Written by Storchillarn on 11.10.2011 at 19:45

What he fails to mention is 'Wolf' as one of those outstanding tracks.

You raise a good point. Whoops

Written by Silent Jay on 11.10.2011 at 19:31
There is European and a U.S. single disc versions, each omitting a track or 2 in favour of another that the other does not (The U.S. version has 'Star-Spangled Banner' and 'Greenface' whilst the European version has 'Waterloo'). The 2-disc has all tracks including the 'unplugged' version of 'When the Eagle Cries' not found on either of the single-discs (hense Gettysburg had to be put on a second disc due to space restriction) so I consider that to be the definitive version of 'The Glorious Burden'. I know many give it high praise but I've never really gotten along well with it save maybe a few tracks.

I also consider the 2-disc version of TGB to be the definitive version of it. Therefore, I also see "The Gettysburg Trilogy" as being part of that album, and therefore elevating it to being great rather than merely good. lol

Written by Silent Jay on 11.10.2011 at 19:31
It's not the best Iced Earth album, and I do agree it can be boring at times, but its far more consistant than anything thats come after it and even some that came before. It's solid and has some outstanding tracks. In particular 'Damien', 'Dracula', 'The Phantom Opera Ghost' and the great cover of 'Transylvania'. The only TGB tracks I really like are 'Declaration Day', 'The Reckoning', 'Greenface', 'Attila' (none of which I would consider anywhere near my favorite Iced Earth songs anyway) and ofcourse 'The Gettysburg Trilogy'. The others borderlines on decent to boring, more so than the others on 'Horror Show'. 'Framing Armageddon' I only really like about 6 tracks overall, too much filler and interludes ruins what could of been an awesome album. Same goes for 'The Crucible of Man'.

I personally love "Horror Show", and don't find any of it's tracks boring or filler at all... As for TGB, the only track on the album that I really don't like, is "Hollow Man". Whereas songs like "Valley Forge" and "Attila" are amongst my fave IE tracks. And the trilogy is simply one of the greatest compositions ever, not just from Iced Earth, but by any band. As for "Framing Armageddon", I pretty much agree with you. Songs like "Setian Massacre", "Ten Thousand Strong", and title track are really awesome and vital IE tracks. Around 7 of the songs are great, everything else is just filler and bogs the album down a bit. TCOM was for me, definitely Iced Earth's worst album. Well over half of the album is dull, lifeless filler. And is the only IE album where the killer is far outweighed by filler.

So apparently the album is leaked. Gonna be back soon with my impressions of it.

The whole album, besides being clearly injected with a healthy dose of youthful energy from Bloc, appears to be mostly based around the concept of overcoming hardships and bad times, and it's coming in an apropriate moment in my life. Obviously, this is done in the context of the "enslaved city states" which conclude the Set Abominae story. I love that some of the songs like "Anguish of Youth" go into a more personal area of this whole story. My only complaint is that it sounds a bit too much like Maiden in certain parts.

Imo it's overall a superior album to everything since Something Wicked. Can't wait to hear some of the stuff live in (just over) a month! along with my current favorite IE track, the now-classic Declaration Day, and all their other insanely epic and heavy songs.

And to conclude, looking to this album and the re-recording of Dante, it's quite apparent that Bloc is the best vocalist IE ever had. His high shrieks are totally up to par with Ripper and Greely, and the epic low vocals which used to be Barlow and Schaffer's territory, and the guy's slightly nasal clean voice, this guy can do it all. I'm pretty sure that if he wanted to, he could also impersonate Gene Adams' terrible voice too.

Written by Valentin B on 11.10.2011 at 21:12

And to conclude, looking to this album and the re-recording of Dante, it's quite apparent that Bloc is the best vocalist IE ever had. His high shrieks are totally up to par with Ripper and Greely, and the epic low vocals which used to be Barlow and Schaffer's territory, and the guy's slightly nasal clean voice, this guy can do it all.

He is nowhere near the low register of Barlow. The high shrieks are insane, though. He'll probably nail everything in their discography when singing live, which is a definite plus. On Dystopia, as opposed to his work with Into Eternity, he seems to add a gruffier tone to his voice which I don't exactly like at the moment. I'll probably dig it after a few listens, though, and then the neighbours will get their chance too.

