American power metal band. Originally started out as Purgatory in 1984. Changed their name to Iced Earth in 1988, and released their first album. After a few albums, they called it quits in 1992, only to re-emerge in 1995. This time head-chief Jon Schaffer brings along vocalist Matthew Barlow, and now they start their climb to heavy metal stardom! One of the truly original, yet classic metal bands around. Their blend of classic metal, power metal, and thrash puts them up amongst my favorite bands. Jon Schaffer also have a side-project, called Demons &Wizards.
'Night Of The Stormrider' line-up.
ICED
EARTH (1991) CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Jon Schaffer -
Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals |
Iced Earth debut was released at a time when real heavy metal was quickly loosing ground. Thus neither the band, or this album, got the recognition they deserved. I, for one, didn't discover them until 'Something Wicked This Way Come' in 1998. I was also of that mind that Matt Barlow was hugely responsible for me liking Iced Earth. So I never really bothered to check out their fist CD. Well, I might just have to reconsider that thought now. It is clearly evident that Jon Schaffer is the mastermind behind the bands music, and that is probably the most apparent here. Even with Gene Adam behind the microphone, this still sounds 100% Iced Earth to me. Several of the tracks from this album is also been a part of their live set ever since. To conclude, 'Iced Earth' is a fine power metal album, and as good as anything the band have put out since.
Killer tracks: Iced Earth, Written On The Walls, Curse In The Sky, When The Night Falls
'Burnt Offerings' line-up.
BURNT
OFFERINGS (1995) CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Jon Schaffer -
Rhythm Guitar / Vocals |
Not one of my favorite albums, and the least liked Iced Earth CD in my collection. It's the first to feature vocalist supreme Matthew Barlow, and that's about the most positive thing I can say about it. I prefer the records to follow. 'Burnt Offerings' is the first Iced Earth album to offer a trilogy concept. The last 3 tracks make up for the "Dante's Inferno" trilogy.
Killer tracks: Last December
'The Dark Saga' line-up.
THE DARK SAGA (1996) CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Jon Schaffer -
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals |
This time Iced Earth delivers a great album. They create their own style, both in the music, as well as lyrical concept. Even the cover-art is really cool. It is drawn by Todd McFarland, and that is no coincidence. The album is a concept album about a comic book-series called Spawn. And Spawn is of course drawn by the very same McFarland! He has also drawn the KISS Psycho Circus comics. This album is considered a heavy metal classic, and who would deny that Iced Earth's blend of classic heavy metal, power metal and borderline thrash, is nothing short of amazing? I love how Jon adds those acoustic riffs in some of the softer areas on the album. I love how Matt is delivering all the lyrics as if they were the last ones he'd ever breathe. I love the dynamics of the album, and within the songs themselves. Yes, this is Iced Earth in top form. But who would have thought that even greater things were to follow? Tracks 8 to 10 created "The Suffering"- trilogy.
Killer tracks: Dark Saga, I Died For You, Violate, The Hunter, Vengeance Is Mine
'Something Wicked This Way Comes' line-up.
SOMETHING
WICKED THIS WAY COMES (1998) CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Jon Schaffer - Guitars, Backing Vocals Matthew Barlow - Lead Vocals James MacDonough - Bass Guitar Guest Musicians: Larry Tarnowski - Guitar solos on all songs except 4 Mark "The Creeper" Prator - Drums Susan McQuinn - Flute on 9 Howard Helm - Piano intro to 11.III Tracy Marie LaBarbera - Backing Vocals on 7, 2, 4 Jim Morris - Keyboards, Guitar Solo on 4, Backing Vocals Roger Hughes - Mandolin on 10 |
... And then they created their masterpiece! Nothing Iced Earth did before (and probably ever will again) can top this. It's just the perfect power metal album. Great songs, great playing, and what a singer they have in Mr. Barlow! Every song on this album is AWESOME! But for reference, check out "Burning Times", "Melancholy (Holy Martyr)" and "Disciples Of The Lie". I really fell in love with the album's power-ballads. They are in a league of their own. 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' combines blistering power metal, and mind numbing arrangements. On the surface it seems as thought the band is just playing almost ordinary, straight ahead power metal. But it doesn't take a genius to figure out that the music is a bit more complex than that. Right there in-between heavy metal and thrash metal lies Iced Earth. Continuing the legacy of bands such as Metal Church and Vicious Rumors, only taking it up a notch. The production gives the band the edge this music needs, and the entire album sound very powerful. The epic songs are enhanced by the powerful voice of Matt Barlow. Again, this is truly a heavy metal milestone, and a masterpiece! A MUST!!
Killer songs: All of them!
