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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: MykeHavoc on September 07, 2010, 05:41:51 PM
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Iced Earth were a band I discovered sometime in high school. They quickly rose to the high ranks for me, and even for a great stretch were likely my favorite band (outside of the immovable classics, like Priest or Maiden). I listened to them at such a consistent rate that it was borderline obsessive. With the firing of Tim Owens and the constant BS spewing of head honcho Mr. Jon Schaffer (not to mention his crazy right-wing solo effort) my adoration for the band quickly faded. They receded back to the depths.
I was pleased with the overall album that was Matt Barlow's return to the fold (although I felt it inferior to the previous release, Framing Armageddon, which I feel is the bands true masterpiece). I also finally got to see the band live around this time and actually met Mr. Schaffer and was delighted to discover that he is perhaps one of the nicest musicians that I look up to in regards to how he treats his fans on a personal level. All that kind of helped the sting subside. I hadn't really listened to them in some time, but frequenting the official Iced Earth thread here inspired me to give those old albums a spin and I felt compelled to start a top tier listing.
Now of course, this is all personal opinion. I have some weird choices. A lot of obvious top choices for some might very well be my least favorite to listen to. IE isn't all that complicated of a band as far as formula goes, and many have often complained that Schaffer's riffing is too generic and repetitive. At times, I'm inclined to agree, but for me, the band's efforts usually have a ferociousness and intensity balanced with a perfect blend of melodic and sinister elements. I think that's what makes their albums stick out and have such prominence and personal appeal to myself.
So, all blabbering aside, I shall commence the list:
30. "Come What May" - The Crucible of Man
The final song (not counting the instrumental epilogue) to IE's last album, the second half of the "Something Wicked" story arc. Being the end of this giant, intergalactic epic, it's interesting to see it finish on such a reflective note. It's a wee bit on the nose in regard to the lyrics, but it's point is quite true: we can either stand by and watch or even participate in the destruction of everything we have or actively take a stand and try to preserve whatever humanity we have left. The bridge towards the end where Barlow is shrieking as high as I've ever heard the guy get in nearly tear-inducing.
29. "A Question of Heaven" - The Dark Saga
Another finale song, this to perhaps IE's most consistent work, the Spawn inspired concept album The Dark Saga. It's a fairly dynamic way to go out, really balancing the records shades of heavy and melodic bits. The keys really set the mood on this one, and the acoustic elements really help to give it shape. It all concludes with another gut-wrenching performance from Barlow.
28. "The Devil To Pay" - The Glorious Burden
The Gettysburg trilogy is off to an explosive start in this track. Some truly remarkable layering going on here. I believe Jon was quoted as saying that at some parts, there are as many as 125 tracks simultaneously playing...which is crazy. In addition to IE's already fairly densely layered song style, you've got an orchestra accompanying everything. Some of my personal favorite Tim Owens moments on this song as well. The section starting at 8:10 is easily one of the most epic things ever put to tape by the way. I'd really like to get Schaffer to score some film soundtracks. Songs like this prove he's fully capable of it.
27. "The Dark Saga" - The Dark Saga
This song seems to be an underrated one, as most people find it to be too simple. I think its great for that very reason. This was the first song played live at the very first show when Barlow returned to the band, and I have to admit, upon watching the cruddy youtube clip, I damn near got shivers. A solid track and near and dear to me as my old band used to cover it.
26. "The Path I Choose" - Alive in Athens
Aside from the lack of keyboards, this is a far superior version of the track originally from the Night of the Stormrider album, mainly due to the not nearly as awful vocals that are on the initial album. Although the vocals aren't even really the focal point of this track; it's the awesome instrumental section in the middle. A progressive odyssey of riff after riff. Great stuff.
25. "In Sacred Flames/Behold the Wicked Child" - The Crucible of Man
Yes, I know, this is technically two tracks, but the earlier is simply an instrumental intro to the entire record...and it's pretty amazingly massive. This is what the band opened with when I saw them and it was truly mind-blowing. Behold is also the first time we've heard Barlow since his initial departure from the band, so not only is it dramatic re-entry for him but it also marks the descent back into the Something Wicked storyline after the lull between parts 1 and 2.
24. "Prophecy" - Overture of the Wicked
How do you make an epic even more epic? This is a fairly good example. Jon chose to re-record the Something Wicked Trilogy during the sessions for Framing Armageddon and really went through great lengths to differentiate it. He premiered his baratone guitars with this recording, and really mixed things up by bringing in some new percussion instruments to give it a very tribal element. This track just feels so much more massive now. My only real complaint was the palm-muted guitars during the second half of the track, as they are far too muffled and kind of kill the riff.
23. "Attila" - The Glorious Burden
One of Barlow's last contributions before initially leaving IE was his penning of some of the lyrics on this album. Attila is one of the shining points. The sheer brutality is pretty devastating. Ripper has some pretty crazy screams on this. Pure gutteral. The mid-section with the call and response sounds a bit funny and would likely have benefited from Barlow's original vocal tracks or perhaps even Schaffer taking a stab at them.
22. "Travel in Stygian" - Days of Purgatory
Its safe to say that the Barlow renditions on this compilation are nearly all superior to the original tracks (only complaint is the truncated stuff) and this is one of the best. The song starts out feeling like your standard IE track, but quickly erupts into something more. Before one even realizes, they are in the midst of another epic track. I safely say that the ending piano/acoustic guitar section is without a doubt my favorite single section of any Iced Earth song ever. It simply sums up all the anger and anguish perfectly and really leaves you there to sit and think. A wonderful and fitting ending to perhaps my favorite over-all IE album, as far as pound for pound and song for song.
More soon!
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30. "Come What May" - The Crucible of Man
28. "The Devil To Pay" - The Glorious Burden
27. "The Dark Saga" - The Dark Saga
This song seems to be an underrated one, as most people find it to be too simple.
