OMEGA DAWN is here to make an impact.

Hype! It seems every band you read or come across these days has the same story, the same look and the same claim to future fame. Without taking a glance at OMEGA DAWN you could have asked yourself what made these guys think they were any different from any of the millions of other bands out there trying to make it this already used, abused and bloated market? Let's face it, there’s already a sea of long haired, muscle bound tattooed rockers on every street corner claiming they’re the next big thing, playing the loud music and giving attitude stares that makes parents everywhere lock up their daughters.

But when you actually stop and look into the core of OMEGA DAWN, you realise what they have achieved. You can begin to understand why they are being claimed by so many rock, punk, metal, grunge and alternative genre fans as their own and as a band on course with rock destiny. They simply effect so many cross cultures through their music. Whether this was a deliberate ploy or not, the fact they have the capability to unite such different cross cultures is a marketers dream.

Hailing from Napier, New Zealand, OMEGA DAWN formed in November 2003 from the ashes of local hard rock group Antrius that included powerhouse bassist Jon Farquharson and potential heir to Jimi Hendrix's throne Ben Molnar. After scouting the nation's musical ranks they came into discussions with ultra-focused melody / hook conscious singer-songwriter Damien Gouder who had already made a name for himself with his passionate commanding solo performances and soaring voice. Ultimately it was a combination that would prove fiery but extremely creative and potent.

After trialing several drummers they settled on Phill Burton a creative wild rock drummer with flair and his own brand of attitude. Then came the final addition, guitarist Khan Ratima, an urban legend viewed by many as one of the most dynamic guitarist and performers to watch on stage. The fact he grew up in the same battle worn neighbourhood as Damien probably afforded them the same attitude to live or die by success on stage. It was this mixture of Jon’s, Ben's and Phill's exciting Showmanship combined with Damien and Khan's direct and powerful approach that attracted such strong attention to OMEGA DAWN.

The sound OMEGA DAWN produced was moody power groove rock with the odd epic ballad to steal whatever resistance to their music listeners could have. Damien's obsession with Song structure and hooks and his powerful front man presence fused brilliantly with the band members drive to fully express themselves as virtuosos of major magnitude. It wasn't long until Omega Dawn picked up radio play, television coverage and invitation to New Zealand's biggest venues to perform. They received large printed media attention and broke a major newspapers record with six feature articles and two cover photo shots in 3 months. Add in the fact they became the most talked about act on the forums of the nations biggest rock websites when major acts like Korn and System of a down etc were touring and you have an idea how much heat this band was generating. Also not to forget that legendry Eagles Guitarist Joe Walsh asked them to add their weight to his New Zealand tour by opening for him and they were also asked to headline the Brothers of Metal concert in the Nations capital Wellington, on which they allowed their songs to used in a huge promotion campaign for radio and television. A band that had been together just barely 2 years had already made a huge impact. And they were unsigned!

Then came the overseas offers for the band, from labels, distributors and festival organisers but Omega Dawn never received or were offered the type of deal that could see this band fly to its full potential. Obviously finance played a huge factor, and while large festivals were extremely interested in them in Europe, the bands failure to raise this daunting level of capital unfortunately spelt trouble for the band's burning international intentions. So some of the heat began to fall off the band while focus then turned to their now growing famous front man Damien. His reputation had grown exceptionally and he received a phone call offering a deal to leave to Europe and prove himself to an international management company. Unfortunately for OMEGA DAWN'S current situation Damien had no choice but to take the opportunity given to him. So he left to fly to Europe and prove himself inside the music industry. This was extremely disappointing for the many fans who had followed the band from its early stage. Just when the band seemed to almost have the world at its feet everything seemed to change.

But Damien's ambition as a musician was always international. His talent and attitude could have never kept him in New Zealand or for him the band he so believed in. The remaining band members became swamped with letters, emails and phone calls from media and fans wanting to know what was happening with OMEGA DAWN. What was the official story? Omega Dawn and Damien remained one of the hottest forum topics on the nation's music websites. And any remaining recordings were snapped up by the bands fans.
Bands are meant to die off when this sort of thing happens, but it seemed legends began to grow about OMEGA DAWN. Maybe wishful hoping of the fans or straight out hopes but rumours began to grow about Damien's achievements and meetings overseas and band developments back home.

This perhaps now remains a time of reflection for all people connected to OMEGA DAWN over the last 3-year period. Whether they are friend, fan, enemy or band member. Could this band ever been stopped from reaching its potential? Had it been stopped?
Or was this just a growing pain?

Maybe the rumours will soon end…