ALIVE IN ATHENS (1999) CENTURY MEDIA
CD1:
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Line-up: Larry Tarnowski - Lead Guitar Guests: Rick Risberg - Keyboards Brent Smedley - Drums |
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CD2:
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CD3:
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I've saw Iced Earth live 2 times on this tour, but because I wasn't really a fan of the band at the time, I never finished seeing any of their sets. Today I could have flogged myself for it, as that was probably my only chances of seeing Iced Earth with Matthew Barlow. But this 3 disc live album, recorded on 2 night in Athens, Greece, will have to work as a substitute. And what a killer set this is! I don't know how much have been touched up in the studio afterwards, but the band sounds amazing! They deliver 30 songs spanning their entire career. And much to my surprise there are no fillers in sight. I must make myself more acquainted with this bands older material, as I've only really sank my teeth into the band after 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'. Iced Earth are truly one of the finest power metal bands around, and here they prove that their popularity is earned. Again, they sound amazing! Matthew delivers like no one. He is a spectacular sight with his extremely long hair, but his voice is even more spectacular. Here we also get to hear Jon sing "Stormrider", in addition to all his awesome guitar-work. And just check out the crowd reaction on many of the songs. It must be a thrill standing on a stage having thousands of fans singing along with every lyric! If I had to choose, I would have to say that disc 1 is my favorite here. But they are all in truth very good. You just have to love stellar versions of "Burning Times", Watching Over Me", "Melancholy (My Own Savior)", "I Died For You", "Slave To The Dark" and "Blessed Are You", just to name a few. Absolutely one of the best live albums I've ever heard.
THE
MELANCHOLY E.P. (2000) CENTURY MEDIA (EP)
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This has to be one of the coolest mini-CD releases ever made. Not only do you get 3 of Iced Earth's best songs, you also get a live-piece and 3 cover-songs. "Shooting Star" is a Bad Company-cover, "Electric Funeral" was originally recorded by Black Sabbath, and finally Judas Priest's "The Ripper". In hindsight is is sort of funny that they covered just that tune!
'Horror Show' line-up.
HORROR
SHOW (2001) CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Jon Schaffer - Rhythm, Lead, Acoustic Guitars, Vocals, Mandolin, Keys Matt Barlow - Lead Vocals Larry Tarnowski - Lead Guitar Richard Christy - Drums Guest Musicians: |
As the title indicates, this album is all about horror. I don't know if I should call it a concept album, but it is of course a thread all through the record. Schaffer & co. have written a record influenced by horror movies, books, tales etc. It's another nice album from the masters of power metal. But this time it took a bit more getting into. All the songs are OK, but none of them really stick out as much better than the rest of them. The songs are very well thought through, and you can really feel that Iced Earth has written the tunes according to what they are about. "Transylvania" is an Iron Maiden cover.
Killer tracks: Dracula, The Phantom Opera Ghost
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Line-up: Jon Schaffer - Lead, Acoustic Guitars Matt hew Barlow - Lead VocalsLarry Tarnowski - Lead Guitar Richard Christy - Drums James MacDonough - Bass Guitar Guest Musicians: |
This CD was originally one of the 5 discs in the 'Dark Genesis' box set. Luckily Century Media decided to release it as a single CD also. Iced Earth are one of today's metal bands that still holds the classic metal banner up high. So getting a disc of songs that were influential to them has to be a treat. I think they have done a great job covering their favorite tracks. It's also cool that they have not just thrown in the tracks that have already appeared on other releases, but as far as I can see, they have only put out newly recorded songs. The opening track is the best one in my opinion. I've heard on the internet how people have been saying how much Matt sounds like Paul Stanley, and here is the proof! I also like the 2 Iron Maiden tracks a lot, but Matt comes a little short on the last of them. He's no Bruce Dickinson, that's for sure. (Funny, I always heard more similarities to the English one in his voice, rather than the face painted American!?!) Anyway, this is yet another stellar tribute album, ranking alongside those that Metallica and Powergod released, and far better than the crap Helloween produced.
Finally replaced my cardboard promo version with the real deal
Killer tracks: Creatures Of The Night, The Number Of The Beast, Highway To Hell, Screaming For Vengeance, Dead Babies, Black Sabbath, Hallowed Be Thy Name
'The Glorious Burden' line-up.