23. "Attila" - The Glorious Burden
Come What May - Probably my favorite song on Crucible of Man. Such a fantastic closer to a meh album.
The Devil to Pay - Probably my least favorite part of The Trilogy, actually. I still love the song and it's one of the ones that first got me into Iced Earth
The Dark Saga - I've never seen it criticized for being too simple. It's one of my favorite songs on the album regardless.
Attila - Great song! Glad to see it make the list since I've seen it get a lot of crap in the IE thread.
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21. "Ten Thousand Strong" - Framing Armageddon
I remember the first time I put this song on, my head blew up. Arguably one of the best metal screams ever recorded hits you right in the face from the second you press play. It develops into a fairly standard IE track, but in all honesty, there's not much wrong with that. It's a classic hard-hitter with the epitome of a big chorus. An obvious choice for live audiences, as it stands as the perfect anthem.
20. "Burnt Offerings" - Burnt Offerings
For some strange reason they put an inferior intro on this track for its inclusion of the Days of Purgatory compilation. The original release is by far the best version. The creepy horror-film soundtrack intro is a great way to kick into this one. Schaffer (sounding a lot like Tom G. Warrior here) trades off the verse vocals with then new lead frontman Matt Barlow. The guy quickly established himself to be about 9,000 times better then the two previous hacks the bands suffered with (although the singing lessons he took before subsequent releases is quite apparent). Damn, this track is just fucking pissed off. I love it.
19. "The Clouding" - Framing Armageddon
The true centerpiece of the bands definitive masterpiece. The dreamy like majestic tones set in the first half are simply amazing. Some of the best clean stuff in the band's entire catalog. Tim really gets to emote on tracks like this, which I always use as an example to clueless folks trying to say he sings with no feeling. Some truly tasteful guitar leads and fretless bass. The song suddenly shifts into the familiar IE style of dark and heavy balanced with the melodic hooks. Not sure whether it was intentional or not, but the ending always reminds me of Burning Times.
18. "Dante's Inferno" - Burnt Offerings
What can you say? The epic to end all epics. It sounds like about half an album jumbled up into a conglomerate of riffs. But this is about the nine plains of hell, so of course its rather appropriate to shift moods. I will admit, it took me some time to get into this song and not just see it as a long, overdone piece. But the intensity eventually seeps."Abandon all hope who enter here" and "Lucifer!" pretty much knock me out of my socks. I'd still really like to see this live, but it does seem Schaffer doesn't like playing anything off this record anymore, which is a shame. It's fairly strong.
17. "Iced Earth" - Days of Purgatory
The name-sake song. A smoking metal classic that goes down in the annals of other great name-sake songs like "Iron Maiden" and "Black Sabbath". It was featured on the original demos, the first album, and then finally got re-recorded in its definitive version on the Days of Purgatory compilation (there's also the live version from Alive in Athens). The thing that puts this version above the others is the response background vocals during the verses which are not featured on any other version. As far as I know, this is also the final track played at every IE show ever. Always a fun time.
16. "Stormrider" - Alive in Athens
The Days of Purgatory version would have been picked, but for some reason they clip the mellow intro and tack into onto the back end of Angels Holocaust. This song is a beast live, and really gives Jon the chance to have at the lead vocals and get the audience going. Great instrumental middle section (like a lot of the tracks on this record).
15. "A Charge to Keep" - Framing Armageddon
I fucking love this song. It's so simple but so effective. Tim is totally doing his Dio vocals on this one. He sounds absolutely heart-wrenching. Massive chorus that slays. Really uplifting and empowering.
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I'm hoping you put all the "Something Wicked This Way Comes" songs at the top. :tup
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Funny "Ten Thousand Strong" story. My friend and I have to scream along with it every time we listen to the song. We were at a red light waiting for our turn when the song comes up on shuffle. Apparently, the scream is also a signal for "HIT THE GAS! NOW!", because my friend floored it through the red light. Once we were though he had to ask me "Shit, was that a red light?" We were lucky the turning cars were paying attention. It was pretty metal though! :lol
Oh, and Dante's Inferno going this soon makes me a :sadpanda:.
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The Alive in Athens version of Dante rapes the studio version IMO.
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Typically I'd consider including live albums to be cheating, but the versions of some of the songs (especially off the first two albums) are so massively superior live I'd make an exception.
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lol you are gonna be disappointed. There's only one track from SWTWC in my list (besides the one I already listed, although its not even that version of the song). It's a good record as a whole, but I don't really find many of the songs all that interesting on an individual basis.
14. "The Hunter" - The Dark Saga
What a great, catchy as fuck song. It's got all the definitive IE elements. Heavy and melodic riffing perfectly mixed. Trying to get the band to cover this one. I feel like this song should've done more for the band, as its the perfect single. Not really much else to say. A strong song through and through.
13. "Framing Armageddon" - Framing Armageddon
A quick, snappy in your face track. Great vocals, great melodies, great intensity. I love all of Jon's almost subliminal vocals in the chorus. This is a no bullshit track. Even the lead, although simple, sounds so massive with that epic bends. This song just builds and build to the most intense crescendo I think I've ever hear. Seriously, the way the vocals build down, from highest to lowest, is simply amazing. I kind of feel like my mind has been fucked by the time this track is over. Amazing tune.
12. "Burning Times" - Something Wicked This Way Comes
Another classic opener. This is bare bones bad ass-ness. Total slayer of a tune. Love the medium tempo. No need to peel faces with this one, as it seems more content on crushing skulls. It all comes together for another great chorus. I feel this is one of the best displays of Matt Barlow's power. His venom hits you like a tidal wave. He sounds like some twisted preacher pointing his finger at me and telling me my life is fucked. And by God, I feel that shit. Also one of the best live tracks ever. Always a stomper.
