
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 |
CD2:
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Tracks 1-9: Live Tracks 10-12: Demos
Original 1993 artwork for 'Heart Of A Killer' |
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
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