THE
GLORIOUS BURDEN (2004) SPV/STEAMHAMMER (2CD, digipak)
CD1:
CD2:
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Line-up: Jon Schaffer - Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals Tim Owens - Lead Vocals James MacDonough - Bass Guitar Richard Christy - Drums Guest Musicians: Ralph Santolla - Lead Guitar Jim Morris - Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals Matt Barlow, Sam King, Jeff Day - Backing Vocals Howard Helm - Piano Susan McQuinn - Flute & Piccolo Michael LoBue - Bagpipe |
We're barely writing 2004, and one of the most anticipated album for this year is already out. And the hype everyone is talking about is of course how Tim "Ripper" Owens makes Iced Earth sound. Long before the album, and even before the EP, was out, the rumor was that he sounded amazing. But the question still remained, would he be a worthy inheritor to the vocal-throne. After all, fans of this band all agreed that Matt Barlow was highly responsible for Iced Earth's appeal, due to his strong and unique voice. Here I can only speak for myself. And my answer is both yes and no. There is no denying that Tim does an outstanding job here. He also has a strong voice, and he is even more varied than Matt ever was. Anyone familiar with his former, pre-Judas Priest, band, Winter's Bane, knows that the man is capable of much more than copying Rob Halford. On the other hand, I really do miss Matt on some places throughout the album. Especially the slower, more somber parts, practically screams for the melancholic style of Mr. Barlow. You do get to hear his voice in the background though. He is very easy to spot on the track "When The Eagle Cries". All in all, I don't think they could have found a better replacement for Matt. Still, Tim makes the band sound less original, in my opinion. What about the music then? Well, that is another thing altogether. The music is simply outstanding! If they had left out "The Star-Spangled Banner", there would not be one single dead spot on the entire album. One killer track follows the other, making 'The Glorious Burden' an instant Iced Earth favorite of mine. I know some people have complained about the nationalistic themes on the album, but that doesn't bother me one bit. Maybe that is because I rarely take notice of secular bands lyrics. Songs like "Declaration Day" and "Valley Forge" will easily become part of the Iced Earth hall of fame. I even dare to say that the epic "Gettysburg (1863)" is the weakest track on the album. And anyone who has heart that mighty composition knows what a compliment that is to the rest of the platter. I believe that this has to become a top 3 contester for the album of the year in 2004. So what are you waiting for? GO BUY!!!!!!!
Killer tracks: Save for the opener; ALL OF THEM!!
FRAMING ARMAGEDDON - SOMETHING WICKED PART 1 (2007) SPV/STEAMHAMMER (Digipak)
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Line-up: Jon Schaffer - Rhythm, Lead, Clean & Acoustic Guitars, Vocals Tim Owens - Lead Vocals Brent Smedley - Drums Guest Musicians: Troy Seele - Guitar solo on 5, 6, 10, 12, 14, 17 Dennis Hayes - Bass Guitar on 7, Fretless Bass on the beginning of 12 Jim Morris - Backing Vocals, Lead Guitar on intro for 16 Tim Mills - Clean Guitars on 7 Howard Helm - Hammond B3, Keyboards, Backing Vocals Todd Plant, Patina Ripkey, Debbie Harrell, Kathy Helm, Jason Blackerby - Backing Vocals Steve Rogowski - Cello
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When Jon announced that he was going to expand on the "Something Wicked (Trilogy)", and create at least 2 albums worth of material continuing this story, pretty much every Iced Earth fan on the planet started frolicking! Soon the debate whether or not new singer Tim Owens could pull it off or not began. I say this is basically up to each and every listener/fan. If you like Tim's work, you'll love 'Framing Armageddon', if you don't, well..... you're loss! This is one monster of an album. Words like epic, monumental, bombastic and masterpiece must be used when describing it. Jon has created another diverse album, and I have always loved how he really writes some of the most dynamic metal albums in this day and age. The songs can be heavy and fast, like "Something Wicked Part 1" and the fabulous "Ten Thousand Strong" (one of the best songs in the bands entire career!). But he can also mellow it all down, without sounding wimpy, like in "A Charge To Keep" and "Order Of The Rose". He is also capable of doing both! Just check out "The Clouding". Tim is delivering the performance of his lifetime. And to anyone who still is missing Matt (myself included), I truly believe that this album would not have been the same without Tim. It was written for him, and Matt would not have pulled it off. The only real downer to this record must be all the instrumental tracks. Now, they don't bother me that much, and they are not as prevalent as the ones on Manowar's "Gods Of War". But they are there, people are gonna complain, and the album would have been just as good without them. 'Framing Armageddon' contains everything you've ever loved about Iced Earth. And to me it sounds like a logical step in the bands journey. It's nothing particularly groundbreaking here, but it is what this band does best. and that is all we as fans can ask for. And as long as the material is as memorable as this, I will continue to call myself a fan. I can't wait for the second chapter in this saga, due out in 2008! 'Framing Armageddon' will sure appear in a top spot on my best releases of 2007 list.
Killer tracks: All of them!!
Jon Schaffer and yours truly. Picture taken at their gig in Oslo 10/22/2007.
Ralph Santolla guest appearances:
Jorn - 'Starfire'
Jon Oliva's Pain - 'Global Warning'
Bobby Jarzombek guest appearances:
Rob Rock - 'Garden Of Chaos'
Related artists:
Demons & Wizards, Control Denied, Judas Priest, Winters Bane, Beyond Fear, Death, Testament, James Murphy, Rob Rock, Riot, Halford, Millenium, Yngwie Malmsteen, Pyramaze
TRIBUTE TO THE GODS (2002) CENTURY
MEDIA