Written by Angelic Storm on 11.10.2011 at 20:34

Written by RavenKing on 11.10.2011 at 03:12
It's not the best Iced Earth album, and I do agree it can be boring at times, but its far more consistant than anything thats come after it and even some that came before. It's solid and has some outstanding tracks. In particular 'Damien', 'Dracula', 'The Phantom Opera Ghost' and the great cover of 'Transylvania'. The only TGB tracks I really like are 'Declaration Day', 'The Reckoning', 'Greenface', 'Attila' (none of which I would consider anywhere near my favorite Iced Earth songs anyway) and ofcourse 'The Gettysburg Trilogy'. The others borderlines on decent to boring, more so than the others on 'Horror Show'. 'Framing Armageddon' I only really like about 6 tracks overall, too much filler and interludes ruins what could of been an awesome album. Same goes for 'The Crucible of Man'.

I personally love "Horror Show", and don't find any of it's tracks boring or filler at all... As for TGB, the only track on the album that I really don't like, is "Hollow Man". Whereas songs like "Valley Forge" and "Attila" are amongst my fave IE tracks. And the trilogy is simply one of the greatest compositions ever, not just from Iced Earth, but by any band. As for "Framing Armageddon", I pretty much agree with you. Songs like "Setian Massacre", "Ten Thousand Strong", and title track are really awesome and vital IE tracks. Around 7 of the songs are great, everything else is just filler and bogs the album down a bit. TCOM was for me, definitely Iced Earth's worst album. Well over half of the album is dull, lifeless filler. And is the only IE album where the killer is far outweighed by filler.

There's a mistake in the quote. These words are not from me but from Silent Jay.

Written by RavenKing on 12.10.2011 at 02:07
There's a mistake in the quote. These words are not from me but from Silent Jay.

Oops sorry! Mistake is now rectified.

I noticed that before the change. The hell did that happen?

Theres a 320kpbs version out there now so listening to it now it sounds just that little bit better, and its growing on me even more since my first listen. Considering I seem to be waiting for days after the official release for any pre-orders recently, I have no guilt in sampling this product to this extent, as it'll probably turn up late also!

Written by Silent Jay on 12.10.2011 at 16:40

I noticed that before the change. The hell did that happen?

Theres a 320kpbs version out there now so listening to it now it sounds just that little bit better, and its growing on me even more since my first listen. Considering I seem to be waiting for days after the official release for any pre-orders recently, I have no guilt in sampling this product to this extent, as it'll probably turn up late also!

I've seen it happen to other people before, guess it was just my turn this time... lol Dunno how it happens though...

I've already ordered the box set, so I have no guilt over listening to the album now. hehe

Written by Angelic Storm on 12.10.2011 at 18:11

Written by Silent Jay on 12.10.2011 at 16:40

I noticed that before the change. The hell did that happen?

Theres a 320kpbs version out there now so listening to it now it sounds just that little bit better, and its growing on me even more since my first listen. Considering I seem to be waiting for days after the official release for any pre-orders recently, I have no guilt in sampling this product to this extent, as it'll probably turn up late also!

I've seen it happen to other people before, guess it was just my turn this time... lol Dunno how it happens though...

I've already ordered the box set, so I have no guilt over listening to the album now. hehe

I just chose to get the Limited Edition digipack. Not much else apart from the wristband, which I may be able to pick up at the gig, and possibly belt buckle (I like my Bloodstock buckle too much though) that comes with the box set is excuse enough to warrent me getting it. Especially after I've just spent a total of £90 getting the Ultimate Collectors Bundle of Skeletonwitch's 'Forever Abomination' (Godamn postage and VAT rate! ) which came through today. But then again that was before I noticed the lighter. I need a nice lighter... and £29.99 from EMP?... ahhhhhh....

Dark City has been in my head ALL DAY!

