Lets face it Iced Earth is not the band they were 10 years ago. Maybe the formula is just getting stale to me, but I just can't get into this one like I did with Horror Show or Burnt Offerings. It just seems like almost none of the songs stood out after 3 or 4 listens. I love the addition of Stu Block... mostly because he sounds a lot like Matt Barlow on this CD. But there is just something missing. Still a good album though.
I have been a long time Iced Earth fan and have loved every release they have put out. I loved the Barlow years in particular and especially seeing him live with IE on the Horror Show Tour. Ripper was great as well and I liked what he did but this guy from Into Eternity is phenomenal! I am so impressed with this and cannot recommend it enough! Thanks Jon, what a gift!
The lyrics are quite dark, but if you know what you are listening to, it will make you fly straight. I find the new singer's range is a bonus. I would love to hear him sing the National Anthem. I bet he can go between three octaves. The various songs are fresh and I must hand it to whoever wrote them, that they are not like previous Iced Earth songs rehashed, they are original. This is a good thing. I can't want to see them in February when they are here in Portland with Symphony X. Now if only they can get Kamelot and Myrath to join them on tour :)...
I was a fan of Stu's vocals while he was a member of \"Into Eternity\". As a huge Iced Earth fan I was afraid Jon made the wrong choice to front the band. I'm glad to say I was wrong. While I like Ripper's vocals, he just wasn't right for the band. Stu is. Stu's vocals remind me of a cross between Barlow and Halford. Each song is powerful and up to the standard that makes Iced Earth one of the most underrated metal bands in the U.S., imo. I look forward to more music from Stu and Jon....
Was so scared that the singer (Stu Block) from \"Into Eternity\" was going to be another \"my balls are in a vice\" singer like Tim \"The Ripper\" Owens, but....this is AWESOME!! Classic Iced Earth in all it's glory. He does a nice mix of himself, Owens and Matt Barlow (best of 'em all!), without overdoing it. I don't mind SOME high pitched yelps, but I think Owens seriously overdid it to the point that it was too much and annoying. This is perfect!!
ok jon is back with another singer again after a departing barrlow, HUGE shoes to fill again, after having two front men with amazing talents, can stu fill that void, i say HELL YEAH he does!! jon and company sound great this album is far by a winner another solid metal effort and worth every penny, stu sounds like a mix between barrlow and owens, what allows him to just rock it iced earth style this album is a must have for todays metalhead!!!!!
