News Regarding Power of Omens

[Dave - Power of Omens]

To all of our devoted fans…

It comes with great sorrow, the news I’m about to bring you.

For almost 12 years, this band has consistently found ways to be unique and always move against the grain, never trying to follow in anyone’s shadow… but in doing so, the band also found itself always swimming upstream and against the current in trying to survive amongst all of the amazing bands that have been coming out year after year.

We’ve taken a lot of rough hits from losing our original bassist Matt Williamson to the US Army, losing our original drummer Alex Arellano to musical differences, to just about never having a full time keyboardist until these last few months with the addition of Joel Hopkins. However, our biggest blow was finding out this year that our original bassist, Matt was diagnosed with a terminal cancer that will probably be taking his life soon. So far we’ve been lucky enough to still have him around seeing as he’s already surpassed the doctor’s original diagnosis of not living more than 3 months as of January of this year. Between the chemotherapy, and Matt’s spirits, I truly believe that is what’s kept him around much longer than expected.

As many of you know, I moved to Dallas at the beginning of the year to be closer to the majority of the band, and we’ve been trying to work on the new material for a new CD.

Unfortunately, over the last several months the progress of this band continued to deteriorate in regards to our original plan of schedule to release the new CD by the summer… the lack of dedication and heart soon became extremely evident, not only in myself, but with everyone else. I personally kept looking back to a time when this band was fun, and enjoyable to play in…. a time when 4-5 rehearsals a week wasn’t a hindrance in everyone’s personal lives and schedules, but a chance to get together playing some great music, having fun, and forming a brotherly bond with each other. A time when everyone put in equally into this band. Now those times seem like they’re so far away. I miss so much what the band USED to be… and when Alex and Chris originally left, I thought I could continue forward with a revised version… but the truth is, Power of Omens was such a unique band, that it’s integrity was built by 4 guys almost 10 years ago… an integrity that can only be fueled by those same 4 guys. The passion that once created this band has altered so much from the first time we played together that it’s become clear to me that this has become a very scaled down version of the original Power of Omens.

I don't believe it's fair to the fans not to give you something like our first cd, which had 100% heart. Even Rooms of Anguish received less than good acclaim, and it was at that time that I realized that things were changing. I’ll admit that I’m not an easy person to work with when it comes to this band… but that’s only because it’s been my life for nearly 12 years, and it’s only natural to have extremely high expectations for anyone who becomes involved because it feels like your life is in their hands… and when those expectations are not met, then I feel like there is something that I need to do about it. So without going into additional details or specifics, it has come down to one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my entire life.

So with deep sorrow, and a broken heart… it’s time for me to lay Power of Omens to rest. No words can describe how sorry I am to have to bring this news to those who believed in us so much… but with the change in this band… it’s no longer worth the stress or the constant struggle to survive. I truly wish the rest of the guys in the band much luck and success with what ever they decide to do from this point out, as they are all amazing musicians… as I will continue with my acoustic venture, I hope they find happiness in what ever projects or endeavors they decide to follow as well.



~David Gallegos

[FataMorgana]

Dave,

Sorry to hear this news! I'll certainly miss the opportunity to experience new music from PofO!!!

One of the most consistent things in life is change....whether we like it or not.

Good luck to everyone in the band!!!!

Take care,
Stacy

[Jax]

You guys have been part of my life for 8 years now, and I love you all like family. Thank you for 8 years of wonderful friendship & excellent music..I love you all & wish you only joy and love and success in the future. PofO will always be a part of me.

[Rick Pierpont]

Sorry to hear this news Dave!

I know that you have put your heart and soul into the band and understand how difficult it was for you to make that decision. You are an incredibly talented guitarist and I know that you can still come out and kick some ass! Who knows? Perhaps, you will find another band in the future that challenges you and makes you happy!

I also know that you were working with some talented guys there. I wish them all the luck in the future as well!

Are you coming to PP? If so, I hope to get the opportunity to hang out with you some!

Take care and good luck!

[v01c354nd51gn5]

Dave, so sorry to hear about everything. i just had a close relative pass away from a terminal cancer, so i can understand to an extent what u and the guys must be going thru. its sad to have to say goodbye to Power of Omens. i can remember when i first heard "As Winter Falls" i can remember thinking, *wow this is one of my favorite songs already, just after one listen.* with any luck you'll pick it back up in a few years and continue to work on the new material. well i wish you and the guys all the best in the years to come.

[dargormudshark]

Too bad to hear that Dave, you guys had some bad ass stuff

[BalanceofPower]

I'm really sorry for you guys. I really hope things can get better for all of you. This news really brought me down, I was looking forward for the new Omens CD. I wish you guys all the best in everything, hang in there you still have fans that care.

[IOfTheStorm]

Very sad news. I was really looking forward for a new POO release..nevertheless as some friends say "leave the past behind, the long road lies ahead". Good luck, and im sure the future can always be bright for so talented and full of inspiration musicians like you.

[ZHJ&T]

To all my brothas in Power of Omens,
I can remember the day when my brother and I were flipping out to 'The Eyes of the Oracle'. Just want you guys to know your music will live on forever to many of your fans and friends.
I'm really sorry to hear about Matt and wish him and his family nothing but the best.
I want to thank Power of Omens all the great music they shared with us and to the friendships Zero Hour has with Power of Omens.

Jasun and Troy

[BlackwaterNymph]

I saw the bulletin on Myspace earlier. Sad indeed for the band and the fans. I wish all of you the best, and good luck. On the bright side, maybe you can move from Dallas now.

[OdinsCourt]