The American power metal band Winters Bane was formed in 1990 in Akron, Ohio, by guitarist Lou St. Paul. Arguably most known as the band Tim "Ripper" Owens was in before he was asked to join Judas Priest. The band continues to deliver their brand of power metal, despite an ever revolving door of band members.
HEART OF A KILLER (1993, 2000) CENTURY MEDIA
CD1:
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Line-up: Tim Owens - Vocals, Backing Vocals Lou St. Paul - Rhythm Guitars, Lead Guitar, 6-string Acoustic Guitar Dennis Hayes - Bass Guitar Terry Salem - Drums Additional musician: Gerhard Magin - Keyboards
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CD2:
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Tracks 1-9: Live Tracks 10-12: Demos
Original 1993 artwork for 'Heart Of A Killer' |
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A concept piece based on the murderous exploits of one Judge Cohagen, Winters Bane's debut album from 1993 went fairly unnoticed passed most metalheads. But when vocalist Tim Owens joined Judas Priest, people suddenly wanted to seek out the mans past efforts. It wasn't long before Century Media re-released the album, and added a second live/demo CD as a bonus. So now we get to hear an album that should have become known when it was new, rather that becoming "the album from the band "Ripper" used to sing for". 'Heart Of A Killer' stands on it's own, and I can't imagine any fan of traditional US power metal not digging it. Tim actually delivers some of his best work here, whilst Lou St. Paul shows himself to be one of the most underrated players around. He brings you some outstanding lead work, and crunchy riffing for sure. This is what power metal is all about! 'Heart Of A Killer' is a power metal gem, if I ever heard one!
Killer tracks: Blink Of An Eye, Horror Glances, Night Shade, Cleansing Mother
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Line-up: Lou St. Paul - Guitars, Bass Mark Cross - Drums Alexander Koch - Vocals
* = bonus tracks (from the 2003 demo)
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After several years of silence, and perhaps also after once more being of current interest as the former band of Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex-Judas Priest, ex-Iced Earth, Beyond Fear), Winters Bane delivers a new album. The new line-up consists of the only consistent members, and band leader, Lou St. Paul, Mark Cross (Firewind, ex-Helloween, Metalium) and Alexander Koch (Powergod). Together they pound out some powerful metal for all to hear. Winters Bane plays the combination of classic metal and thrash that originally was labeled power metal. Forget all about the flowery European stuff labeled power metal today, because this is the real deal! Building the songs on hard hitting riffs and powerhouse vocals is where it's at. And with Curran Murphy's (Annihilator, Nevermore) capable production, the result sounds magnificent. Musically they are in the 'Painkiller' inspired metal variety. The guitars are downtuned, giving a darker overall sound. Not sure why a capable guitarist like Lou feels he has to turn to "tricks" to get this heavy feel, but it actually works pretty good here nonetheless. And in addition to the sheer heaviness and power of the music, there are also several speedier elements present. A song like "Dead Faith" has a definitive Nevermore flare, right down to the eerie vocals. But for the most part 'Redivivus' sports that patented American power metal sound. And I for one really dig it! This might not be the most famous band around. And that is really a shame. Because Lou and crew has always delivered the goods, and I bet that 'Redivivus' will become an underground favorite, just like 'Heart Of A Killer' was before it.
I own the European version of the CD, released through Metal Heaven. It features the 4 tracks from the bands 2003 demo as bonuses.
Killer tracks: Seal The Light, Dead Faith, Remember To Forget, Burning Bridges, Waves Of Fury
Mark Cross guest appearances:
Helloween - 'Rabbit Don't Come Easy'
Related artists:
Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Beyond Fear, Metalium, Powergod, At Vance, Firewind, Seven Witches, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jack Frost
REDIVIVUS (2006) METAL HEAVEN