The Glorious Burden (2004) |
Balage |
2004.08.31. 12:12 |
After spending much of their career focusing on dark fantasy and similar themes, The Glorious Burden marks a turn towards reality for Iced Earth. The album specifically covers events in world history, and because history is often defined by conflict and tragedy, the tone remains just as dark, epic, and powerful as previous works from the band. The album goes as far back as the fifth century A.D. with Atilla the Hun's ravages across Europe, and as far forward as the terrorist attacks in America in 2001. In between, there is the American Revolution ("Declaration Day", "Valley Forge"), the Napoleonic Wars ("Waterloo"), and World War I ("Red Baron/Blue Max"). The album's centerpiece, however, is "Gettysburg (1863)", a three-part, 32-minute epic that tells the tale of the defining battle of the American Civil War. Backed up with a full orchestra and led by the vocals of new singer Tim Owens (ex-Judas Priest), the music portrays the tremendous power and emotion that must have been present when those two great armies clashed, with the fate of a nation hanging in the balance. Taken as a whole, The Glorious Burden proves that some of our most amazing and resonant stories come not from the imagination of mankind, but rather, from our real-life deeds, for good and ill, throughout all of human history.
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Horror Show (2001) |
Balage |
2004.08.31. 11:34 |
Drawing from legend, literature, film, and perhaps even real life, individual songs of "Horror Show" tell the stories of nightmarish creatures like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Mummy, all seen through the darkened vision of Iced Earth. Also featured are the Wolfman, the Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll and Hyde, Jack the Ripper, Damien (The Omen) and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Die-hard fans of Iced Earth may be aware of the band's longtime fascination with the subject of horror; in the early days of the band, such themes were tightly tied in with both the music and the presentation. Thus, "Horror Show" stands as both a return to the roots as well as a great step forward.
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Something Wicked This Way Comes (1998) |
Balage |
2004.08.31. 11:26 |
After the success of The Dark Saga, many were curious to see what steps Iced Earth would take to further elevate their position within the metal scene. There were many expectations about the new album, and of course, Iced Earth did not disappoint. They turned out yet another acclaimed album containing something old, something new, and most definitely something wicked. With thirteen tracks, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a roller-coaster ride which showcases Iced Earth's talent in many different forms. Ranging from the crushingly dark and heavy "Disciples of the Lie" to the heartfelt and introspective "Watching Over Me", Something Wicked... is bound to please both longtime fans and new listeners. The highlight of the album is another album-ending trilogy, entitled "Something Wicked". Taking some musical cues from the Stormrider era and merging them with the newest Iced Earth sound, "Something Wicked" weaves a mysterious tale of prophecy, conspiracy, and the history of mankind. This powerful composition is a prelude to a future Iced Earth album, but even on its own, it stands as a masterful piece of work. To any metal fans who feel a void in their collection, it will be filled the day that Something Wicked... comes to you.
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The Dark Saga (1996) |
Balage |
2004.08.31. 09:11 |
Iced Earth continues to mature and evolve with their fourth release. "The Dark Saga" is a concept album based on the popular Spawn comic book series. It tells the story of a man who sells his soul in order to return to his true love on Earth. But he soon discovers that she is married to his own best friend. He is left completely alone in the world, and although he has good inside, he is influenced by dark forces. Everything that he desires is denied, even his own death. Fans of earlier Iced Earth albums might notice the change in the musical style to fit with this dark love story. The focus is less on technical musicianship (although the playing is still as impeccable as ever), and more on creating a complete story through sound and words. Thus, the music is generally more dark, emotional, melodic, and simple than other Iced Earth albums. This is not to say that the songs are uninteresting; to the contrary, some of the most amazing Iced Earth songs appear on this album. The crushing heaviness and power remains, but it is entwined with beauty and grace, creating Iced Earth's most thoughtful and emotional work to date.
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Burnt Offerings (1995) |
Balage |
2004.08.31. 09:04 |
After a three year layoff, Iced Earth comes back with a vengeance. The title track is a reflection of the troubles they'd had in the past years, and throughout their careers. Once again, the third album brings a third singer and third drummer. In order to match the unique music, all Iced Earth vocalists have had the ability to growl, scream, and sing. Matthew Barlow also throws incredible power and emotion into the mix. This is Iced Earth's heaviest album, but it still retains powerful symphonic sounds and heart-twisting acoustic passages. It also has all sorts of song structures, time changes, and cool stuff packed everywhere. Iced Earth had some long songs on the previous albums, but on this one they show their ability to create a full-fledged epic. 'Dante's Inferno' takes us through the Nine Planes of Hell for sixteen minutes, each plane something new and demonic. This album was written during angry times -- and it shows.
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Night of the Stormrider (1992) |
Balage |
2004.08.31. 08:34 |
Iced Earth's second effort is a concept album with a mystical, horrific story line. It traces the path of a man who is betrayed by religion and turns away from it in anger. The dark forces of nature reach out to this enraged man and use him as their vessel to bring death and destruction to Earth. Through it all, he feels no remorse for his deeds, and upon reaching the end, numbly accepts his fate of eternity in Hell. Musically, the band picked up a new singer and drummer for this album. The singing is a definite improvement from the debut, ranging from a powerful growl to a Halford-like scream. Such skill is necessary to portray the wide range of feeling on this album. There's quite a bit of background keys on this disc, some choral moaning, and a memorable piano outro, which all add to the dark mood. There are also several excellent acoustic passages seamlessly interwoven with the driving guitar riffs. The music meshes perfectly with the story, magnifying the hatred, manic joy, confusion, and sadness present in the lyrics. After listening to this musical masterpiece, one cannot help but to feel some of the sadness and guilt that the Stormrider was unable to feel for himself.
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Iced Earth (1991) |
Balage |
2004.08.25. 14:48 |
Iced Earth breaks new ground in the metal world with their debut album. Bassist Dave Abell and drummer Mike McGill lay down a solid foundation, Jon Schaffer fills in the cracks with his rhythm guitar, and the high pitched wailing of Gene Adam's voice and Randy Shawver's lead guitar are built on top that base. Add all kinds of nifty breaks, time changes, acoustic passages, and keyboards as finishing touches and you have Iced Earth. The completed structure is something that borrows ideas from other bands, yet is remains totally unique. The music is heavy, melodic, dark, fast, and complex. Schaffer plays true rhythm guitar, giving the band its trademark sound. Iron Maiden's "galloping" rhythm is quite evident, except that Iced Earth is a much faster horse. This album is very raw and fresh; it provides clear evidence that Iced Earth will be a force to be reckoned with.
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