11. "Dracula" - Horror Show
And we finally arrive to Horror Show, my personal favorite album featuring Barlow on vocals. This track didn't immediately jump out at me. I didn't really fully absorb it until seeing it live. Then it pretty much blew my head off when I took the time to listen. The fantastic mellow intro is really sealed with Steve DiGorgio's fretless bass playing. He almost makes the thing weep and give the track that perfect melancholy slant it calls for. When it kicks in, it feels as though we're sucked into a spiraling story. I really feel that Schaffer captured the conviction in the Francis Ford Coppola version of the film, bringing home that tragic love story element. The scene where Vlad impales the cross with his sword and it begins to bleed is one of those life-altering images. This song truly embodies that rage. The creation of a true monster. Oh, and the chorus? That's chest-exploding goodness. Feel it.
10. "Angels Holocaust" - Days of Purgatory
The beginning essentially feels like the world crumbling down and really sets the mood up rather quick. This is the opener for the album that vies for my top favorite, although I prefer this version of the tune for the obvious reason that the re-recorded vocals are far superior. The choir is of course the selling point. It really slams this track into the stratosphere. Through and through, a stellar track featuring perhaps my favorite Schaffer's moment, where everything cuts out except for him, galloping the shit out of his guitar at a ridiculous and impossible to duplicate picking pattern. It's almost all entirely one note, too, yet is somehow is more badass then what any wank shredder could manage to pull off.
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The Alive in Athens version of Dante rapes the studio version IMO.
I'm inclined to agree, expect for that there's no keyboard outro. I know, such a minor gripe, but for me its enough to warrant.
Typically I'd consider including live albums to be cheating, but the versions of some of the songs (especially off the first two albums) are so massively superior live I'd make an exception.
I would also agree with this, but Iced Earth is such a difficult band to gauge as certain songs have been re-recorded half a dozen times, and all are usually vastly different. I look at is as my list is as is, and that I simply state which version of the song I prefer, but ultimately, the list wouldn't change if you interchanged any other version...although I can safely say nothing from the first album would make it. That singer is fucking atrocious. The guy on Stormrider is at least sort of decent.
Haha, I'm trying to pace myself but I'm kinda anxious to finish my list up and let someone take a stab at their list.
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Your list makes me sad. Some of my top 5's already gone. But don't feel the need to rush. I haven't even started my list yet.... And I wont be able to post it until I get internet back.
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I don't agree with this list at all. Why do you have so many Iced Earth songs in there?
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Interesting list so far. I shall follow this :tup
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The Alive in Athens version of Dante rapes the studio version IMO.
I'm inclined to agree, expect for that there's no keyboard outro. I know, such a minor gripe, but for me its enough to warrant.
Fair enough, I on the other hand much prefer the ending they did live, had more of an epic finish to it IMO.
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09. "Vengeance is Mine" - The Dark Saga
A true behemoth. Easily Barlow's best lyrics. Amazing intro. Its kicks into gear and just pummels from start to finish. Another live classic as well. Just a solid track through and through. Not much more to say.
08. "Damien" - Horror Show
I honestly had no idea this would place so high, but when compiling my list, it simply fell into place. God, this song is really amazing. Its about 1000 times better then it as any right to. Awesome bass intro, awesome acoustic passages, nasty chunky riffing. The lyrics are simply ok, but the melody lines are ridiculously strong. All the chanting stuff is great. Plus a great spoken word section for Schaffer to get angry at Jesus (which is all dialogue from one of my top ten favorite film monologues featured in The Final Conflict). I love how the song feels like it could just go on forever yet doesn't really feel overblown. But, there it is, in all of it's 9+ minute long glory.
07. "Something Wicked part 1" - Framing Armageddon
Finally, the full length Something Wicked story is off to an explosive start. This is one of the most layered things ever recorded. The vocals sound like as angry mob of Rippers ready to kick your ass. The choir stuff he does in the background really gives me a chill. The transition section in the middle is pretty amazing. I'm not even sure what the drums are doing there, but its a really complex progressive sounding thing. Really neat. Ripper again really pushes his chest voice to its peak and emotes wonderfully here. A grand epic chorus follows. What more can you say? Wonderful track.
06. "Phantom Opera Ghost" - Horror Show
Here's a song that does not get nearly enough attention. The massive closer to Horror Show, this really shows off some great writing on Schaffer's part. The Acoustic intro is reminiscent of Hallowed Be Thy Name. We enter some familiar territory with chunky, odd timed riffing, but then are struck with the sudden surprise of lead female vocals traded off with Barlow's lines. We're suddenly thrust into this baroque duet about on of the best films ever made (the first 2 Universal versions and the Hammer production are my favorite takes). Great organ effects accent more sprawling riffs. The really mellow section in the middle is really stunning. Amazing performances, amazing lyrics. My favorite seems to be when the songs build and build and then go down to a whisper and almost make me weep. The song jumps back up with an amazingly fast acoustic passage and comes to a great dramatic close, ending where it began.
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05. "Colors" - Days of Purgatory
The Days of Purgatory version narrowly beats out the AIA shows version (that eventually showed up on the Melancholy EP) for the lack the twin lead elements at the beginning and end, which really sell it. I'm not really sure what else to say. I picked up the Days of Purgatory compilation when starting to become a fan and this track really floored me. I was pumped that someone had the sack to write a ripping metal classic about The Warriors. It's just all sorts of awesome.
04. "The Reckoning (Don't Tread on Me)" - The Glorious Burden
This song smokes. My favorite track featuring Ripper by far. The first track I heard with him singing. This was a big draw for me to the band. This sort of thrashier Judas Priest element. I love how this song doesn't rely on any guitar solos. It's just intense, in your face metal riffing and nasty screams. Love the middle section as it builds from a lull to an explosive crescendo. Love that bassline, too.
