Metal Reviews

Surprising news, and now next year's release of Something Wicked Pt 2 goes right up to the top of my anticipated releases for 2008 along side the Pyramaze album (for obvious reasons) and the potential release of new Heaven & Hell.

To Ripper, I wish you well and good luck. I'm still not overly fond of TGB (though he really hit the mark at the end of High Water Mark), but I was finally getting used to Ripper as the IE vocalist in FA, though I'm of course not going to complain about Barlow rejoining the band. Ripper, hopefully he'll stay away from bands like JP and IE that already have had a vocalist the fans recognize as the "voice" of the band. Someone mentioned that if Red Baron/Blue Max is his example of writing prowess, than it can't be great, but I disagree. I'm sure Jon put some serious "rules" on Ripper in regards to the lyrics and in the end, Tim probably wasn't able to use his full potential.

The timing is definitely weird, would have though that Jon would have finished both discs with the same guy. For what its worth, Eddie Trunk on his recent blog indicates that when he's had both Jon and Ripper at his radio show, there have been signs of discontent between the two. Perhaps it got to the point that Jon didn't think they could finish the album without killing each other.

Wow, that would be surprising. I mean it seems like they've been saying how good friends they are on a personal level every other interview. I hope for their sake they still are.

Wow, how much can change during three days when I'm away.

I'm at the same time surprised and disappointed, and not that much excited as I thought I'd be if something like this happened. Surprised obviously for a turn like this, disappointed because I really wanted to hear Ripper do Part 2 of the Something Wicked saga. For some reason I can't see Barlow doing the second part, even though his style seems to be leaning more towards the evil, Set Abominae vibe.

I am really glad though that Pyramaze wasn't completely ditched, I would've been crushed. I've never been as much a IE fan than a Pyramaze fan, so when I saw the headlines I was mostly worried for Pyramaze.

But hey, maybe there's a possibility that Barlow and Ripper would duo the vocals on Part 2? That could work out pretty well.

Maybe Matt will leave Pyramaze to be replaced by Ripper and then Lance King wil come back and take his place.

That would be a great idea but sadly I think it will never materialize. Sooner or later Tim would realise that Matt would be getting more attention and more credit because of his song writing. He's just gonna play second fiddle.

The thing no one seems to be picking up on is that if Jon really did decide to get Matt back after discussion with the fans, how could he possibly have worked on a new album with Tim knowing he was going to fire him at the end of the recording?

The timing is a bitch though.

Personally I think Owens is a far better vocalist, and Barlow's melodramatic crooning still grates on me, but I agree his voice is the best 'fit' for Iced Earth, somehow.

Here's an interesting thought someone posted on Tim's forum:


This isn't so crazy a thought.

That would indeed be cool and very much doable if they still are on good terms with eachother. However it would probably confuse many fans who aren't following this development on the net and/or in metal magazines.

Schaffer just released another statement on the matter, check it out on Blabbermouth.

So Barlow will stay in law inforcement and Iced Earth activities will go down. It seems like Schaffer has finally acceptet that he will never be a part of a huge band, it's a shame because I always admired his determination.

Yeah, I just read his new statement. There's still something missing here. It's still not all logically clicking.

I don't think Jon and Tim ever totally clicked as bandmates. Even though they seemed friendly together, I don't think there was a whole lot of chemistry there as musicians. Jon never really wanted to have to do IE without Matt, so when the opportunity arose...

However, it is weird to complete the new album set without the same vocalist, so I'm sure something created an even bigger rift beteeen Jon and Tim. Jon has to be given credit for trying to keep it quiet and remaining gracious toward Tim, even if it's hard to make the entire story gel.

Yep... like the whole thing about Tim's voice being the voice that Schaeffer hears when he writes music. This whole thing seems sillier by the second.

Why should it matter if part 2 is recorded with a different singer? I think the only one who is really into this concept is Jon himself.

I like concept albums. When done right, they are my favourite type of album. As such, I like some consistency within the songwriting; the type that is lost when you use a different singer on a concept album's second half. It may have little to do with the concept, but a good concept album just flows in a way that other albums do not. I'm drunk right now, so perhaps I'm not elaborating this well- tommorow though! Then we'll see.

