Dude...WHAT? Barlow Back In Iced Earth?

Afro Lint · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:30 am **Posts:** 1212

You reading this shit? :omfg:

Caligula_K · **Joined:** Mon Nov 22, 2004 8:56 pm **Posts:** 3561

Umm... what? Link? Anywhere?

Caligula_K · **Joined:** Mon Nov 22, 2004 8:56 pm **Posts:** 3561

AAAAAAAAAAh what the fuck?

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbe ... emID=86574

I can't say I'm too happy about this. Ripper joins Priest, is the best thing on Demolition and Jugulator. Halford wants back in, Ripper is kicked out. Ripper joins Iced Earth, is the best thing on Glorious Burden and makes Framing Armageddon anything more than an average album- its the best album since Something Wicked thanks to him. I can't believe they'd kick him out before Part II at least. I know I'll probably be alone in this opinion, because I like Ripper and Barlow about equally and therefore won't be crying with joy now that Barlow is back... But I just feel really bad for the guy.

Afro Lint · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:30 am **Posts:** 1212

Quote:

ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer has issued the following statement:

"Hello, dear friends!

"Once again the winds of change are upon us, and this time I can say that I am very happy about the result.

"While out on the European tour I had several in depth discussions with many loyal ICED EARTH fans. A common theme of these discussions was how much Matt is missed. I agreed with the fans that things were not the same and that it was a very special period in ICED EARTH's history.

"When I heard several months ago that Matt [Barlow] was going to be doing a project in music again, I was thinking about contacting him and seeing what his intentions were. I didn't act on this because I was so focused on the writing of the new epic, and frankly, it just didn't seem realistic.

"Well, after getting out on the road and speaking with many of you directly, I decided to call Matt and see how he was doing and if he was interested in working together again. I am proud to say that he is coming back to ICED EARTH and we will be getting back to work in the studio very soon.

"Matt will be singing on Part 2 of the 'Something Wicked' concept CD and we will be looking forward to getting out on tour and delivering a series of ICED EARTH shows that will rival any in the history of the band. And there will be a proper DVD filmed from this period, something we’ve all been waiting for.

"I want you all to know that it was you who made this a reality. I have missed Matt's presence onstage and in my personal life in a big way over the past few years, so I appreciate your honesty in our discussions. It did help me realize the decision to move forward with pursuing this. The fans have spoken and we have delivered!

"You true fans know that I'm a straight shooter, I say what I mean and mean what I say. And though I value your opinions greatly, you must believe that this is a decision that comes completely from the heart and is not motivated by anything other than what feels the best for ICED EARTH. This is the way that things have always been dealt with, for better or for worse, but always honestly and from the heart.

"Tim Owens is a great and talented singer and I wish the best for him and his future on a personal and professional level.

"There will be more news soon as to further developments and plans. This will push back the release of Part 2 a bit. Not because we couldn't be ready to record in time, but because of a new addition to Matt's family in early 2008!

"I am very happy to announce that ICED EARTH is truly BACK!"

Afro Lint · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:30 am **Posts:** 1212

Brahm_K wrote:

AAAAAAAAAAh what the fuck?

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbe ... emID=86574

Exactly! I'm pissed and excited all at the same time! Are they going to re-record TGB and SW1 now?

Caligula_K · **Joined:** Mon Nov 22, 2004 8:56 pm **Posts:** 3561

Blah, edited my earlier post with some feelings on this. Barlow is a great singer, but I feel so bad for my poor Ripper, who is one of the most underrated singers in metal and gets juggled back and forth all the time.

But this is so unexpected... I guess singing about the dangers of crack to 12 year olds isn't all its cracked (I hate myself) out to be?

Tompa · **Posted:** Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:33 am

Holy fucking SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I mean that in the very best possible way!

I can't believe it! AWESOME!

I'll try to post something more coherent at a later point, for now: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Tompa · **Posted:** Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:35 am

And yeah I feel bad for Ripper too.

Afro Lint · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:30 am **Posts:** 1212

Brahm_K wrote:

Blah, edited my earlier post with some feelings on this. Barlow is a great singer, but I feel so bad for my poor Ripper, who is one of the most underrated singers in metal and gets juggled back and forth all the time.

I hear ya, but as I wrote in the Winter's Bane thread, I never thought Ripper would stay in Iced Earth. I figured he would quit after Something Wicked part 2. In all his interviews he seems more excited about his other projects than Iced Earth, where he always kind of spoke of it as Jon's thing. I just got a sense that the guy wanted something to call his own.

But him leaving or Jon firing him before Something Wicked part 2 just seems ridiculous. It's a fucking concept album! You don't switch vocalists in the middle of a concept album. Not only that, Iced Earth is not Pyramaze; they're a touring band, and touring is exactly what Matt didn't want to do anymore. He wanted stability for his family. Can IE give him that now?

So did Owens quit or did Jon ice him? I wonder. Also, the more I think about it, this whole thing seems nuts. Is it April 1st?

Caligula_K · **Joined:** Mon Nov 22, 2004 8:56 pm **Posts:** 3561

Quote:

But him leaving or Jon firing him before Something Wicked part 2 just seems ridiculous. It's a fucking concept album! You don't switch vocalists in the middle of a concept album. Not only that, Iced Earth is not Pyramaze; they're a touring band, and touring is exactly what Matt didn't want to do anymore. He wanted stability for his family. Can IE give him that now?

Yep, this is basically the most ridiculous part. Its really going to fuck up the continuity of the albums; I was looking forward to listening to both back to back, but I think the experience will be kind of ruined; I'm not sure I'd want the original Operation: Mindcrime to be half Geoff Tate, half Dio, even though Dio is slightly more talented than Tate.