03. "Violate" - The Dark Saga
This song grabs you by the face and fucks you till you like it. Quick, to the point, no BS. This song has no intention other then to fuck your shit up. A definitive metal classic. Amazing lyrics that actually scare me. Nasty groove break in the middle. Creepy chorus. Nice extended ending for the band to jam on. This is one to catch live. always causes chaos.
02. "Pure Evil" - Days of Purgatory
By far the best song on what I usually regard as my favorite album, although this is my preferred version because, like all the others, Barlow's vocals far surpass those of the early chumps in the band's career. Another straight up fucker. Thrash-tastic verses, with cascades of riff after riff lead to the best mellow build in the catalog. The audience singing the bass line live is awesome. Then everybody screams their damn balls off for the chorus. This is a song that never leaves me after listening to it. I find myself thrusting a fist and chanting along long after its over.
Before announcing my number one, I'd like to pay special tribute to the cuts that just missed the mark. Some I even regret not listing, so I figure it's good to give them special consideration here:
"Slave to the Dark" - The Dark Saga
"Last December" - Burnt Offerings
"A Gift or a Curse?" - The Crucible of Man
"Nightmares" - Days of Purgatory
"Birth of the Wicked" - Something Wicked This Way Comes
"Jack" - Horror Show
"Red Baron/Blue Max" - The Glorious Burden
And to so many wonderful short acoustic passages (instrumental and non) that I simply don't could as real songs but are indeed great in their own right.
Now that you have a bunch of clues, guesses for the top spot are welcome. I'll post it later tonight.
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The only 2 albums I know from Iced Earth are The Dark Saga and Horror Show, but I'll go ahead and guess that "I Died For You" will be there.
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I wouldn't put The Reckoning near that high up.
I'm going to guess Burnt Offerings.
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Watching Over Me perhaps #1?
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I can't say this is even remotely near what mine would look like.
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I can't say this is even remotely near what mine would look like.
Same for me. Mine would look radically different.
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I'm going to go way out on a limb and say the #1 song is "Dragon's Child".
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Based on this list, #1 will be Written on the Walls :P
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Number 1....
Melancholy or Disciples of the Lie I reckon.
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The only 2 albums I know from Iced Earth are The Dark Saga and Horror Show, but I'll go ahead and guess that "I Died For You" will be there.
No
I wouldn't put The Reckoning near that high up.
I'm going to guess Burnt Offerings.
It's my damn list. Make your own :P
And Burnt Offerings was number 20 on my list ;)
Watching Over Me perhaps #1?
Weak song
I can't say this is even remotely near what mine would look like.
Feel free to post your own list after, as I'd greatly like to compare/contrast everyone's lists.
I'm going to go way out on a limb and say the #1 song is "Dragon's Child".
As much as I dig it, no. That might make top 50.
Based on this list, #1 will be Written on the Walls :P
Oh you kidder.
Number 1....
Melancholy or Disciples of the Lie I reckon.
As I stated, the only songs that made it from SWTWC were listed already. In fact, Melancholy is one of my least favorites. Everyone seems to love that track. It's dreadfully boring to me. Disciples would be top 50.
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I'm glad no one guessed correct, but then again my choice is a weird one, so I'm not surprised. OK, time to conclude this beast.
01. "Wolf" - Horror Show
This is not in the top spot solely based on the song itself (of course it kicks ass) but this one has special significance. Horror Show was the first album I picked up from IE. At the time, I was a classic metal junkie, living off of Priest, Maiden, Sabbath and the like there of. I had heard stuff about IE and decided to scope out their catalog. Being a psychotic horror fan, this album was an obvious choice. And of course Wolf is the opener. I remember being with my buddy at Newbury Comics when I grabbed this. We hopped in his car and I put it on to give it a listen. I was digging the groovy intro, and then got thrown through a tale spin. Barlow's screams and the sheer brute force of the instrumentation nearly gave me an anxiety attack. The verses were so layered and in my face that my head was spinning. The chorus came and Richard Christy's double-bass drumming was unreal. By the time the bridge comes around with the triplets, I literally couldn't take it anymore. I had to shut it off. It was too much for me to handle. Rarely is music able to frighten me. This song did. This song is responsible for giving me a feeling I hadn't felt since I was 6 years old walking through the horror isle of the video store, with my hands across my eyes with my fingers apart so I could peak. This was the musical equivalency of such a memory. Although in hind-sight I've listened to plenty of brutal music since, this was the balance for me. The ability to meld melodic and heavy bits to the fullest extent of both worlds attracted me like nothing else could. So this is probably the most important song in the band's catalog for me...and it pretty much rapes you, too.
So there it is. Finally done. Who wants to go next? I'll change the thread title once we have a solid successor.
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As I was reading your post just then, I thought to myself......WOLF!!!! Of course it's wolf!!
Then I scrolled down and slaped my forehead :facepalm:
Amazing song, totally forgot about this one and it would be in my top 5 IE songs easily!!! Richards double kick FTW!
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I'm glad no one guessed correct, but then again my choice is a weird one, so I'm not surprised. OK, time to conclude this beast.
Not weired in the slightest.
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Fuck. Wolf was my other guess. I decided to go with Dragon's Child just 'cause it's the slightly more oddball choice.
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Fuck. Wolf was my other guess. I decided to go with Dragon's Child just 'cause it's the slightly more oddball choice.
Dragon's Child is a fucking good song!
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Alright, so once all this "Mike leaving DT" business is done, who is going next?
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Alright, so once all this "Mike leaving DT" business is done, who is going next?
There's rumors that sooner or later IE's drummer, bassist, guitarist and whoever else will leave. SHOCKING!
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:lol
I can't wait till Barlow leaves again. It's bound to happen. I'm not exactly sure how picking a guy whose busy almost always with a full-time job was a good idea to go back to. Ripper may not have "had his heart in it", but he prioritized IE over anything else.
