Iced Earth
Dystopia
2011
Iced Earth are a band that have been around a long time and are known for consistently releasing great metal albums. Based on the vision of central figure, rhythm guitarist and songwriter Jon Schaffer, the band are also known for their constantly changing lineup. Jon Schaffer is the only consistent member of the band with only two other members reaching a decade of service with the band, both of who are no longer in the current lineup. For a band that has been through so many musicians it is a testament to Jon Schaffers will that the band has been able to release so many fantastic metal records.
In late 2007, many fans of Iced Earth were ecstatic to hear the announcement that popular and long standing standing vocalist Matt Barlow had returned to the band replacing Tim "Ripper" Owens (who had replaced Barlow after his departure in 2003) mid-way through a duo of concept albums based on the Something Wicked story line that had been started by the band in 1998. Owens had done a fantastic job and I would say that the Battle of Gettysburg trilogy from the album 'The Glorious Burden' was his defining moment with the band. Ultimately the fan base seemed not to embrace Owens. Upon his return to the band Barlow ended up only recording one more studio album, as well as appearing on this year’s Festivals of the Wicked live album and DVD, which left Iced Earth without a vocalist... again. Enter Stu Block. All four of Iced Earths vocalists have been strong and Barlow is considered the best by many. It was with trepidation that I awaited the new release, Dystopia, which is the bands tenth studio album. It seemed like a long wait to hear Stu, but the band let Stu take on an Iced Earth classic, Dante's Inferno. A brave move for the band and a surely daunting task for Stu. This is testament to Jon Schaffers belief in his new vocalist as he does a stellar job. The re-record means that the band can now play this 17 minute wonder live as the original click track was erased meaning that it would require a keyboard player to play the song live. Most of my worries faded away and my anticipation increased. Here is my breakdown of Dystopia:
Dystopia:
The marching drum beat and the guitar build up leading into the album nicely before the breakdown and the chugging guitar riff and the band coming into full swing. This song is also based on the theme set in the bands previous releases, based on the “Something Wicked” storyline. The first thing I noticed about this song is that Stu Block seems to sound like Matt Barlow in the chorus and Tim “Ripper” Owens in the high pitch parts but with his own sound too. This song demonstrates the impressive vocal range from this talented singer. A great start to the album.
Anthem:
A slow song that builds to the battle-cry for the album. The guitar lines are typical Iced Earth. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine Matt Barlow on vocals here. The guitar solo is excellent and the chorus is particularly catchy. This will make a fantastic live track.
Boiling Point:
The bell ringing out and the fast paced fret work by the guitarists show this songs intent as a thumping track. One of the shortest tracks on the album at only 2.47 this song is over before you know it.
Anguish of Youth:
A good track for Stu to showcase his vocal talents. A more gentle song for the album with a punchy chorus. Fans will be singing along to this heart filled and emotional song.
V:
A homage to the film ‘V for Vendetta’, this is my personal favourite on the album. A song based on revolution with the powerful lyrics “Prepare for victory, our minds have been awaken, rid your life of tyranny, we are the resistance”. The solo on this song is impeccably placed and adds so much to the song. A fantastic track that is worth many many listens!
Dark City:
Another song inspired by a movie, of the same name. A gentle build up into the song followed by Stu’s shouts and then the song comes into the chugging guitar riffs. A fast paced and well written song.
Equilibrium:
This song really incorporates many of the best elements of the band. From the galloping rhythms to the soaring epic chorus through to the high pitch wails. This song has all the ingredients that make Iced Earth such a great band.
Days of Rage:
The shortest song on the album and a hard hitter. This song is more reminiscent of earlier tracks by the band such as Violate from ‘The Dark Saga’. This is not my favourite song and is probably the right length.
End of Innocence:
This is the first song that Stu and Jon worked on and you can see why Jon gave Stu the position. An amazing vocal track that will have the listener singing along to it. A truly beautiful song.
Tragedy and Triumph:
Another visit to the themes of the ‘Something Wicked’ story line and the album closer. The beat of the marching drum and the guitar at the beginning build into this epic song of a nation escaping mind control and revolting against those who seek to control them. The bridge and chorus to this song are well written and the lyrics build a strong image.
Dystopia is the first non-concept album from Iced Earth since ‘Horror Show’ in 2001. I think this is important to draw in some new fans who may have struggled on the last two albums which formed a trilogy of concept albums. But in typical Iced Earth fashion, and similar to ‘Horror Show’, a theme still underpins the album and all the songs are connected by dystopian themes and movies which makes for an interesting story across the entire album. Stu’s input in the writing process has been a huge success and some great songs have emerged from this release. For die-hard fans of the band there is also the return to the ‘Something Wicked’ storyline and a return to a more classic Iced Earth sound in the music. Whilst many fans will miss long standing vocalist Matt Barlow, I hope that Stu Block gets the respect he deserves as he is a more than capable Iced Earth vocalist.