Quote:

So did Owens quit or did Jon ice him? I wonder. Also, the more I think about it, this whole thing seems nuts. Is it April 1st?

Hmm.. good questions, and this is very weird indeed. I hope we get a statement from Ripper... and if this does happen and the poor guy did get fired from this concept album, which he should have at least finished, I hope this is at least permanent and that Barlow doesn't have another mid-life crisis in two years and realize he still doesn't like touring.

heatseeker · **Posted:** Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:49 am

...so Barlow is still in Pyramaze? That's interesting. But anyways, this seems like a good move to me...Barlow has pretty much been the voice of Iced Earth. Hopefully, Ripper goes on to do some good stuff with other bands and this works out.

Afro Lint · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:30 am **Posts:** 1212

Brahm_K wrote:

Yep, this is basically the most ridiculous part. Its really going to fuck up the continuity of the albums; I was looking forward to listening to both back to back, but I think the experience will be kind of ruined; I'm not sure I'd want the original Operation: Mindcrime to be half Geoff Tate, half Dio, even though Dio is slightly more talented than Tate.

I mean, if this is true, it wouldn't be hard to have Jon records vocals for the album. That is possible, and honestly, if he's going to sing on part 2, that is the only way it should be done. Otherwise it'll fuck everything up. Part 1 with Ripper can be a stand alone album, I think, but splitting them up is a little silly.

And based on pure singing ability, Tate wipes the floor with Dio.

Quote:

Hmm.. good questions, and this is very weird indeed. I hope we get a statement from Ripper... and if this does happen and the poor guy did get fired from this concept album, which he should have at least finished, I hope this is at least permanent and that Barlow doesn't have another mid-life crisis in two years and realize he still doesn't like touring.

I don't think Barlow had issues with touring outside of the fact that he had no stable income to support his family. I have no idea. Guess we wait for further info...

Afro Lint · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:30 am **Posts:** 1212

heatseeker wrote:

...so Barlow is still in Pyramaze? That's interesting. But anyways, this seems like a good move to me...Barlow has pretty much been the voice of Iced Earth. Hopefully, Ripper goes on to do some good stuff with other bands and this works out.

Yeah...what does this mean about Pyramaze? Hadn't they started recording already?

Well, Tim still has Beyond Fear. And I think he's going to join Winter's Bane. Maybe he did quit. Who knows.

Tompa · **Posted:** Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:17 am

Okay, I think I've settled down enough to put my feelings into words.

First of all, this is great news. I can't stress that enough. This is great news! Barlow is to Iced Earth what Dickinson is to Maiden, not replacable! When I, and most old fans too I dare to say, think of Iced Earth I think of Barlow too. They belong together.

Second, Ripper was fantastic in Iced Earth. I doubt anyone could have done a better job as a replacement. His performance alone on Wicked part 1 saves the album. I feel bad for the guy being tossed out, I hope it was on friendly terms. But like Ken said, he always seemed more excited about his other projects than IE. I remember listening to podcast interviews with him when he was doing promotion for Wicked part 1 where he barely even knew the storyline. He said stuff like "That's more Jon's area". I see his side though, he didn't have much of a chance to be involved in the song writing process in any of the IE albums. Beyond Fear was one of the best albums released that year so I am confident he will continue to kick ass with that band.

It has already been said, but what a strange time to change vocalist! As excited as I am about these news I'm worried that the continuity of the two part concept album will be ruined. I would like for them to re-record the first part with Barlow singing.

About Barlow wanting to provide for his family I get the feeling he's getting a bigger part of the cake this time around. I remember Schaffer saying he pretty much split the income down the middle with Owens. I'm pretty sure he didn't do that with Barlow back in the day. So maybe Barlow got a better deal this time.

I was excited about hearing Barlow sing for Pyramaze, but honestly that was mostly just excitement about him singing on new material, no matter what kind. He's my alltime favorite singer, he could sing Jingle Bells and I would want to hear it. I guess we'll see if he still has plan on finishing the album with them. I don't think he had started doing the vocal parts yet.

VinnieVincentInvaded · **Posted:** Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:40 am

Matt will always be the true voice of Iced Earth, so this can only be seen as good news in my book. That said, the songwriting on their last two outputs hasn't impressed me one bit, so I want to hear some samples of new material before I jump off my chair.

Caligula_K · **Joined:** Mon Nov 22, 2004 8:56 pm **Posts:** 3561

Afro Lint wrote:

I mean, if this is true, it wouldn't be hard to have Jon records vocals for the album. That is possible, and honestly, if he's going to sing on part 2, that is the only way it should be done. Otherwise it'll fuck everything up. Part 1 with Ripper can be a stand alone album, I think, but splitting them up is a little silly.

And based on pure singing ability, Tate wipes the floor with Dio.

Hmm... from whats been said so far, it looks like they're going straight into part II... whether they'll re-record Part I later is anyone's guess; and while I understand the rationale behind it and can even support it in some way, just releasing Part I again with Barlow transposed over it would be seriously pissing over Ripper's great work. Blah... no win situations.

As for Tate vs. Dio... Hooooooooooly Diiiiiiiiver. But I'll grant you that they're both so fanfuckingtabulous that it really doesn't matter.

Quote:

I don't think Barlow had issues with touring outside of the fact that he had no stable income to support his family. I have no idea. Guess we wait for further info...

Perhaps Barlow will be getting a better deal from Schaeffer this time.. I do remember hearing that Barlow got a relatively small percentage of the band's income.

Afro Lint · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:30 am **Posts:** 1212

From Pyramaze's site official forum:

"Just so you guys know, Matt is still in Pyramaze and the recording is going as planned. Matt will issue his own press statement soon, so stay tuned. cheers -jonah w"

Guess it's not April 1st after all.

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