Metal Reviews

Do you realize how many bands out there—likely a ton of bands you like—have just one of two main songwriters? Why does everyone call Jon a dick for being that guy? If Jon wasn't the main songwriter Iced Earth would have been done ages ago.

Uh yeah my point exactly.

There must be a difference between the way Schaffer runs his band and the way, for instance, Tobias Sammet runs his. Both have one guy writing the biggest percentage of the music - one has had only one line-up change since since 1992.

As far as line-up changes while not touring or recording goes I couldn't care less. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. It would have been a totally different matter if the recent guys that went in/out of the band had actually toured with them or co-wrote songs or something like that, then it would have mattered.
I wish they would get a good and stable lineup though, and have it run for a few years. It has been a real mess in recent years.

Well, Edguy is a much more stable band for someone to make a living with. Iced Earth, while still a big band, is pretty inactive compared to Edguy. They're a US-based band.

But who knows the reasons. Maybe Jon picks the wrong people—like rapists. Maybe he's hard to work with, but I've heard only fans talk about Jon being an asshole, not ex-band members.

I don't have a problem with some band members writing everything; some band members, while great players, just don't feel comfortable contributing music, or when they do, its less than good. I do feel that Jon is an asshole from interviews I've read with him and Iced Earth's many guitarists; stuff where he says that he's fired someone from the band because they wanted to help out with a bit of songwriting and (paraphrasing) "if they want to write music, they can start their own fucking band!"

So whatever, Jon's a dick, who cares as long as the songwriting's good, right? The problem here, for me, is that ever since The Dark Saga, Jon's songwriting has generally consisted of two types of songs: Triplet speedier metal songs and ballads (obviously, there are exceptions to this, most notably the excellent Gettysburg Trilogy). This has developed into a distinct weakness, and I feel that if Jon wants to succeed in this epic project (which I hope he does), he needs to go beyond that and try new things. Whether that means diversifying his songwriting or getting help from others doesn't matter to me, though it might help to create a more consistent lineup.

But, quoting you, "some band members, while great players, just don't feel comfortable contributing music, or when they do, its less than good." Maybe Jon knows a bit better than us that these other band members simply don't have the chops, or maybe they can write great songs, but songs not suited for Iced Earth? I can't disrespect someone like Jon who has worked so hard for his band, and most definitely makes it known that it's his band. So any new member trying to take some sort of creative control is likely to find himself fired, just like any new employee at any job trying to do things his or her way will likely find themselves unemployed real quick.

Either way, I don't know Jon, so I couldn't care less whether he's an asshole or not. Haha.


See, I disagree with this. A lot of people say this, but I think it's wrong. The Dark Saga, Something Wicked, Horror Show and The Glorious Burden all had a bunch of groovy, mid-paced metal tunes. The "triplet" thing is part of Jon's style, he's been doing it since day one. I think the last four Iced Earth albums have been very varied with song styles. Fast song (w/triplets and without), groovy numbers, ballads, etc.

I also wish people would stop using technical music terms when they apparently don't know enough about these terms to be using them. I'm not try to be an ass. It's just that Jon is constantly being said to be doing something he isn't. Jon is not playing "triplets". Triplets are three notes of equal value. Jon is "galloping", which is not a specific musical term, but it generally refers to the two shorter notes preceded or followed by a note of twice their length. This is something he brought to his style based on Steve Harris doing the same on bass.

Why is no one bashing Harris for always using galloping basslines? because no one wants to find a reason to hate Steve. Poeple don't like Jon personally, so they look for reasons to attack his style. Him using a similar style throughout various songs is no different than Steve's galloping bass, Yngwie's appregios, or Randy Rhoads' frequent use of harmonic minor. Jon's not on these guys' level, but I'm just making a point about musicians' styles.

I've said this a million times before about a bunch of musicians. You won't find many who agree with you.

I'll pick up the demo, looking forward to it actually. As much as I am a fan of Barlow, I personally prefer Tim's voice over Matt's. I would't mind seeing a compliation of Iced Earth songs with Tim singing. I've heard a live recording of Dracula, and I was impressed.

Great post, and I agree 100%.

I know. Once people decide they don't like someone, that's it.

I agree his personality can be abrasive at times, but I doubt an asshole as big as people prtray him to be wouldn't be building lifelong friendships with people like Hansi Kursch either. He's just picky about his music and what he wants it to be, and I'm sure it's hard to get all the "for hire" types he often ends up with to buy into his intensity. He's never been able to put together a band where everyone was devoted to living music, so this is just what happens.

Firstly, I'd like to apologize for mixing up triplets and galloping rhythms. You'll have to excuse some of my music ignorance.

