Alright, while I was out this weekend, to my surprise I actually found a copy of the CD/DVD version of Babylon. I instantly picked it up.
I have listened to it once and I gotta say, I think I'm impressed. I think this album is pretty damn good. The first six songs obviously shine and Zook is right, this is where Jon shines, he should stick to this sort of stuff.
Stu is doing more his own thing, but his voice still annoys me a bit, but it's more bearable here. Zook is right again saying that Ripper would destroy this thing. The riffs are good, the rhythms are cool and old school and the song structures are surprising fresh and apart for some long intros, everything works quite well.
If I Could See You impresed me. It's a IE ballad by numbers but Stu sounds alright here and the chorus is terrific. Cthulhu. Peacemaker reminded me heavily of TGB and seems filler but again I've only had one listen. Parasite was okay, same as Peacemaker at this stage. Not keen on the cover, but it works alright here and its one of the better SOL liberty song to cover.
Fuck Highwayman. I can't believe this is an actul track. I would accept this as a bonus track, but sweet jesus. RA sounds like shit too. The hidden piece of shit is uncalled for too.
So, after one listen, Zook I think you are right, Iced Earth are back. We have to live with Stu, and even though, he's not optimal here, it's acceptable. I also gotta say that the production is really good. Everything sounds crisp and breathes and it's not weighed down with heavy compression of limiting too much. Hopefully it has a bit of staying power.