Winters Bane--Heart of a Killer (1993)
Rating--8.7
Cleansing Mother--RealAudio Blink of an Eye--RealAudio
Band featuring the new singer of
Judas Priest, Tim Owens. I got this CD to hear
Owens. 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 will be vital
with Priest. And for those who are no doubt wondering: no, he isn't an
exact clone of Halford. He has great range, and he can hit the high
notes. 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".
**UPDATE**--Obviously the Priest album is out now, and there is no
dissapointment. This is definitely the man to fuel Priest into the next
millenium...
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
my back!
TRACK LIST: Wages of Sin/Blink of an Eye/Heart of a Killer/Horror Glances/The Silhouette/Reflections Within/Haunted House/Night Shade/Winters Bane/Cleansing Mother
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