Prior to joining Judas Priest in 1996, Owens was frontman of a heavy metal band called Winter's Bane, with whom he recorded an album called Heart of a Killer in 1993. The young Ohio salesman and tribute band frontman made headlines in 1996 when he went from being a fan of the British metal act Judas Priest to being their lead singer, filling the shoes of Rob Halford (and, by doing so, inspiring the movie "Rock Star," which was later discredited by the band). Despite numerous rumours that Halford would reunite with Priest, Owens recorded two studio albums with his childhood heroes, as well as two live albums and a 2002 DVD release. Recently Owens has been quite successful with his bands ICED EARTH and BEYOND FEAR (Beyond Fear - featuring past members of Winter's Bane)

MUEN: First of all Tim, we would like to thank you for taking time out to do this interview. As you have done 3 'Iced Earth' cd's , or now 4, can we expect more, now that 'Beyond Fear' is in the picture too?

Tim: Oh yea..Iced Earth is my main band, I just love it, But I will continue with both bands.

MUEN: As time constraints can be very demanding, as we can attest to with workin' our "Real" job, life and this as well, How do you manage to be a family man as well as fronting two bands?

Tim: Well Family is first.. You know if there is ever a time where I'm not quite making the money that is worth being away from my family or I could make the same amount at home, I will pick the family! I love music and metal but I think any family person knows that it's family first.

MUEN: I think the concept of the Setians and the story to be told, is as cool as the music. Obviously a lot of time and effort went into making the new Cd "Framing Armageddon" happen. Can you share with us a little of what went on in making this Cd?

Tim: Well that is a question for Jon, I was just called and came in and did my parts, which I do love..it was alot of fun doing it and it is the best CD to date!

MUEN: In looking back over the last year, can you reflect a little on your thoughts of what 'Beyond Fear' has accomplished, as well as tell us when this band became a reality and not just a thought?

Tim: Well first off no one wanted it to work.. But it has been the best reviewed CD I have done so a big FUCK YOU to all the people who put me down and that band! 'Beyond Fear' went real good.. Can't wait to tour the world with it!

MUEN: Ok 3 part question here bro, In Beyond Fear, Imagine you have quite a bit of input musically speaking. am I right? How much input do you have music wise in Iced Earth? and finally how hard was it for you, being limited musically in Judas Priest?

Tim: I really have the same amount of input in both Priest and IE, but I do hope it will change with IE! The good thing is that I can write with Beyond Fear and I have had some other calls lately to do some killer side projects - I just need to pick the right one! As for writing with the other two bands.. I really think my day will come with IE.. at least to help write melodies.

MUEN: Who are some of your influences, other than Rob Halford, vocally speaking?

Tim: Rod.. Ronnie Dio, Chris Cornell, Jon Oliva, Bruce Dickinson..

MUEN: We see that your are supporting the "Heaven and Hell" tour in England with Iced Earth. Is there any news on when this tour might hit the states?

Tim: I wish it would come to the states, This is a great opportunity to open for "Heaven and Hell" and it means a lot to IE.. It will be fun to play a few of these places again!

MUEN: Can you tell us a little about the other members of Beyond Fear? As well as what you think each brings (character and style wise) to this band?

Tim: John Comprix.. guitars and my partner in crime.. we are a team and talk to each other, and send idea's back and forth.. that is what this band is about... it's a lot of fun with John and he is an amazing guitar player! Then Dennis Hayes on bass.. great player and great Family guy.. and he is the bass player for Iced Earth.. and Eric Elkins.. he really is a kick ass metal drummer, fast feet and right in time, and funny as hell!

MUEN: Tell us who Tim is when he's away from music.

Tim: I'm a Pro golfer, I just do music on the side..

MUEN: It would seem that metal is doing very well in the states right now, so in your opinion, why do you think the European shift has taken place for Metal bands?

Tim: Well metal is just timeless.. and the U.S. has always loved metal.. but the classic metal is back, and that is what we want.

MUEN: Thanks for taking the time and the new Iced Earth CD, in my opinion, is Highly anticipated and should be hall of fame material in the same sense as Iron Maiden. Both of these bands use stories and really hold the listeners attention with the talent and efforts they give!

Tim: Thanks buddy... all of you check out my web page and myspace for info and CD's and merch!

Interview by Metal Mike