Winters Bane - Heart Of A Killer

My personal belief is that the only positive fact for the hiring of Tim Owens as a vocalist to the mighty Judas Priest line up back in 1997, is the fact that I and I suppose many of you, “found” the previous band of Owens, Winters Bane and specific the first album by the band and the only one that Owen contributed, the legendary, “Heart Of A Killer”, originally released by Massacre records around 1993, also re released by Century Media featuring a bonus CD with some bonus material (Demos and a full show)
\r\nI remember the day I purchased the album, I ve been thinking that I m about to listen another judas priest rip off, thankfully I was wrong. “Heart Of A Killer” sounds close to the Queensryche school, melodic power metal with high pitched vocals and with a more progressive attitude. The Same day just before listen to the album, I was convinced that I’m about to be impressed by the vocals of Owens…wrong again! I surely admire Tim’s vocal abilities but I ve been shocked by the guitarist of the band, Lou St Paul and his playing and composing abilities.
\r\nThe Album is full of memorable melodic lines, great riffage and the ability of Owens of touching higher and higher octaves without stopping. The melody of the vocal lines is for sure much better than the two albums Tim did with Judas Priest and the production is a typical 90’s production, also a little bit raw, something that push the band to sound more aggressive.
\r\n The Album features ten compositions in the same musical style and since is a concept album the lyrical theme is about Judge Gohagen and the revenge of one of his victims.
\r\nTracks like “Haunted House”, “Night Shade” (that reminds me of Savatage musicl style_), The Silhouette, Horror Glances, are not tracks that can be composed every day by anyone, of course the other tracks are not “fillers” .
\r\nThe album also contains a theatrical atmosphere, something that can put this album close to King Diamond albums, counting the fact that Owens, changes his voice from character to character of this concept.
\r\nAnyway, If you are a fan of bands like, Queensryche, Savatage, King Diamond and yet you haven’t heard this one, then you are missing a great album.
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\r\nLampros “Witchfynder” Tennes
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