Written by Silent Jay on 12.10.2011 at 23:07
I just chose to get the Limited Edition digipack. Not much else apart from the wristband, which I may be able to pick up at the gig, and possibly belt buckle (I like my Bloodstock buckle too much though) that comes with the box set is excuse enough to warrent me getting it. Especially after I've just spent a total of £90 getting the Ultimate Collectors Bundle of Skeletonwitch's 'Forever Abomination' (Godamn postage and VAT rate! ) which came through today. But then again that was before I noticed the lighter. I need a nice lighter... and £29.99 from EMP?... ahhhhhh....

Dark City has been in my head ALL DAY!

I do wish there was also a t shirt in the box set, but ah well... *shrugs*

The more I listen to the album, the better it gets and the more I love it! <3 I have to say, in all honesty, after "The Crucible Of Man", I really didn't think Jon had it in him to write another great album. Of course I hoped he would, but I had severe doubts he could do it. Whilst it doesn't quite top the very best Iced Earth albums, it is more than worthy of sitting alongside them. I think getting Stu in the band really lit a fire under Jon and inspired him to make some great metal again! xD

Oh man, I'm pumped for the upcoming show! i won't check out any setlists, but I really wish there will be some song with Schaffer singing like Stormrider or something. I've been listening to this band for 5 years now and have yet to see them live (well, I was about to catch them in Barcelona with Saxon 2 and a half years ago but they canceled the show).

Written by Angelic Storm on 13.10.2011 at 00:05

Written by Silent Jay on 12.10.2011 at 23:07
I just chose to get the Limited Edition digipack. Not much else apart from the wristband, which I may be able to pick up at the gig, and possibly belt buckle (I like my Bloodstock buckle too much though) that comes with the box set is excuse enough to warrent me getting it. Especially after I've just spent a total of £90 getting the Ultimate Collectors Bundle of Skeletonwitch's 'Forever Abomination' (Godamn postage and VAT rate! ) which came through today. But then again that was before I noticed the lighter. I need a nice lighter... and £29.99 from EMP?... ahhhhhh....

Dark City has been in my head ALL DAY!

I do wish there was also a t shirt in the box set, but ah well... *shrugs*

The more I listen to the album, the better it gets and the more I love it! <3 I have to say, in all honesty, after "The Crucible Of Man", I really didn't think Jon had it in him to write another great album. Of course I hoped he would, but I had severe doubts he could do it. Whilst it doesn't quite top the very best Iced Earth albums, it is more than worthy of sitting alongside them. I think getting Stu in the band really lit a fire under Jon and inspired him to make some great metal again! xD

You can get a CD+T-shirt package... but the t-shirt is shit, quite frankly. I'm going to wait until the show and get one of the (more than likely) awesome tour shirts.

Oh come on, CoM is THAT bad... really... but I know what you mean. 'Dystopia' was a make or break album for me, and its delivered!, so my faith has been restored. I just hope we don't have a huge wait for another and that they go from strength to strength with a stable line-up now.

Written by Valentin B on 13.10.2011 at 10:36

Oh man, I'm pumped for the upcoming show! i won't check out any setlists, but I really wish there will be some song with Schaffer singing like Stormrider or something. I've been listening to this band for 5 years now and have yet to see them live (well, I was about to catch them in Barcelona with Saxon 2 and a half years ago but they canceled the show).

I've yet to see them live in the flesh also because of one reason or another. Nothings going to stop me now and they are playing at one of my favorite local-ish venues, where its usually pretty easy to meet them after the show! (though I might just ask to upgrade my ticket to the VIP package yet...) so pretty excited for it.

Written by Silent Jay on 13.10.2011 at 15:17

Written by Valentin B on 13.10.2011 at 10:36

Oh man, I'm pumped for the upcoming show! i won't check out any setlists, but I really wish there will be some song with Schaffer singing like Stormrider or something. I've been listening to this band for 5 years now and have yet to see them live (well, I was about to catch them in Barcelona with Saxon 2 and a half years ago but they canceled the show).