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Alright, so once all this "Mike leaving DT" business is done, who is going next?
There's rumors that sooner or later IE's drummer, bassist, guitarist and whoever else will leave. SHOCKING!
(https://angrymonolith.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/omg.jpg)
I'll give 30 songs a go!
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You wanna finish your nevermore list first or should I just change the thread title now?
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Can't wait for the show tonight!!!
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You wanna finish your nevermore list first or should I just change the thread title now?
I'll finish the Nevermore one tonight since no one else besides you gives a shit. :lol
I can start a IE one in about 24 hours.
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Alright, changed it.
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Alright, changed it.
Nice title, cheers, stay tuned!!
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Nice to see The Phantom Opera Ghost and Wolf ranked so high. :tup
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I love me some Horror Show. It's my favorite Barlow record for sure.
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Cool thread, that I missed
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Wow, after reading more carefully through your list Myke, I realised that our lists are going to be very, very different. Stay tuned.
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I have been into Iced Earth close to 10 years now. As a teenager discovering the world of metal, somehow i ended up stumbling across Iced Earth. After hearing Melancholy I believe I went out on a limb and purchased Something Wicked This Way Comes, the rest is history. For quite a while I was obsessed with Jon's amazing triplet riffing and Matt's effective addictive vocals. As I bought more albums I was impressed at how prolific and consistent they were, forming a very unique distinctive sound and enough variety in their music to keep one interested. I spent hours trying to play Jon's rhythm's on my guitar, but my right hand would always end up crippled.
I will just list the songs here. I am not judging based on any reworkings or live versions. I will mention throughout if I like a live version or a re-recording but overall I am not ranking those versions, my choices are based on the strength of the songs. There are some odd choices and odd rankings.
30. Angels Holocaust
EPIC intro!! Sets up the mood of the album perfectly. Nice acoustic section then half way through it really kicks into gear. Classic Schaffer riffing and a choir which adds an amazing atmosphere. I love the version done by Barlow but to be honest I really don't mind John Greely's vocals, IMO he did a good job. Amazing riff towards the end followed by a decent solo.
29. Dracula
I like how this one starts with quite a mellow, somber piece which is really quite relaxing. Nice melodies and then about a minute and a half through Barlow lets out some shrieks. Enter Jon with a very groovy melodic riff. Barlow doesn't let up from here on, firing hatred and venom. A very strong chorus on this one.
28. The Reckoning (Don't Tread on Me)
I remember when Tim was first announced as the replacement vocalist. Since his split with Priest was around the same time, a lot of us predicted it. This song was the first we all heard from The Glorious Burden. I remember hearing the intro and knowing that Ripper was going to be a very good fit for IE. A classic chorus intro which Tim sounded just a epic as Barlow IMO. Brutal song, classic riffing, classic chorus. Tim does some good work in the middle too, great buildup.
27. Slave to the Dark
I love the tempo of this song, it just grooves along really nicely. Nothing really new here, this song was basically the prototype for the Something Wicked Trilogy, it's pretty similar, but that's no big deal with me. I like the consistent double kicking in the chorus. Barlow sings a wonderful melody in the chorus also. Great guitar solo section which has an excellent break in the middle mimicking the chorus melody. I especially like how the tempo kicks back in once the last verse kicks in.
26. Dark Saga
A great opener, I loved this song from the moment I heard it. I knew the whole album was going to be great, this just sets up a wonderful atmosphere. I agree with Myke, I do remember this song getting a bit of a hard time because of it's simplicity, but that really doesn't bother me. A nice chug through the verse and Barlow is sounding excellent. A beautiful quieter section in the middle, great song with nothing to prove.
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You are correct sir, off to an interesting start already! That's how I like it. Similar lists would be boring. Hope you have some curve balls to throw in there too.
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I believe I have a couple of curve balls indeed. And yeah, I looked at yours and thought, year, it's worth me doing a list cause it will be quite different. No point if I agreed with everything you posted. (All great songs though because it's IE! :metal) This thread has rekindled my love for IE, I've been giving them a flogging the last 48 hours!! Been too long since I listened to them.
Stay tuned more list later.
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25. The Path I Choose
This song is simply a riff monster!! I prefer Barlow's version of course, but the original to me is listenable. You can really hear that Jon was a big old school Metallica fan in this one, very similar riffing which reminds me of the Puppets/Justice era. A great solo section on this one from Randall, some great skills shown here, some very nice licks here, I especially like his palm muted runs, very well done. The shriek from Greely at the end makes me :lol
24. Something Wicked, Pt 1
A wonderful start to an excellent record. I love how it immediately kicks into the verse of the Prophecy. That was a wonderful touch to get people into this record and that was done really well. Make sure you listen closely to Ripper's amazing backing vocals too. I just love the groove of this one, it really feels like an overall overture to the whole story and record with many different sections reminiscing from the original trilogy. Good stuff.
23. Valley Forge
Here's a different one. This has IE all over it, but it's also a bit different, here Jon is showing his Iron Maiden influences IMO. An amazing melodic chorus. An underrated track and one of my favs from TGB. It made my list because it's a refreshing track. It's got the IE gallop but I like how Jon is using the natural minor instead of basing his riffing on the phrygian mode which a lot of his songs are. This song is one of the best IE songs lead guitar wise, of course when Jon got Ralph Santolla do to the duties, what else could you expect. Love the whole last chorus and outro. When Tim sings, "Words can't express, all that you've done" I get chills. Ralph backs Tim up with some excellent improvisation.
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Good to see Valley Forge. Great song.
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Good to see Valley Forge. Great song.
This
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I have a DVD boot with Ralph playing from the Glorious Burden tour and he is fucking terrible at leads. I don't know if it was an off night, but he simply sounded dreadful and just way off rhythmically.
