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Band Timeline

2013-2015

Formation and Early Years of Bad Omens

Bad Omens was formed in 2015 in Richmond, Virginia, after vocalist Noah Sebastian began writing lyrics in 2013 while performing with another band. Sebastian reconnected with friends Nicholas Ruffilo and Vincent Riquier to start the band, later adding Swedish guitarist Joakim 'Jolly' Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio. The members relocated from their homes in Sweden and Richmond to build the band. Initially, they released a demo EP that caught the attention of Sumerian Records, which offered them a record deal. The band's name originally was the title for a song that eventually was renamed.
2015-2017

Debut Album Release and Early Tours

After rehearsing extensively, Bad Omens recorded their self-titled debut album in Belleville, New Jersey, with producer Will Putney. They released singles including 'Glass Houses,' 'Exit Wounds,' and 'The Worst in Me' between 2015 and 2016. The latter single gained almost one million streams within a month, leading to support slots on significant tours such as Sumerian Records' 10 Year Tour and the Ten Years in the Black Tour with Asking Alexandria, boosting their profile. The debut album released in August 2016 earned comparisons to influential metalcore acts and helped them secure large live shows in the US. In 2017, they played on Warped Tour, expanding their fan base, and vocalist Noah Sebastian contributed to Winds of Plague's fifth album. They also supported Parkway Drive's Reverence tour in 2018.
2019-2020

Second Album: Finding God Before God Finds Me

Bad Omens released their sophomore album, 'Finding God Before God Finds Me,' in 2019. This solidified their presence in the metalcore scene, showcasing matured songwriting and production. They initially planned to support other acts on tour, but took time to focus on writing and refining this album. The album's deluxe edition was released in 2020, providing fans with additional content and remixes. This period affirmed their growing popularity and artistic development.
2022

Third Album and Breakthrough with 'Just Pretend'

In 2022, Bad Omens released their third studio album, 'The Death of Peace of Mind.' This album included the song 'Just Pretend,' which became the band's biggest hit to date. The track gained substantial popularity and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), highlighting its commercial success. The album and single further expanded Bad Omens' reach beyond traditional metalcore circles, providing them with mainstream recognition and solidifying their career trajectory.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Nicholas Ruffilo

2015

Guitar

Joakim “Jolly” Karlsson

2015

Electric guitar

Joakim “Jolly” Karlsson

2015

Background vocals

Nick Folio

2015

Nicholas Ruffilo

2015

Bass

Noah Sebastian

2015

Lead vocals

Nicholas Ruffilo

2015

Background vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Vincent Riquier

2015
2018

Bass

Story of Bad Omens

Bad Omens, the Richmond, Virginia-based heavy metal powerhouse, exploded onto the scene in 2015. Founded by vocalist and producer Noah Sebastian, guitarist Nicholas Ruffilo, and bassist Vincent Riquier, the band quickly expanded, adding guitarist/producer Joakim "Jolly" Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2016 via Sumerian Records, garnered critical acclaim and established them as a force to be reckoned with.

Following the success of their debut, Bad Omens unleashed their sophomore effort, Finding God Before God Finds Me, in 2019 (with a deluxe edition dropping in 2020). Their ascent continued with the release of their third album, The Death of Peace of Mind, in 2022. This album yielded the platinum-certified, RIAA-awarded smash hit "Just Pretend," catapulting Bad Omens to new heights of popularity and solidifying their status as a major player in the modern metal landscape.

Early Years (2013-2015):

The genesis of Bad Omens can be traced back to 2013, when Sebastian, while moonlighting as a guitarist for the Washington, D.C. band Immoralist, secretly began crafting the lyrical foundations of what would become his own project. Departing Immoralist in 2014, Sebastian recruited Ruffilo, an old friend, to kickstart Bad Omens. Riquier, another friend, joined the fold and introduced the band to Karlsson, a Swedish musician he’d toured with previously. This international collaboration led Karlsson and Riquier to relocate from their respective homes in Sweden and Richmond, a move facilitated by a friend of Karlsson's who launched a small record label initially supporting the band's burgeoning music.

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