I've yet to see them live in the flesh also because of one reason or another. Nothings going to stop me now and they are playing at one of my favorite local-ish venues, where its usually pretty easy to meet them after the show! (though I might just ask to upgrade my ticket to the VIP package yet...) so pretty excited for it.

here i'm gonna see them in the "creme de la creme" of concert clubs, which can hold something like 700 people at max capacity. it's also pretty easy to catch them sitting around, and Schaffer is really one of my favorite guitarists in the world and has influenced me a lot in my playing, BUT seeing as they're on a very tight schedule (next show would be in Belgrade, an extremely uncomfortable 10 hours away by bus) i'm quite sure they won't be able to sit around for long. I think the upcoming tour schedule is a bit punishing even for such an experienced and tight band as them.

The new Album really surprised me in a good way. Someone told me they are playing Dante's Inferno live on this tour, is that true? If so - that's just awesome!!!!
My Limited Boxed Edition of Dystopia should arrive tomorrow. Really can't wait.

i'll be a proud buckle/wristband-wearing Iced Earth freak.

Written by Luc897 on 18.10.2011 at 21:43

Someone told me they are playing Dante's Inferno live on this tour, is that true? If so - that's just awesome!!!!

Schaffer himself gave it away when they released the re-recorded version of it.

Here's the setlist from the opening show (and Stu's first ever live show with the band) of the tour last night!

1. Dystopia
2. Burning Times
3. Angels Holocaust
4. Slave To the Dark
5. V
6. Stand Alone
7. When The Night Falls
8. Damien
9. Dark City
10. Pure Evil
11. Anguish Of Youth
12. My Own Savior
13. Anthem
14. Declaration Day
15. Days Of Rage
16. Tragedy And Triumph
17. Dante's Inferno

Encore:
18. Iced Earth

18 songs including Dante's Inferno? (Which is the equivelant of around 3 or 4 normal length songs!) Every headlining band who only plays around 12/13 songs should take a note of this! Slave To The Dark is one of my fave Iced Earth songs, so it's great to see it back in the setlist. Great to see Stand Alone back too! Its just a shame I wont be able to see them...

Video of "When The Night Falls" with Stu!

Apart from crappy drum sound, the song sounds quite good with this linetup. Stu is a very good singer and, (even though Matt Barlow is irreplaceable), he is doing very well from what I've heard so far. It's good to see such a good band in good shape.

Written by Daniell on 31.10.2011 at 20:08

Apart from crappy drum sound, the song sounds quite good with this linetup. Stu is a very good singer and, (even though Matt Barlow is irreplaceable), he is doing very well from what I've heard so far. It's good to see such a good band in good shape.

I agree about Matt being irreplaceable, but Stu is probably as good a replacement as Jon could have chosen, and I'm definitely happy with his choice. I also think Stu will handle the Ripper Owens' stuff well, which is the one area where Matt struggled when he returned to the band.

Written by Angelic Storm on 31.10.2011 at 09:03

Here's the setlist from the opening show (and Stu's first ever live show with the band) of the tour last night!

1. Dystopia
2. Burning Times
3. Angels Holocaust
4. Slave To the Dark
5. V
6. Stand Alone
7. When The Night Falls
8. Damien
9. Dark City
10. Pure Evil
11. Anguish Of Youth
12. My Own Savior
13. Anthem
14. Declaration Day
15. Days Of Rage
16. Tragedy And Triumph
17. Dante's Inferno

Encore:
18. Iced Earth

Good setlist. Among the older songs, the only one I would definitely remove is "Damien". This song is long and excrutiatingly boring. They should put a few much better songs instead.

Written by RavenKing on 31.10.2011 at 23:32

Good setlist. Among the older songs, the only one I would definitely remove is "Damien". This song is long and excrutiatingly boring. They should put a few much better songs instead.

That song is brilliant, one of the best Iced Earth songs. Go figure

Written by Daniell on 31.10.2011 at 23:44

Written by RavenKing on 31.10.2011 at 23:32

Good setlist. Among the older songs, the only one I would definitely remove is "Damien". This song is long and excrutiatingly boring. They should put a few much better songs instead.

That song is brilliant, one of the best Iced Earth songs. Go figure

I will never understand why this song is so popular, or even liked. Imo, it's the worst song on "Horrow Show".
Sorry but I deeply dislike it.

Written by RavenKing on 31.10.2011 at 23:32
Good setlist. Among the older songs, the only one I would definitely remove is "Damien". This song is long and excrutiatingly boring. They should put a few much better songs instead.