That being said, I disagree completely that just because some people think Jon's an asshole, we immediately begin to seek reasons to dislike his music. Blackie Lawless is by all accounts a much bigger asshole than Jon, yet W.A.S.P. is one of my favourite bands and I'd very rarely criticize them. The same can be said for Dave Mustaine, who I've met and was actually an asshole to me and apparently has one hell of an ego; that doesn't make me love Rust in Peace or Peace Sells any less. The same can be said for Jon; Night of the Stormrider is one of my favourite albums, and I love as well Burnt Offerings and like Something Wicked and Horror Show. I think the galloping rhythms point, however, is a good one.

Harris and Maiden use these riffs aplenty as well, that is true; however, they generally use other types of riffs too and have very different song styles. I don't believe I can say the same thing for Iced Earth. Looking at Something Wicked, there are two songs that don't make considerable use of galloping rhythms or aren't balladic (Burning Times and My Own Saviour). Now, most of the album works (minus a few ballads.. Iced Earth's ballads are really hit or miss), because the songwriting is generally good. But, I think for this Something Wicked duology, Jon really needs to expand beyond this formula; there's a point where its just too much. I understand that galloping rhythm's is Iced Earth's thing, but if Jon doesn't try to do something beyong the gallop/ballad/gallop/ballad/different song/ formula for this one, I think I am going to get bored with it quite quickly.

First, the triplet thing was not a direct attack on you. It's something I've seen hundreds of people do over the last few years, even professional crititcs who are actually expected to know something.

I am glad you clarified yourself with specific references to describe your opinions on the gallop. I respect that you show more thought in your criticism of Jon than alot of people do. One of the things I like about D&W's Crimson King is that Jon expanded beyond his usual style a little more than on IE albums. Maybe this experience will help him expand a little more on the new IE albums too. While Maiden has expanded beyond the gallop more and more over the years, there are still some well-respected musicians who stick as closely to their styles as Jon. That's not to say any of them shouldn't expand more though. I mean, lack of growth is one thing that drives me nuts about Rhapsody.

Still, I think IE has grown more than people often realize. While Jon's foundational riffing style has remained fairly consistant, IE showed some serious development between SWTWC and TGB. If you listen to the vocal recordings on Horror Show, there was an increased usage of overlapping harmonies which led to choir-like vocals in many parts of TGB. Orchestration effects have increased to. It's obvious that the time with Hansi has had an affect. Anyway, I think Jon has grown as an overall composer even if his guitar-playing style has not evolved as much as some would like.

Thats a very good point. The orchestration and increase in choir vocals were the best parts of The Glorious Burden- why Gettysburg succeeded where a lot of the album failed, where they really ramp up on those elements. Mixing that new direction with more guitar innovation is really what I'm looking for with these two albums, and I hope Jon delivers.

This album is awesome. Majestic choirs, brilliant choruses, a lot of diversity (a few subtle oriental motifs, acoustic interludes, etc), catchy riffs and, illuminating everything, the beautiful voice of Tim. His lines are always melodic and emotional, even when he's aggressive, his performance is simply out of this world.

While I'm pretty sure many will passionately dislike this album, because it's not Stormrider 2, or it's too melodic, too atmospheric, too slow, or they hate Ripper or whatever, I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much I didn't even bother Jon's voice telling me 3 times per song that I'm listening to Framing Armaggedon. I can't wait for it to be released.

Its leaked? Huzzah! Can't wait to hear this motherfucker.

It did, but as I foresaw, a lot of people diss it already. Probably because it's mostly midtempo. I guess it's gonna be one of those love or hate albums. I for one like it. Btw, the promo leaked has a very annoying voice over, be warned.

After a first listen, my initial reaction is . There's lots more diversity in the guitar work, the eastern influences are really interesting, and Ripper is FUCKING AWESOME- this is his best performance, which is saying quite a lot. I think it might be overlong, but I'm going to give it another few listens before reaching anymore conclusions.

Edit: Oh yes, and Schaeffer is fucking annoying. Do you really need to interrupt 5 times per song?

I have a feeling this will be a fricking awesome album, not only because I'm a fanboy, but because I think Schaffer has put a lot of work into the Something Wicked project. I'll refuse to download this because I want my first listen to be special, like losing my virginity for a second time, and it wouldn't feel right while sitting by my computer. I have high expectations, and I have faith that Iced Earth will exceed those. I'm also very, very psyched for the gig at Wacken Open Air I will attend next week.

I have a feeling this will be a great year for Iced Earth as well as for their fans. Which is nice, because I feel it's been too long since last time.

I like the EP. The new song is good, and I think the new version of the trilogy is pretty good. I prefer the originals, but I also know I'm biased. I think Ripper is stretching out more than he did on TGB, trying to sound more fitting for the dark fantasy stuff while maintaining his trademarks. The production is still a bit tinny, but I guess that's Morrisound for you.