Iced Earth

Revision as of 19:57, 9 December 2008

Iced Earth

Original Author - Jer

Iced Earth

The Band

Iced Earth is an American metal band that was formed in Columbus Indiana in 1984. The band was originally called Purgatory. Upon relocating the band to Tampa Florida and discovering another band was already using that name, the name was changed to Iced Earth.

The heart, soul, and brains of Iced Earth belong to songwriter/guitarist Jon Schaffer. Schaffer (Born in 1968) is the only original member of the band. He is outspokenly strict about his passion and the direction of the band. And this results in Iced Earth maintaining a very dedicated fan base.

From the bands demo Enter The Realm in 1991 to the 2008 completion of the 2 part magnum opus Something Wicked Iced Earth’s career is made up of 10 official releases.

Their sound is reminiscent of the NWOBHM and they are influenced by bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Kiss, Black Sabbath, etc.

The band is enjoying renewed attention due to long time singer Matt Barlow’s return to the band in May of 2008. He stepped out of the band in 2002 to pursue a career in law enforcement and still holds that job as of today. In his absence vocal duties were handled by ex Judas Priest singer Tim Owens. Owens went on to join Yngwie Malmsteen’s band after being fired from Iced Earth.

Members

Matt Barlow - Voice
Jon Schaffer - Guitar & Keyboards
Brent Smedley - Drums
Troy Seele - Guitar
Freddie Vidales - Bass

Albums

Iced Earth (1991)
Night of the Stormrider (1992)
Burnt Offerings (1995)
The Dark Saga (1996)
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1998)
Horror Show (2001)
The Glorious Burden (2004) Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Part I (2007)
The Crucible of Man - Something Wicked Part II (Septiembre 2008)

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