Omega Wave

Omega Wave is another album from a reunited band – we've had quite a few of these lately, haven't we? (I'm not complaining.) I was never much into Forbidden; I found Forbidden Evil alright waaayy back when, but that's about it, so I wasn't on the edge of my seat waiting for newer material. I should note that I revisited Forbidden Evil after getting this new album and found a new appreciation for it. So there. ;)

We've been served a lot of Thrash lately and this here is quite different – instead of a more basic and aggressive, all-hell-breaks-loose approach, Forbidden is more of a Power/Prog/Thrash outfit. This is much "cleaner" that your average Thrash, though I must say Omega Wave isn't a sleepy release by any means – this thing blasts away practically from beginning to end with a few short quiet passages and a few more mid-paced, more melodic moments where it sounds more like aggressive Power Metal.

One cannot ignore the vocals here – again a departure from "your usual Thrash" – clean but aggressive, varied range, often taking full lead with soaring, powerful and melodic singing. It took me a little while to get used to the vocalist's voice, but now I'm hooked.

Forbidden have come back with a powerful, varied and simply interesting album and have resisted the urge to jump on "what's cool with the kids today" (*cough*I'm looking at you Exodus*cough*.) This is a long album at over 60 minutes and there's a lot going on and at first it may seem a bit messy – give it a few listens before passing judgment: It's worth the effort.