Dystopia: 8/10
'RazorRich' at mlm
2011
Iced Earth are a band that have been around a long time and are known for consistently releasing great metal albums. Based on the vision of central figure, rhythm guitarist and songwriter Jon Schaffer, the band are also known for their constantly changing lineup. Jon Schaffer is the only consistent member of the band with only two other members reaching a decade of service with the band, both of who are no longer in the current lineup. For a band that has been through so many musicians it is a testament to Jon Schaffers will that the band has been able to release so many fantastic metal records.
In late 2007, many fans of Iced Earth were ecstatic to hear the announcement that popular and long standing standing vocalist Matt Barlow had returned to the band replacing Tim "Ripper" Owens (who had replaced Barlow after his departure in 2003) mid-way through a duo of concept albums based on the Something Wicked story line that had been started by the band in 1998. Owens had done a fantastic job and I would say that the Battle of Gettysburg trilogy from the album 'The Glorious Burden' was his defining moment with the band. Ultimately the fan base seemed not to embrace Owens. Upon his return to the band Barlow ended up only recording one more studio album, as well as appearing on this year’s Festivals of the Wicked live album and DVD, which left Iced Earth without a vocalist... again. Enter Stu Block. All four of Iced Earths vocalists have been strong and Barlow is considered the best by many. It was with trepidation that I awaited the new release, Dystopia, which is the bands tenth studio album. It seemed like a long wait to hear Stu, but the band let Stu take on an Iced Earth classic, Dante's Inferno. A brave move for the band and a surely daunting task for Stu. This is testament to Jon Schaffers belief in his new vocalist as he does a stellar job. The re-record means that the band can now play this 17 minute wonder live as the original click track was erased meaning that it would require a keyboard player to play the song live. Most of my worries faded away and my anticipation increased. Here is my breakdown of Dystopia:
Dystopia:
The marching drum beat and the guitar build up leading into the album nicely before the breakdown and the chugging guitar riff and the band coming into full swing. This song is also based on the theme set in the bands previous releases, based on the “Something Wicked” storyline. The first thing I noticed about this song is that Stu Block seems to sound like Matt Barlow in the chorus and Tim “Ripper” Owens in the high pitch parts but with his own sound too. This song demonstrates the impressive vocal range from this talented singer. A great start to the album.
Anthem:
A slow song that builds to the battle-cry for the album. The guitar lines are typical Iced Earth. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine Matt Barlow on vocals here. The guitar solo is excellent and the chorus is particularly catchy. This will make a fantastic live track.
Boiling Point:
The bell ringing out and the fast paced fret work by the guitarists show this songs intent as a thumping track. One of the shortest tracks on the album at only 2.47 this song is over before you know it.
Anguish of Youth:
A good track for Stu to showcase his vocal talents. A more gentle song for the album with a punchy chorus. Fans will be singing along to this heart filled and emotional song.
V:
A homage to the film ‘V for Vendetta’, this is my personal favourite on the album. A song based on revolution with the powerful lyrics “Prepare for victory, our minds have been awaken, rid your life of tyranny, we are the resistance”. The solo on this song is impeccably placed and adds so much to the song. A fantastic track that is worth many many listens!
Dark City:
Another song inspired by a movie, of the same name. A gentle build up into the song followed by Stu’s shouts and then the song comes into the chugging guitar riffs. A fast paced and well written song.
Equilibrium:
This song really incorporates many of the best elements of the band. From the galloping rhythms to the soaring epic chorus through to the high pitch wails. This song has all the ingredients that make Iced Earth such a great band.
Days of Rage:
The shortest song on the album and a hard hitter. This song is more reminiscent of earlier tracks by the band such as Violate from ‘The Dark Saga’. This is not my favourite song and is probably the right length.
End of Innocence:
This is the first song that Stu and Jon worked on and you can see why Jon gave Stu the position. An amazing vocal track that will have the listener singing along to it. A truly beautiful song.
Tragedy and Triumph:
Another visit to the themes of the ‘Something Wicked’ story line and the album closer. The beat of the marching drum and the guitar at the beginning build into this epic song of a nation escaping mind control and revolting against those who seek to control them. The bridge and chorus to this song are well written and the lyrics build a strong image.
Dystopia is the first non-concept album from Iced Earth since ‘Horror Show’ in 2001. I think this is important to draw in some new fans who may have struggled on the last two albums which formed a trilogy of concept albums. But in typical Iced Earth fashion, and similar to ‘Horror Show’, a theme still underpins the album and all the songs are connected by dystopian themes and movies which makes for an interesting story across the entire album. Stu’s input in the writing process has been a huge success and some great songs have emerged from this release. For die-hard fans of the band there is also the return to the ‘Something Wicked’ storyline and a return to a more classic Iced Earth sound in the music. Whilst many fans will miss long standing vocalist Matt Barlow, I hope that Stu Block gets the respect he deserves as he is a more than capable Iced Earth vocalist.
Dystopia: 8/10
'RazorRich' at mlm