Metal Reviews

I don't think people have/will disregard those singers. But in my opinion, they all share something in common: they were temporary blips in those bands long and storied histories. Each with an irreplaceable and iconic singer who returned. The "fill-in" singers did well, and even had moments of brilliance. But there is no way that Blaze and Tim should get more than the respect that comes with filling in for two albums, while the original juggernauts were away. Maiden is and always will be Bruce. Priest, even more-so, will always be Halford. And Iced Earth will always be Barlow. I'm elated to have all three back in their rightful places.

Good news, I guess. Probably the surprise of the year.

Guys, wake the fuck up! This won't really change anything. Barlow is a great vocalist but there isn't much room for improvement over Ripper (I agree with Brahm that he's one of the most underrated vocalists in metal) and Iced Earth won't exactly go and crank out another "Night of the Stormrider" or "Something Wicked This Way Comes" just because Barlow returns. Barlow couldn't have redeemed "The Glorious Burden" (which imo was more or less a complete trainwreck) and Ripper simply dwarfed him on the latest album (I would like to hear Barlow scream "FRAAAAAMING ARMAGEDDOOOOOOON" like Ripper in the title track). Iced Earth's problem at the moment is that Schaffer's songwriting and riff construction simply isn't what is once was and no vocalist in the world can change that.

By the way, didn't Schaffer talk quite a lot of shit about Barlow after his departure? This change of attitude seems quite strange to me.

I disagree. While I didn't despise Glorious Burden, by any means, I think Barlow's take on it would have been very interesting and likely an improvement. Given, especially, it seemed to have more pockets of melancholic lyrics and versing (would LOVE to hear Barlow's take on "When the Eagle Cries" and "Valley Forge" for example.)

Now Framing Armageddon is a bit of a different story. That CD played more to Ripper's strength, I.E. the powerful screaming. That being said, I personally just like the Barlow-inspired style better. I'm happy with Ripper doing his screaming thing in other bands (I like him as a singer - he's just not "Iced Earth" to me.)

And in closing, I think Barlow's presence on Wicked part II should provide enough thrills -- given his trademark vocal style -- for fans of classic Iced Earth to be really satisfied. (Assuming, of course, the writing isn't pure junk - but I have no reason to believe it will be.) So, what I'm saying is, it will definitely change things.

Yes, it will change things.For the better, of course!
I liked The Glorious Burden, but not so much to wanna listen to Framing Armageddon (is any good?).But with Barlow in IE again, i can't wait to hear the new album..and don't forget: THE upcoming live DVD!!!!!

I disagree with this completely. I do think that Owens showed himself to be a more versatile singer on this new album, but that's not to say Matt can't do the same. He just never has consistently. He has, however, shown that he can belt out that high-pitched wail just like Owens can.

So does it mean Barlow can do that as often? Who knows. But he most definitely could do anything Owens did on the CD, I'd think. Matt has shown plenty of versatility in his singing, from high falsettos to being very aggressive, he's just not done it all the time. I'd say if it came down to it, though, he could most likely do it.

Undeniable proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUvNMunHtN8 (although I think some turd dubbed the studio track into the video)

You have proven time and time again you're nothing but a worthless moron on this board you contribute to nothing but utter crap please stop posting or start contributing to something other then bs posts

As far as this news I'm a fan of both vocalists so it goes either way for me but I was getting used to Ripper in IE and FA-SW1 was the best IE album since the original SWTWC album came out it was one of the best albums in the last 2 years and Ripper really contributed to that album big time.

I was looking forward to SW2 with Tim on vox but this should be interesting to say the least.

Well anyways for Ripper fans the next Winters Bane album should be killer.

I like both vocalists but feel Ripper has the edge when it comes to any dynamic range. He can change octaves with ease where Barlowe seems to strain. I'm looking forward to hearing Ripper on the new Winters Bane.

He's never strained when he did it, he just didn't do it often.

It's not the quality of both singers that is questionable here, they are both amazin' (like yngwie is )

The question is will Matt and Jon be able to make the magic like they did? This is really a bad timing, one of the two conceptual albums is finished, and Matt is falling in out of nowhere. I just hope they will get together, and that the next album will be as good as Framing 1 is. It could turn out to be fantastic, but also could be something not as good as people expect...

