Bad Omens are known for turning concerts into full-blown theatrical experiences. Elaborate lighting, cinematic visuals and an intense stage presence make seeing the band in person more than just a show - it's an event.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.