Long have I heralded Iced Earth as leaders in their field, they were my saving grace for metal during the difficult 1990’s, and founding member Jon Schaffer has made Iced Earth his own in more ways than one. Suffering the exit (once again!) of acclaimed vocalist Matt Barlow, replacement Stu Block (from the band Into Eternity) is more than a match, and in some quarters, makes Iced Earth his own, leaving all the apprehension well in the past in terms of vocal duties being fulfilled.
‘Dystopia’ is Iced Earth’s tenth album, and it is an absolute screamer from start to finish. ‘Dystopia’s’ lyrical theme includes the continuation of the “Something Wicked” saga (the title track and ‘Tragedy and Triumph’), but the main basis is Schaffer’s interest is such dystopian themes, of both Orwell novels and recent Hollywood movies. The interesting thing about using such futuristic themes is that it becomes very applicable to modern day life, strange but true, the future utopian ideals can really be considered part of everyday life, that’s just the way things are, and Iced Earth have tapped into this.
Epic metal is a synopsis of most Iced Earth albums and this is very much the standard of this release. Vocal harmonies, guitar riffs from one of the metal gods trade licks together and off each other in equal partnership, Troy Steel has some vivid guitar solos. The album mix is very complimentary to a full band; the same levels are extended to both the music and the vocals, thereby providing a sonic listening experience. Poignant ballad sections mix with thunderous traditional metal elements brandishing some of the songs as future classics and essential live set numbers.
It is particularly pleasing to hear the light and shade moments of Iced Earth, ‘Anguish of Youth’ is a perfect example, their trademark acoustic and emotive intro followed by a bombastic piece of guitar driven melody, this is what Iced Earth are all about and they are still masters of their game. Block’s vocals are very, and I do stress, very versatile, each and every line lives and breathes human emotion, I really do feel I am being told a story. ‘Boiling Point’ has some massive musical range, especially vocally and the defining staccato guitar work from both Shaffer and Troy Steele’s lead work really hits the mark. Fist raising and head hanging is a mandatory requirement on the opening bars of ‘Equilibrium’ before the track gallops into life and delivers the famed undercurrent of power and strength without losing the melody and feel. I really find this release standing on-a-par with previous releases and acclaimed classics, ‘Dystopia’ has essentially reiterated all my faith, as I was initially worried with the departure of my favourite Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow, and the guitar work is simply stunning as I have mentioned lots in this review.
This is an album for strong willed musical appreciative fans with a clear passion for thoughtful lyrical content, riff after riff of jaw dropping precision and an album that is one of the releases of this year and Iced Earth’s career for that fact, it is certainly my favourite (bar ‘The Crucible of Man’) since 2001’s ‘Horrorshow’. Schaffer has struck gold with this effort, and this line up, the resulting album is immense, fulfilling and destined for glory and recognition amongst their peers.
http://www.icedearth.com
Paul Maddison
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