Way back in 2002, Iced Earth was getting ready to part ways with their longtime label, Century Media Records, and to do so they were required to deliver one final album. Instead of giving up an album of new material, Iced Earth mastermind Jon Schaffer decided that for their final release they would pay tribute to some of the bands that inspired him and the band to get into this business of music creation. The end result is what you would expect of a tribute/cover album, a mixed bag, but generally well worth the listen.
Iced Earth is one of those bands that has a dedicated following but haven't really broken through to the mainstream in any meaningful way. They are an incredibly talented band that has delivered some of the best heavy metal over the past 15 years. Even with the seemingly endless rotation of band members, session players, touring players, and vocalists, they always seem to turn out some great music. This fact is probably due to the strong guiding force that is founding member, guitarist Jon Schaffer. It is said the bands represented here are those that influenced the band, but I suspect that it is a list that heavily favors Schaffer's influences.
Tribute to the Gods would prove to be the final studio recordings that the band made with vocalist Matthew Barlow, who still owns the record of longest tenure of any of their singers, spanning four studio albums, one album of re-recordings of earlier tracks with him on vocals, and a live album. The split was amicable. Barlow's reason for leaving had to do with his changing attitudes in the wake of 9/11. Wishing to contribute more to the real world, he went to the police academy and became a police officer, currently serving in Georgetown, Delaware. The man has an amazing voice, very powerful and emotional. This album may take him a bit out of his element at times, he still puts his stamp on these Iced Earth versions. Barlow is actually making a return to music, becoming the new lead singer for a band called Pyramaze, whose schedule allows him to retain his post as a police officer.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Excellent Review...
Just remember, these guys did a cover album just to have some fun,close out a record contract(like you mentioned) & add to their discography. Unlike Poison & Def Leppard, who did it because they don't have the ability to produce the ballsy shite like they used to.
Oh and if you want greatness, you should also check out The Glorius Burden.
Plus the side project he did with the singer from Blind Guardian - Demons & Wizards.
2 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
*BTW* On the first Demons & Wizards album they do a killer version of White Room by Cream.
3 - Chris Beaumont
Oh yes, well aware of Glorious Burden and D&W! Got them. One day I may review them.... I really like the crimson King album.
Thanks.
4 - Dave
Iced Earth ROCKS, just bought the "Gloriouse Burden" although I am Canadian , I still admire how good the American National anthem sounds stamped with the Iced Earth sound.
Great album, but nothing beats "Something Wicked this way comes"....WOW.
In the absence of Metallica over the last several years, Iced Earth fills the void if you are looking for good, solid Metal (Megadeth will do as well, as long as it is select albums..scratch everything from 1995-2000)