I've made some worthwhile posts. Just take a gander at some of the review threads, and you'll see.

Though I'll admit, some of them have been somewhat pointless. But Kenny hasn't been any better.

As for the post in this particular thread, well, I fail to see why I can't express my e-laughter. I mean, this is basically Judas Priest Redux for Ripper.

I don't know how credible those paraphrased quotes are in Metalreviews.com's TGB review, since I myself have never seen them elsewhere. But if Schaffer DID say these things, my guess is that he was probably just saying them out of frustration over Matt's departure, and he didn't really mean them. He was acting very arrogant and bigoted around the time The Glorious Burden was released. And I think Barlow having to depart was probably a big part of the reason why, since he was already overworked enough on TGB and at the last minute he had to get a NEW SINGER!!!!

I just wonder how Barlow's going to manage holding down all three of those jobs while still having a successful marriage. His work in Pyromaze, his work in Iced Earth, and his work with the Georgetown Police. All three of which are pretty demanding jobs, at that. It's also a little odd seeing him singing for two metal bands, but also writing anti-drug/violence/etc. songs with his police department. Although, Iced Earth isn't exactly Cannibal Corpse or Darkestrah. So I guess it shouldn't be too surprising.

He never said those things.

For proof that Barlow can hit the same highs Ripper can, check out the last track of The Dark Saga towards the end of the song. Prolly the top note I've ever heard him hit, and it's the same high that Ripper has in Framing Armageddon.

Still think it's stupid to bring Barlow back BEFORE the end of the trilogy. I agree with Afro Lint, something is wrong and now I don't think we have the full story.

I'm a huge fan of both vocalists. I agree with many here that Tim should have finished the 2nd album. Matt and Jon could then start with concept they can work on together.

There is clearly more to this story then what Jon is letting on. I don't believe Tim got any writing credits on Something Wicked. This has been a sour point with him, even back in the old Judas Priest days.

I'm not sure how I feel about this change up. Tim is my favorite vocalist, but I do miss Matt's presence in the band. I prefer Ripper in Iced Earth more then in his own band, Beyond Fear. I have Winter's Bane's latest, and it's alright I guess.

As long as these two vocalists release solid material I'll be happy.

Craziest metal news of the year

As much as I like both ripper albums, how long til Matt is asked to rerecord Framing Armageddon.

I wouldnt put it past Jon to do both on the next recording venture.

Matt is the real IE singer.
Tim is the most (or one of the most) underrated singer in metal.
But something is wrong with the timing, as everybody has said. I bet that part2 will be a great dissapointment. And if IE with Jon and Matt survive the bashing this album will have, the next IE album will be a returning to their best efforts.
But I really think Tim must have sing in part 2, and Matt should had rejoined after that.

I feel sorry for Ripper about this issue. He seems to be made as a stand in only until someone else's return. The 2 albums he sang on are great. I think he should consider not rejoining his old bands if he knows that he has to leave in the event of a greater person's return. He should just form his own band, where he makes the decisive moves and not worry about leaving.

It maby because he is a great singer, but doesn't have much in the way of creativity, melodies or direction, not accusing him of that, but maybe that's why people give him the heave-ho


Yu could say the same about LaBrie, but he's done four albums where he wrote material and contributed a great deal and shown he has the goods. Ripper hasn't as far as I know demonstrated an skill other than being a good singer of songs he didn't write. Like elvis.

Ripper is a great vocalist, but I'm also not going to complain about Matt coming back. The timing sucks, but such is life. No offense to Ripper, but if this has anything to do with songwriting credits, I point to the lyrics for Red baron/Blue Max on TGB. If that's the gauge we have for his lyrical prowess, I can understand why he's not being asked to write. People can call Jon a dick, but he's just really picky about what IE puts out. He has a certain standard he believes in, and Matt is the only person who has ever been in IE that occassionally writes to that standard, even if it's not very often that he does so.

I just hope I'm not forced to repurchase Part 1 in a few months LOL