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Ralph was awful live. Straight up awful.
Iced Earth haven't had a good live lead guitarist since Shawvyer.
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Who's the guy they're currently with? Cause he was pretty lame. As was the guy when I saw them with Ripper.
At least they can always find good drummers.
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Wow, never saw Ralph do any live work, never would have thought he was bad live. The new guy, Troy I think his name was seems pretty average too. I've watched some youtube clips and he seems pretty ordinary. His studio work so far is pretty good though.
Larry wasn't too bad from what it seems, it was just his rhythm playing was average and he could not keep up with Jon. I would have liked Tim Mills to hang around, I really like his solos on Overture of the Wicked, that's some tasty lead playing.
More list later.
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I have a Horror Show tour boot DVD and Larry is pretty damn flawless in it. Must've been a real on night for him.
Troy isn't so bad from what I could tell at the gig I was at a few years back.
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I have a Horror Show tour boot DVD and Larry is pretty damn flawless in it. Must've been a real on night for him.
Troy isn't so bad from what I could tell at the gig I was at a few years back.
Well, if his lead playing isn't overdubbed on Alive in Athens he did really well. Although I'm quite sure a lot of his rhythm playing was overdubbed.
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He always reproduced Shawver's leads note for note perfect. I felt that they really should've reunited the AIA lineup. Get Larry and James back in the band since Matt and Brent are there. Go for the full nostalgic effect.
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The hell is wrong with you guys? Larry was horrible on AIA. His own solos he did fine, but most of the shawyer or whatever ones he did terribly. His rhythm was fine, but good god he was an average at best lead guitarist.
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The hell is wrong with you guys? Larry was horrible on AIA. His own solos he did fine, but most of the shawyer or whatever ones he did terribly. His rhythm was fine, but good god he was an average at best lead guitarist.
Hmm...I'll have to go and listen again, I never seemed to have a problem with his work on it. I really believe most of his rhythm tracks are actually Schaffer in stereo.
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I have no idea if his rhythm tracks are live or not, but I also have a boot from (or had) the Horrow Show tour and he was fine on that too. But his leads are just sloppy as hell. Add in a wah pedal and he could be in a B level Metallica tribute band.
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I have no idea if his rhythm tracks are live or not, but I also have a boot from (or had) the Horrow Show tour and he was fine on that too. But his leads are just sloppy as hell. Add in a wah pedal and he could be in a B level Metallica tribute band.
:lol
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22. When the Night Falls
Great tune. Of course with this one, I prefer the DOP version immensely, mainly because of how is was restructured and how Matt restructured the melody of the chorus, he made it a lot better, he actually sung it instead of speaking it. :lol I just love the classic chord progression, but love how Jon breaks it down to make a fucking catchy riff. Love the old school Maiden vibe in this song. Great solo section in the middle too, good song, nothing more to say.
21. The Prophecy
You just have to love the spooky intro, a great chord progression and gradual build up. My favourite part of course is at 2:39, when that riff kicks you in the face, man, that riff!!!! I love how Jon modulates his riffs like this one, adds a real dark atmosphere. From here on to the end it keeps kicking your ass. Good solo too. I actually really like how the boys did it on the Overture EP. It has a different feel, and Ripper really did a great job considering what he had to contend with. I like the solo on the Overture EP better too. Wish Tony Mills stuck around for the album, he might have been one of IE's top lead players.
20. Hold at all Costs
My fav section from the Gettysburg trilogy, I like the direct approach, it gives a good contrast compared to the other two tracks. Ripper does some great work on the intro portraying the frustration of friends having to fight against each other. Amazing chorus!!!!! I love this chorus and a spectacular melody. Gotta love the middle section too, very, very well done, gives the track a perfect feel. Tim really did an amazing job in IE and this is proof, I wish he was still with the band.
19. Ghost of Freedom
Here's another different one, from the Horror Show album, the only song not tied with the album theme. I really love this track and is one of my favourites from Horror Show. I like the simplicity of it, Matt's honesty and just a heart wrenching chorus, with great lyrics. This is one of those songs that make me feel warm and comfortable just from the amazing atmosphere it gives off. Also one of the most commercial songs IE ever come up with. If given some airplay it might have caught on. Great tune, simple and honest. Nice heavy middle section too for a great contrast, nice melodies.
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At least part of Larry's leads were overdubbed on AiA. You can clearly see it if you watch the DVD.
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At least part of Larry's leads were overdubbed on AiA. You can clearly see it if you watch the DVD.
The DVD video and audio usually have nothing to do with each other. They just took the audio from one show and placed it over that show. Not quite sure why. But I doubt what you're hearing on that DVD is at all from what you're seeing.
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Thus is true. Just watch Stormrider for a good example.
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Or Pure Evil. I think you hear barlow say "....this is pure evil" and he's walking away, not holding the mic anywhere near his mouth".
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At least part of Larry's leads were overdubbed on AiA. You can clearly see it if you watch the DVD.
The DVD video and audio usually have nothing to do with each other. They just took the audio from one show and placed it over that show. Not quite sure why. But I doubt what you're hearing on that DVD is at all from what you're seeing.
I have so many DVD's where this is the case, I never understood why. Some DVD's I'll notice during solos that one particular phrase or passage is overdubbed, but is completely different to what they are actually playing, then sometimes after the passage it goes back in sync.
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At least part of Larry's leads were overdubbed on AiA. You can clearly see it if you watch the DVD.
The DVD video and audio usually have nothing to do with each other. They just took the audio from one show and placed it over that show. Not quite sure why. But I doubt what you're hearing on that DVD is at all from what you're seeing.
The DVD and audio are both from the two shows they played in Athens. It's overdubbing.
Jon never intended to release a DVD; the DVD was rushed out by Century Media without his consent. No doubt Jon would've liked someone to oversee that the editing was more consistent with the album.
