OMEN Parts Ways With Singer, Announces Replacement

Long-running U.S. metallers OMEN have parted ways with singer George Call (also a member of the power metal band ASKA).

Commented OMEN mainman/guitarist Kenny Powell: "I loved George singing for OMEN [and] I have great respect for him. However, I made a commitment to OMEN and myself three years ago to try and do the final three OMEN records equal to the first three. I was 53 at the time, I am now 56 and want to accomplish every thing possible before my skills start to diminish. At this rate I will get my first social security check before I finish a new OMEN record. It is simply not acceptable for me to wait any longer. . . At this point in time I must put OMEN above anything else.

"The new record is finally moving forward, and the great thing for me is that it is going to be even better than I thought possible. Matt Story is doing the vocals. He was the person that I wanted all along, [but] it was not possible because of other commitments. He has a great voice and has time to do the OMEN CD now. He has been here every time I have asked and busted his ass to three and four in the morning without a single complaint.

"I honestly feel that 'Hammer Damage' will shock the metal world.

"Look for the new CD by early spring, and then we can start touring again. I think Greece should be the first stop!"

OMEN in 2008 released a live album, "Into the Arena: 20 Years Live", which contained previously unreleased recordings of the band's original lineup.

OMEN appeared at last year's Keep It True XII festival on April 24-25, 2009 at the Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany.