Artist: OMEN
Album: 20TH ANNIVERSARY BOX (2CD+DVD BOX)

Release date: 2003
Media type: CD

One of the classic early American heavy metal bands, Omen embraced the British metal sound and added a powerful raw energy and barbarian/warrior fixation. They weren't as polished and precise as Warlord or Virgin Steele, but they brought plenty of power to the emerging power metal scene, and remain an essential band to anyone interested in the `80s cult metal scene. To celebrate the band's 20th anniversary, Metal Blade put together a terrific box set that includes remastered versions of Omen's best albums, as well as some interesting bonus material. Here's what you get:

Disc 1 is the band's 1984 debut Battle Cry. This really is the ultimate Omen album, with classic (and yes, totally cheesy) metal anthems like "The Axeman," "Battle Cry" and of course "Be My Wench." The album has been remastered and there is a pair of live bonus tracks.

Disc 2 is a DVD of the band's 1984 live performance at the Country Club in L.A. The footage isn't high quality, but it's a very cool look back at the early American heavy metal scene.

Disc 3 contains the band's 1985 album Warning of Danger and their 1987 EP Nightmares. They're a little more polished than Battle Cry, but still have a great metal spirit. Standouts on this disc include "Hell's Gates," "Don't Fear the Night" and the ultimate metal anthem "March On." They've been remastered as well.

This box set is an essential purchase for longtime Omen fans as well as fans of bands like Helstar, Savage Grace, Armored Saint and Vicious Rumors that might be looking for a good place to start with this classic band. It's not that easy to find these days, but it is well worth the effort.

CD 1 - Battle Cry:

1. Death Rider
2. The Axeman
3. Last Rites
4. Dragon's Breath
5. Be My Wench
6. Torture Me
7. Battle Cry
8. Die By The Blade
9. Prince Of Darkness
10. Bring Out The Beast
11. In The Arena
12. Battle Cry (Live)

CD 2 - Warning Of Danger + Nightmares:

1. Warning Of Danger
2. March On
3. Ruby Eyes (Of The Serpent)
4. Don't Fear The Night
5. V.B.P.
6. Premonition
7. Termination
8. Make Me Your King
9. Red Horizon
10. Hell's Gates
11. Termination (Live)
12. Nightmares
13. Shock Treatment
14. Dragonґs Breath
15. Termination
16. Dragon's Breath
17. Bounty Hunter
18. Whole Lotta Rosie (Live)

DVD - Live At The Country Club, Los Angeles, September 1984:

1. Intro (2:06)
2. Death Rider (3:49)
3. Dragon’s Breath (3:20)
4. Road Warrior (4:38)
5. The Axeman (4:35)
6. Be My Wench (4:20)
7. Die By The Blade (3:47)
8. In The Arena (4:18)
9. Prince Of Darkness (3:03)
10. Bring Out The Beast (5:37)
11. Battle Cry (3:29)
12. Torture Me (3:38)