The Secret Emotional Cheating Story Behind Hinder's 'Lips Of An Angel'—And Where The Band Is Now In 2025

Few songs define the mid-2000s rock era quite like Hinder’s "Lips of an Angel." Released as the second single from their debut album, *Extreme Behavior*, in 2006, the track quickly became an inescapable, multi-platinum-selling power ballad that topped charts across rock, pop, and even country formats. It is a song that perfectly captures a moment of intense emotional conflict: the protagonist is in a new relationship, but a late-night phone call from an ex-lover reveals a deep, unresolved connection, forcing him to confront a difficult truth.

As of December 2025, the story behind the song remains as compelling as the melody itself. The controversial, yet universally relatable, theme of emotional infidelity was not a fictional construct; it was a real-life experience of the band’s original frontman, Austin Winkler. This deep dive explores the raw, honest lyrics, the song's lasting impact, and the latest updates on the band Hinder, who have recently returned with a new studio album.

The Man Behind the Voice: Austin Winkler's Profile & Biography

The raw, gravelly vocals that made "Lips of an Angel" an instant classic belong to Austin John Winkler, the original lead singer of Hinder.

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• Full Name: Austin John Winkler
• Born: October 25, 1981 (Age 44 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Career Role: Original and former lead vocalist of the rock band Hinder (2001–2013).
• Key Albums with Hinder: *Extreme Behavior* (2005) and *Take It to the Limit* (2008).
• Solo Career: Following his departure from Hinder in 2013, Winkler pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album, *Love Sick Radio*, in 2016.
• Personal Life: He was married to model Jami Miller.
• Current Status: Winkler has been open about his struggles, which led to a period of stepping away from music, but his work with Hinder continues to define the post-grunge era.

The True Story of the 'Covert Phone Call' That Inspired the Lyrics

The reason "Lips of an Angel" resonated with millions of listeners is its unflinching honesty about a morally ambiguous situation. The song’s narrative—a secret, late-night conversation with an ex while a new partner sleeps nearby—was directly pulled from the life of Austin Winkler.

A Real-Life Dilemma on Tour

The song was co-written by the band and producer Brian Howes. The inspiration struck while Winkler was on the road. He was in a new relationship, but he was still struggling to let go of a former love. The lyrics perfectly detail the moment: receiving an unexpected call from his ex, which he has to take covertly.

The opening lines immediately set the scene of emotional risk:

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Honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now.
Honey why you crying, is everything okay?
I gotta whisper 'cause I can't be too loud.

The phrase "I gotta whisper 'cause I can't be too loud" is the crucial line, establishing the secrecy and the proximity of his current girlfriend, who is "sleeping next to me."

The Core Theme: Emotional Infidelity

While the song is a slow-burn power ballad, its subject matter is undeniably controversial. It’s a classic rock anthem about emotional cheating. The protagonist is physically faithful to his new partner, but his heart and mind are still entangled with the ex. The emotional connection he shares with the ex is so powerful that it makes it "hard to be faithful."

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The chorus is the ultimate expression of this internal conflict:

Well, I know I said that I was over you,
But girl, you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel.

The 'lips of an angel' are a metaphor for the ex-girlfriend’s voice and the sweet, irresistible words she speaks, which—despite the relationship being over—still have a profound, weakening effect on him.

'Lips of an Angel' Legacy and Hinder's 2025 Comeback

The song’s success was monumental. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and crossed over to multiple genres, becoming a defining track of the post-grunge and alternative rock movements of the mid-2000s. Its popularity cemented Hinder’s debut album, *Extreme Behavior*, as a platinum-selling record, despite initially receiving mixed reviews from critics.

The Evolution of Hinder

Following Austin Winkler’s departure in 2013, the band continued with new vocalists, maintaining their hard rock sound and touring schedule. The band, known for its high-energy rock shows, has consistently played over 100 shows a year, proving their enduring appeal.

Fresh Music in 2025: *Back To Life*

In a move that has energized their fanbase, Hinder has roared back into the spotlight with new music. After an eight-year hiatus from the studio, the band released their seventh studio album, *Back To Life*, in May 2025. The album and subsequent headline tour, which included support from bands like Saliva, showcased the band's reinspired energy and commitment to their rock roots.

The release of *Back To Life* proves that Hinder, even without its original frontman, continues to be a relevant force in rock music. Their dedication to the genre, which they helped define alongside peers like Daughtry, Theory of a Deadman, and Seether, ensures that the legacy of tracks like "Lips of an Angel" will continue to be celebrated by a new generation of listeners.

Topical Entities and Related Songs

To fully appreciate "Lips of an Angel," it’s essential to place it within its musical context. The song is a prime example of the post-grunge and nu metal-adjacent power ballad genre that dominated the airwaves in the 2000s. Its success paved the way for many other songs with similar themes of heartbreak and emotional complexity.

Key Topical Entities & Related Music:

• Album: *Extreme Behavior* (2005)
• Genre: Post-Grunge, Alternative Rock, Power Ballad
• Producer/Co-Writer: Brian Howes
• Record Label: Universal Records
• Bands with Similar Sound/Era: Daughtry, Theory of a Deadman, Shinedown, Chevelle, Seether, The Calling, Creed.
• Related Hinder Songs: "Get Stoned," "Better Than Me," "Take It to the Limit."
• LSI Keywords: Emotional infidelity, late-night phone call, relationship conflict, 2000s rock anthems, Austin Winkler solo career.

Ultimately, "Lips of an Angel" endures because it speaks to a universal human experience: the struggle to completely let go of a past love, even when you’ve moved on. It’s a beautifully written, yet deeply flawed, confession set to a perfect rock melody, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable songs of its decade.