It is good, though "V" is one of weaker songs on the new album for me, so I'd rather another new song was played instead, but it's not a bad song, so I could live with it. As for "Damien", there's not a single song on "Horror Show" that I don't like, and I agree with Daniell that it's a great song. My fave song from that album has always been "Jekyll And Hyde" though, but it would also be awesome to hear "Wolf" or "The Phantom Opera Ghost" live as well.

One last point about the setlist, as much as I love "Declaration Day" I wish they'd play something else from TGB just for a change, as they always play that song from it... "Atilla", "The Reckoning", or "Valley Forge" really need some live outings, IMO. Also, still no sign of "Mystical End" or "Burnt Offerings" in the live setlist... they are both horribly neglected songs in Iced Earth's catalogue.

Written by Angelic Storm on 31.10.2011 at 09:03
Great to see Stand Alone back too!

Yep, saw them three times I think (with Ripper and returned Barlow) but they never played this song. I didn't know what to see on November 8 since Dark Tranquillity and Alice Cooper are also playing in Paris that night so that's a good point for Iced Earth

Written by wrathchild on 01.11.2011 at 16:23
Yep, saw them three times I think (with Ripper and returned Barlow) but they never played this song. I didn't know what to see on November 8 since Dark Tranquillity and Alice Cooper are also playing in Paris that night so that's a good point for Iced Earth

Sadly, I've only seen Iced Earth live once, which was as support to Heaven & Hell, so they only played 5 songs. "Stand Alone" is one of my fave Iced Earth songs, and it's great they're playing it again. It's such a powerful song with an awesome message! xD

Wow im amazed i just guessed I would hate anyone who wasnt Barlow just as I never like Owens but this guy is pretty awesome and man I love Damien so there... Im glad they're still alive and in shape

It seems that the first setlist was wrong, as it was actually "End Of Innocence" not "Anguish Of Youth" that's in the setlist.

And here's Stu from last night in Holland singing 2 of Iced Earth's most classic songs, "Angels Holocaust" and "Slave To The Dark"!



Sucks I won't be able to catch them on this tour...

As tonights the night for the gig in bristol, I've got the entire Iced Earth discography playing on random as not only a 'warm up' but also as motivation music whilst I pack for a move of home (yep, busy day). Thinking about it this is the first time since the release of 'Dystopia' I've had a good session of Iced Earth with the old singers. I'm beginning to really miss Matt Barlow and feel really disappointed he won't be behind the mic tonight.

Still, I'm not going to let it get in the way of my enjoyment tonight. Steak, beer, Iced Motherfucking Earth, then more beer. Bring it on!

So I went to the show in Paris and I confirm: it was the best of the 4 Iced Earth shows I attended so far, mostly because of the vocalist - the frontman I should say. While Ripper and Barlow seemed to be just here to sing, the new one clearly does a lot more. And I got "Stand Alone"

Written by wrathchild on 09.11.2011 at 00:42

So I went to the show in Paris and I confirm: it was the best of the 4 Iced Earth shows I attended so far, mostly because of the vocalist - the frontman I should say. While Ripper and Barlow seemed to be just here to sing, the new one clearly does a lot more. And I got "Stand Alone"

Did they play "Ten Thousand Strong"? According to setlists I've seen, they played that song at the show in Antwerp, Belgium. But it wasn't played at any of the following 3 UK shows. (Although these sets were for some reason, shorter than the preceding European dates) I want to hear Stu singing that song, but it seems that nobody who was at the Belgian show got video footage of it.

Written by Angelic Storm on 09.11.2011 at 00:46

Did they play "Ten Thousand Strong"? According to setlists I've seen, they played that song at the show in Antwerp, Belgium. But it wasn't played at any of the following 3 UK shows. (Although these sets were for some reason, shorter than the preceding European dates) I want to hear Stu singing that song, but it seems that nobody who was at the Belgian show got video footage of it.

No they didn't. I'm not sure but I think the only Ripper song they played was Declaration Day. The overall sound wasn't perfect and I wished to hear Stu better to be able to say more.