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Yes, but I think they played a bunch of the songs twice and just picked the audio from one. So it might be you're seeing the video from one show and the audio from another on some of the songs.
I haven't heard any confirmation that anything was redubbed in the studio later.
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Yeah, that was my belief, although the CD notes that "two very different sets" were played both nights. Altogether, there were 30 tracks played, from the 3 disc set and the one track on the Melancholy EP. That's 15 a night. Maybe with encores, a few doubles could be there (like you can be sure that "Iced Earth" was played both nights).
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I remember either hearing or seeing an interview with Jon that they repeated some of the more ballady songs, or softer less thrashy songs.
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I've seen footage (that might even be on the DVD... I haven't been bothered to watch it) where Schaffer is talking about post production with his producer guy (I don't think it's Morris) and says that any mistakes are touched up in the studio.
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I haven't seen that. I'd love to though.
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TO THE YOUTUBE MOBILE! That's where I saw it.
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Got the meet & greet details for the New York show yesterday, pretty pumped :metal
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Turns out I can't go to the Iced Earth show next week cause I can't miss class.
Oddly enough I don't care much. Last time I saw Barlow he looked like he didn't want to be there and the rest of the band just looked old/tired/creepy. And it's not like they're gonna play anything other than the hits I've already seen. Plus, what am I gonna say to them? Obviously I don't even know who half of them are, but Barlow and Jon?
"Hi guys....so....those brown people sure do suck..........heil america".
Dunno.
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They're playing a couple of rarer songs this time around Adami. Only a couple, but I'd still go.
SPOILERS:
Stygian! Jack! Colors! Last December!
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They're playing a couple of rarer songs this time around Adami. Only a couple, but I'd still go.
SPOILERS:
Stygian! Jack! Colors! Last December!
Eh. I don't care about Stygian, Jack or Colors enough to skip class. Last December would be awesome, but it's a sacrifice.
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Whatever man. I'm gonna have a blast chilling with the band :hat
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If I didn't have class I'd go. But I get into a lot of trouble for missing, and I was one of the first fans ever to hear barlow return.
And I say that because I was at his return show, AND while I was sitting outside waiting to get in, myself and the couple next to me were the only ones who could hear through a crack in the door the band practicing (with vocals) A Question of Heaven. Yea, I rule.
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I'm gonna wear my Ripper hat just to fuck with them :P
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I'm gonna wear my Ripper hat just to fuck with them :P
Bring a parking ticket for Barlow to sign. I just wanna know what he does.
Also show up wearing a blue union jacket.
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I know I never post here, but I am going next week to in NYC! Been a fan since I was 14, I'm 24 now and I have never seen them. I heard on the last tour Barlow was sick so I'm expecting IE in full force this night. :metal
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MykeHavoc - great idea for a topic. My work is too freakin' insane for me to go in-depth here like I would want, but Iced Earth is Top 5 for me all time (behind Rush, DT, Maiden & Genesis). Good job. Glancing through the posts it appears wolfking brought the goods too.
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I'm gonna wear my Ripper hat just to fuck with them :P
Bring a parking ticket for Barlow to sign. I just wanna know what he does.
:lol
Anyone who is going to the NYC gig and wants meet up in advance and grab a beer or something should PM me.
I know I never post here, but I am going next week to in NYC! Been a fan since I was 14, I'm 24 now and I have never seen them. I heard on the last tour Barlow was sick so I'm expecting IE in full force this night. :metal
Should be in for a treat my friend. Saw'em back in '08 and it was great. Peaked at the set-list, so we should get some good gems.
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I'm gonna wear my Ripper hat just to fuck with them :P
Bring a parking ticket for Barlow to sign. I just wanna know what he does.
:lol
Anyone who is going to the NYC gig and wants meet up in advance and grab a beer or something should PM me.
I'd be down for that.
Except that I'm underage. :tdwn
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18. Vengeance is Mine
Solid piece of music, that riff alone makes this song a top 20 IE song for me. The way it kicks into that riff is amazing. The four beat/note anacrusis at 0:30 is GODLY!! Great pace this one and Matt gives an excellent performance. Great solos too, really makes the song even more enjoyable. Nothing more to say, just kick ass IE!
17. Ten Thousand Strong
Hail Ripper!!! That's what I thought when I heard that 13 second scream at the start, AMAZING intro. Love the aggressive pace of this track and the tempo change into the chorus adds some variety. I like the sing along anthem style chorus, it has an excellent melody. Also, the simple middle instrumental section just fits the song nicely, it doesn't leave you thinking that it needs a blistering solo, it fills the song well. Ripper gives us another scream add the end just for good measure, what a voice!
16. Hollow Man
Here's another one I'm sure no one expected. I think this was the second song that was released along with The Reckoning from TGB, and for some reason I just loved it from the start. It's generic, recycled Iced Earth, no doubt with average lyrics, but I love the atmosphere of it, I love the chorus, I love Ripper's performance, but what really makes this song special is that amazing middle 8 section. I love what Ripper does on those lines. Also Ralph does some really excellent soloing going on in the outro. That first lick he does at 3:37 is amazing!! I just also love the jam feel of this song, it's structured well but has a nice jam feel. Great song.
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I know I never post here, but I am going next week to in NYC! Been a fan since I was 14, I'm 24 now and I have never seen them. I heard on the last tour Barlow was sick so I'm expecting IE in full force this night. :metal
They sounded pretty damn good in Washington DC on 9/10. I thought it was a great set, other than the soundman clearly having hearing difficulties because the bass was so loud that it drowned out the guitars (but it could not overpower Barlow's vocals).
Be prepared for a lot of soap box preaching during the Sons of Liberty set. It is clear that Schaffer does not understand the concept of "short and to the point" during his between song rambling (at least not at the show I saw which was the live debut of the music). Hopefully he is able to refine it to something more cohesive...
