Akron, Ohio Heavy Metal band BRAINICIDE debuted in 1990. Two demos were recorded, 'Damage Daze' and 'Brutal Mentality' through Tension Tapes Inc. Singer Tim Owens would claw his way up into the international Metal spotlight journeying through WINTER'S BANE before being discovered by JUDAS PRIEST in 1996. Re-billed as "Ripper Owens", the singer featured on two JUDAS PRIEST studio albums, 'Jugulator' and 'Demolition', prior to vacating his post to a returning Rob Halford.

Subsequently he forged BEYOND FEAR then enrolled into the ranks of ICED EARTH where he remained until December 2007. In March 2008 Owens joined up with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. It was announced in December 2008 that Owens, together with guitarist Andreas Kisser, of SEPULTURA, drummer Jimmy DeGrasso, from ALICE COOPER and MEGADETH, and bassist David Ellefson, F5 and MEGADETH, would be touring Chile between 22nd and 27th January 2009 for five shows, in Santiagho, Valparaiso, Concepcion, Puerto Montt and Antofagasta, under the collective name HAIL!