Winters Bane--Heart of a Killer (1993)
Rating--8.7
Band featuring the late-90's replacement singer for Judas Priest, Tim Owens. I got this CD to hear Owens, prior to the release of 'Jugulator'. I came away with two things--not only was I impressed with his vocal talents (very impressed), but also the talent of the band itself. Guitarist Lou St. Paul, who does a large chunk of the writing, should be commended. Both his playing and his songwriting levels are above the everyday fare being put out today. The album sounds very Priest-like in some parts, with bits and pieces of other bands mixed in. A little Megadeth here, a little Maiden there, with some Sanctuary weaved in as well. The guitar sound is strong and crisp, and Owens' vocals seem to settle in as the album goes on. The first song grabs your attention, the second song makes you sit straight, and by the end both Tim and the musicians are simply smoking.
Owens displays both range and power--attributes that would end up being vital to touring with Priest. It's no secret that he emulated Rob's voice and style while younger and in cover bands. However, his "regular" singing voice is a bit deeper than Rob's, and he has developed certain quarks that appear to be unique. Just as Rob had an "edge" to his voice, so does Owens; however, again, it's a style all his own. There is the same sense of a "vocalist on the prowl" that Priest has always displayed, and all emotions are elaborately shown through the singing, giving the listener a full sense of the mood of the songs.
Highlights include "Blink of an Eye," "The Silhouette," "Haunted House," "Night Shade," "Cleasing Mother," and the instrumental "Winters Bane".
HOT CHOPS--Have any doubts that Owens will be a nice fit for Priest? Listen to the line in "Cleansing Mother" following the first chorus--"...screaming in the air!" Rob incarnate!! It sends shivers down the back!

TRACK LIST:

  1. Wages of Sin
  2. Blink of an Eye
  3. Heart of a Killer
  4. Horror Glances
  5. The Silhouette
  6. Reflections Within
  7. Haunted House
  8. Night Shade
  9. Winters Bane
  10. Cleansing Mother
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