Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

An end of times, for a country that is intrinsically, fundamentally divided cannot hope to continue; like a marriage that has hit the wreckage of toxic behaviour, the worst aspects of a country’s outward appearance overshadow any good that can possibly be gleaned, or indeed salvaged, from.

Ω, the sign of the culmination of days, of order, the beginning, and the end; such is the effect of the last Greek letter on the subconscious of humanity that it is easy to see its influence when taking in art that deals with the progression of cause and effect of a dream, a national aspiration, that has become fractured, twisted, broken by mad men and corporate pockets. For when a nation cannot see the harm it is inflicting upon its own people, then what hope do we have that it will notice the potential damage it will inflict, and inspire, on the rest of the world.

It is no accident that the cover of the new album by The Alarm shows one of the most disturbing acts of internal terrorism to ever take place on the United States of America soil, and it is with keeping of how the band started out, how they made a stand in the debut recording of Declaration. For in Ω (Omega), an ending is felt most passionately, fervently, the anger of a world that gone from seeing one nation implode, one loses its way and led by fools, and another take on the mantle of the aggressor incarnate, such is the end of times that the persuasive power of Mike Peters is forever spot on its observation and commentary.

If Declaration was the statement of honest opening intent, then Ω is its authentic and direct counterpart, and across tracks such as the fiery opener of Protect And Survive, Tribes (Stop The War), Crush, Warriors, Gods And Demons, and Safe From Harm, The Alarm stride purposely towards the moment of confrontation and striking out at those that would harm each individual, every group of people that just want the right to exist and be happy.

You can always rely on The Alarm, no matter the incarnation or membership, to truly pinpoint the issue at hand and slap seven bells of the proverbial out of those with disingenuous intent and willing to spread fear, division, and hate. In Ω that purpose of life itself is fully, and wonderfully exhibited, a resounding and candid warning to those who believe themselves in command that they will surely meet with oblivion themselves.

Ian D. Hall