Omen UK

Omen UK had short lived between 1980-1982, but still released one demo tape at that time. We got in touch with guitarist Will Philpot, that actually plays with N.W.O.B.H.M. band Millennium and Power Metal band Serpents Kiss.

Q. - Hey Will! When did Omen start? Who were the first members? Tell us a bit about the beginning of the band.

Will Philpot - Hey Paulo! In 1980 I was approached by bassist Mick Thompson and drummer Dave Moore and asked if I wanted to form a band with them along with vocalist Rod Jinks. We initially rehearsed in Dave’s bedroom, doing covers such as Paranoid and Starbreaker to see what we sounded like.

Q. - What were your main influences at the very beginning of the band?

Will Philpot - We were influenced by older bands like Sabbath and Priest but also by newer bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard.

Q. - How about shows? Did you play regularly in the UK back then? Or was it hard for a heavy metal band to be booked in the area at that time?

Will Philpot - We had a regular support slot at a local Rock night at the Zetland Pub in Saltburn, opening for other local bands such as Black Rose.

Q. - At this time did you play some covers too, or was it only your own songs?

Will Philpot - We played a lot of covers – Starbreaker, Ripper, Diamonds and Rust (Judas Priest), Paranoid (Black Sabbath), Ace of Spades (Motorhead), Sin City, Overdose (AC/DC).

Q. - After the first demos, did you try to approach a label, to record an LP?

Will Philpot - We were young and naïve and were just happy playing live. We were lucky enough to record the demo for free at a local school.

Q. - When did "Omen" split up exactly? What happened that lead to the split?

Will Philpot - Mick Thompson, bass, left to form another band but was soon asked to join Black Rose. Rod and I went on to play in other local bands, Danger, Twin Star and Crazy Cottage. Sadly no demos were recorded and all live tapes have been lost.

Q. - What do you think that lacked to "Omen" to have a successful career?

Will Philpot - I think we were young and inexperienced. Maybe if we had a manager or summon to support us we could have gone further.

Q. - Did you stay in touch with the other former members over the years?

Will Philpot - Rod Jinks and I have remained close friends and I occasionally see Dave at concerts.

Q. - Around 2000 you joined Serpents Kiss, how did that happen?

Will Philpot - I formed Serpents Kiss for the love of writing and playing Metal. I have recorded three demos over the years, the first two with Rod Jinks on vocals and one with two female vocalists. We release our first album proper in October (Dragon Lord) with Nikki Wozzo on vocals and Mike ‘Machine’ Malais on drums.

Q. - Next step you joined Millennium, in 2015, were you familiar with them, back in the day?

Will Philpot - No, I had never heard of them! I was advertising for a vocalist to join Serpents Kiss and Mark Duffy contacted me and asked if I would join Millennium.

Q. - The album "Awakening" has been out for a while, how’s it being received by Millennium fans so far, despite the severe economic crisis that affects all of us?

Will Philpot - It’s had fantastic reviews and decent sales. Pure Steel Records offered us a contract for the next album. Spiritual Beast Records have just released Awakening in Asian territories with three bonus tracks.

Q. - Do you have plans to tour or any festival appearance?

Will Philpot - We have lots of gigs coming up this year including Headbangers Open Air (Germany), A Day of Rock (UK), Mearfest North (UK) etc….

Q. - How do you do to concentrate in two different kinds of music and compose for both, with Millennium and Serpents Kiss?

Will Philpot - I present ideas to Mark (Millennium) and he decides which ones he likes and we take it from there. The same with Nikki (Serpents Kiss). The Millennium tracks are on the heavier side and that suites Marks vocal style (he was vocalist and founder member of Thrash band Toronaga).

Q. - Besides Millennium and Serpents Kiss, do you play in any other band now-a-days?

Will Philpot - I record guitar and bass for a friend who writes contemporary pop music.

Q. - Were you surprised when "Obscure NWOBHM Releases", got in touch with you to release Dragon Flight compilation?

Will Philpot - Very surprised indeed. And very pleased. They were great times and I’m so glad that more people can get to hear the raw energy from the old days.

Q. - Looking back in time, after so many years, how do you see the "Omen" adventure?

Will Philpot - Great memories! I just wish we had recorded more.

Q. - Anything more you want to say, to end up this interview?

Will Philpot - Thanks for your interest and all the best for the future.

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!