Well, I'm more of a Tim Owens fan myself but Barlow had been THE vocalist for Iced Earth. I understand why there is such a yearning by diehard fans for Barlow's return. If it's what Jon Schaffer wants to do then he's well within his rights to do so...after all..it's his band.

I don't feel that having Barlow complete the concept CD's hinders the project at all. He brings back the "classic" IE vocal sound and it should work out fine. He sounded great when they did "The Dark Saga" about Spawn (the comic book character), so why shouldn't he sound good completing this project?

An announcement from Pyramaze was posted on Blabbermouth. Barlow will be continuing as Pyramaze's vocalist as well as fronting Iced Earth. So, Barlow fans will definitely be getting their fill of him. Bonus!!

Betcha anything Schaffer will make him choose one or the other.

I don't know if Scahffer will attempt to hold Barlow exclusively to Iced Earth. Schaffer was making comments that IE would become a band that would only play live for special short run engagements. It would seem that Jon is not interested in getting out there and touring for long periods of time any longer. Based upon that comment Barlow may be free to continue on in Pyramaze. I guess we'll see how it all works out.

If there's any truth to what Jon says about doing this for the fans, I'd say that Matt will have a lot more negotiating power this time around. But I don't think Jon had anything to do with his departure anyway, so we're all likely just viewing Jon in the wrong light, in that tyrannical leader role.

Comments from Ripper:

TIM OWENS Says He Found Out '30 Seconds' Before Everyone Else He Was Out Of ICED EARTH - Dec. 19, 2007

Singer Tim "Ripper" Owens spoke exclusively to D.X. Ferris of the Cleveland Scene about his surprising departure from ICED EARTH three months after the release of the group's latest album, "Framing Armageddon - Something Wicked Part I".

ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer issued a statement last week (Statement#1, Statement#2) announcing that the group was parting ways with Owens and was once again working with Tim's predecessor, Matt Barlow, who originally left ICED EARTH in 2003.

Speaking to the Cleveland Scene, Owens stated about his split with ICED EARTH, "I was told 30 seconds before the news hit Blabbermouth that I was let go — two weeks before Christmas. I don't think it was handled right. It's a shame it ended like that. With JUDAS PRIEST, at least the way it was handled, I'm still good friends with the band. The good thing is, I don't have to discuss ICED EARTH anymore. I can move on. I wish them luck. We're ready to go to the future."

Tim's new top priority is BEYOND FEAR, an Ohio-based based power-speed hybrid. That band's 2006 self-titled debut received some of the best reviews of Owens' storied career. The frontman says a second record is nearly written, and local fans can expect some live shows soon.

Owens is still being managed by Wendy Dio, wife of metal legend Ronnie James Dio. BEYOND FEAR remains attached to international metalworks SPV Records. The singer may move forward with a new WINTERS BANE album and tour, if the project generates label interest; BANE bassist Dennis Hayes was dismissed from ICED EARTH along with Owens.

"I've already had a lot of offers," said Owens, who is now regarded as one of metal's top voices. "It's nice to get the support."

TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS: Split With ICED EARTH Is 'What I Needed' - Dec. 19, 2007

Singer Tim "Ripper" Owens has released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding his surprising departure from ICED EARTH three months after the release of the group's latest album, "Framing Armageddon - Something Wicked Part I".

In a written statement that was sent to BLABBERMOUTH.NET earlier tonight (Wednesday, December 19), Owens says, "First off I would like to wish Jon Schaffer and the guys in ICED EARTH much success.

"Yes, this [Owens' dismissal from ICED EARTH] all was just horrible timing, and I don't think it was handled in the best way, coming two weeks before Christmas! But it is the best for me and ICED EARTH.

"I really need to move on and do other things. I really want to get BEYOND FEAR out there and I'm working on some other projects as well.

"Things happen for a reason, and yes, the winds of change are upon us and that is what I needed!

"The one thing I ask is to just leave it all alone.

"I would like from this moment on to leave ICED EARTH in the past and move forward, so I will no longer discuss IE!

"Like I said, I wish Jon and his family and the guys in IE the best of luck and a merry Christmas... Now let's move on and talk about the future!

"Thank you and keep it heavy."

That's a great response from Tim. It was professional and to the point. I think he's a great guy and one of the best voices in metal. I loved Beyond Fear's debut so, I can't wait to hear a follow up from them.

With Barlow back in IE and Ripper focusing on his own career I believe balance has been brought back to the force.