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My focus will be on swilling beer for that portion of the show :lol
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Top 15 still to come.
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One week from this moment, I will be seeing (hopefully) everyone who's going to the NY show. :metal
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My focus will be on swilling beer for that portion of the show :lol
If you like the music of Sons of Liberty, it is actually worth paying attention to from that perspective. He powered through seven of the nine songs from the SoL disc. I happen to really enjoy it, so seeing the songs live was well worth putting up with some of the long-winded rants...
Three of Iced Earth's musicians are backing Schaffer on SoL (drummer / guitarist / bass) and a touring guitarist also appears on stage with them (Schaffer only sings)...
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Musically it sounds like a second rate Iced Earth album. Lyrically, its an abomination. I don't like politics. I especially don't like right-wing propaganda. I will be respectful at the show, but I really don't care about what Schaffer wants to say on his soap box.
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Musically it sounds like a second rate Iced Earth album. Lyrically, its an abomination. I don't like politics. I especially don't like right-wing propaganda. I will be respectful at the show, but I really don't care about what Schaffer wants to say on his soap box.
I purchased it. I have listened to half the songs once, that's it.
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I seriously am having a hard time imagining Jon on stage without a guitar, just singing. I imagine him standing there, with a beer. Singing a bit, and then standing there akwardly drinking a beer when he's not singing.
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I think it'll be anti-climactical when Iced Earth takes the stage, since they're essentially the same band that was opening. It'll be like a break between sets.
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Lucky for Barlow, who is probably in the back doing push ups the whole time during the opening set :lol
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:metalol:
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Just noticed this thread.
I liked how when I started going through your list, I was thinking all "Not bad, but where the hell are Horror Show songs!?" Then they started showing up more frequently towards the top of the list. ;D :metal
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I think it'll be anti-climactical when Iced Earth takes the stage, since they're essentially the same band that was opening. It'll be like a break between sets.
Not really. It is a different kind of energy coming from the stage. Yeah, you are essentially looking at the same set of people, but whereas you can tell Schaffer is new to the lead vocalist thing, Barlow comes out and really commands the stage. Even though it was mostly the same players, it really felt like two different bands were on stage...
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I think when IE take the stage, Barlow should come in last on a fancy police motorcycle wearign a very tight uniform. There should be a disco ball above him and he should start dancing.....
.....hmmm....I think I'll stop there.
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Just noticed this thread.
I liked how when I started going through your list, I was thinking all "Not bad, but where the hell are Horror Show songs!?" Then they started showing up more frequently towards the top of the list. ;D :metal
Yes sir. My first IE record and my favorite featuring Matt. A very near and dear to my heart record (I am a horror junkie).
I think when IE take the stage, Barlow should come in last on a fancy police motorcycle wearign a very tight uniform. There should be a disco ball above him and he should start dancing.....
.....hmmm....I think I'll stop there.
wtf? :lol
He was looking a bit Halford-esque the last tour :P
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What the hell was with those chaps ugh. By the way, there is an Official Iced Earth Thread.
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Here's a couple more if anyone's interested.
15. A Charge to Keep
A definite highlight on this album. I love the simple yet very effective chug of the main riff, it serves a wonderful purpose. Ripper sounds great on the verses, and you have to admire his impressive vocal layering in the choirs in the chorus, he gives i such a strong epic feel. Amazing chorus too, very typical IE, I love how Ripper screams "This is out charge to keeeeppp!!" before the second chorus. A simple solo section fits the song well too. A newer IE song that is definitely a classic.
14. Burning Times
No much to say about this one, an IE classic and excellent album opener. Great groove, great pace and excellent guitar harmonies and riffs, not to mention Barlow's excellent work, especially in the higher register. I love the chorus on this, so damn groovy "You are a SIIINNNEERRR." This is followed by one of Larry's best solos he did with IE. Great song.
13. Damien
Man, this is a great song. The epic bass and choir intro really let's us know that we are in for something special. This song has unbelievable melodies!! Loving the standard style verse, but it's the chorus that makes this song, it is so damn epic!! Love the lead guitar line going on in it and Richard again does some impressive work. Barlow portrays a great feel and atmosphere on the chorus too. What I like too is that it's a 9 minute song, but it just flies by. Great epic song.
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Good stuff. Exactly how I feel about Damien. It is the longest short song ever :P
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12. Watching Over Me
Great song this one, quite emotional since it's about Jon's best friend that passed away. Very nice appregiated chords in the verses gives this a light peaceful effect with a great standard heavier catchy as hell chorus. A killer guitar solo in here too, which takes the song to another level. This is IMO one of IE's best guitar solos, brilliantly performed. Great song.
11. Framing Armageddon
Holy shit this is a great song!! A perfect climax to the album. Straight away from the start, you know we are in for a treat. Ripper's climbing vocals in the chorus are simply sensational. The song really gets interesting about 2 and a half minutes through. Great use of the choirs again which really make you sense that something is coming to a head. The riff that follows is so simple and generic but so fucking amazing!!! The framing armaggedon section from Ripper is one of his finest moments, it's perfect. What blows me away is that each line he adds a harmony on the top, repeating 4 times to finish on a perfect cadence. AMAZING!!
10. The Coming Curse
The best part of the trilogy IMO. That galloping riff is simply perfect and I never get tired of it. The way the piano is so haunting and dramatic then bam, you get this perfect riff, simply makes me smile. Great vocal lines, chorus and solo too. The section where the riff modulates also is spectacular. I love the choir at the end, this is one of the most haunting ways to finish an album, the way the music fades underneath them is really unsettling. The 'pull me under' type finish is very effective. I'd probably prefer the Ripper version but it really gets hurt from the lack of the choir and intro piano.