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Iced Earth

Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band currently composed of only Jon Schaffer, formed in Tampa, Florida and based in Columbus, Indiana. They were formed in 1984 under the name the Rose, then Purgatory,[1] by guitarist, main songwriter and bandleader Schaffer and original drummer Greg Seymour. Iced Earth released their debut album in 1990 and have since released twelve studio albums, four EPs, three compilations, three box sets, three live albums and eleven music videos.

Iced Earth
Iced Earth in 2012
Background information
Also known as
  • The Rose (1984–1985)
  • Purgatory (1985–1988)
OriginTampa, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Years active1984–2021 (on hiatus)
Labels
Spinoffs
Members
Past members(See: list of former band members)
Websiteicedearth.com

After releasing the demo EP Enter the Realm (1989) and signing to Century Media Records, the band released two full-length studio albums – Iced Earth (1990) and Night of the Stormrider (1991) – before taking a two-year hiatus from 1992 to 1994,[2] after which the band returned with new lead vocalist Matt Barlow. Iced Earth went on to release four studio albums with him in over half a decade: Burnt Offerings (1995), The Dark Saga (1996), Something Wicked This Way Comes (1998) and Horror Show (2001).

After Horror Show, Barlow quit the band and joined the police force, while Iced Earth continued on with Tim "Ripper" Owens, formerly of Judas Priest, on vocals. With Owens, the band released two studio albums (2004's The Glorious Burden and 2007's Framing Armageddon). In late 2007, Barlow rejoined the band, and they recorded one more album with him: The Crucible of Man (2008). In 2011, Barlow once again left Iced Earth, and was replaced by Into Eternity frontman Stu Block. Dystopia, Block's first album with the group, was released that October; the album received a positive response, with some critics calling it one of Iced Earth's best albums.[3][4] The group recorded two more albums with Block: Plagues of Babylon (2014) and Incorruptible (2017).

Iced Earth has had numerous lineup changes; as of 2021, there had been over thirty musicians in and out of the band since its formation, with Schaffer as the sole constant member. Following Schaffer's January 2021 arrest by the FBI for his involvement in the 2021 United States Capitol attack, the rest of the lineup departed. Schaffer is in FBI custody on felony charges, which has generated new publicity for Iced Earth and has resulted in the band being dropped from their longtime label Century Media.[5][6]

History edit

Formation and early years (1984–1989) edit

The central figure of Iced Earth is, and has been, guitarist Jon Schaffer, who formed the band on January 20, 1985,[7] in Tampa, Florida. Schaffer's original vision for the band started under the moniker "The Rose" in 1984.[1]

 
Guitarist Jon Schaffer, who founded the band in 1984, is the only remaining original member of Iced Earth.

The group was very short-lived, after which Schaffer formed a band called Purgatory, which would eventually change its name to Iced Earth.[1] Line-up changes were common within the band, with Schaffer staying as the only constant member. The group recorded a demo in 1985, titled Psychotic Dreams.[1] In 1988, Purgatory changed its name to Iced Earth.[1] According to Schaffer, a friend of his, who died in a motorcycle accident prior to Schaffer moving to Florida[1] was responsible for the name.[8] In 1989, Iced Earth recorded another demo called Enter the Realm, with the lineup of Gene Adam on vocals, Randall Shawver on lead guitar, Dave Abell on bass, Greg Seymour on drums and Schaffer on rhythm guitar and vocals.[9] All of the songs on Enter the Realm would later appear on the band's debut album, with the exception of "Nightmares" and the title track.

Self-titled debut album and Night of the Stormrider (1990–1993) edit

After getting signed to Century Media Records, the band, now with Mike McGill on drums, started work on their debut album. Recorded at Morrisound Recording, with Tom Morris and Schaffer as producers,[10] Iced Earth was released in November 1990 in Europe and on February 25, 1991, in the US. Following the album's release, Iced Earth toured across Europe with Blind Guardian.[11][12]

Following their self-titled debut, Iced Earth quickly began work on their second album. Prior to the recording process, singer Gene Adam was let go from the band after he refused to take singing lessons. Adam was subsequently replaced by John Greely, as was drummer McGill by Richey Secchiari.[13] The album, entitled Night of the Stormrider, was again recorded at Morrisound Recording, with Schaffer and Morris as producers. The album was released on November 11, 1991, in Europe, but in the US, the album's release was delayed until April 1992, so it wouldn't compete with the group's debut album. Following Night of the Stormrider's release, Iced Earth again toured Europe with Blind Guardian.[11][12]

Burnt Offerings and The Dark Saga (1994–1997) edit

Following the supporting tour for Night of the Stormrider, Iced Earth entered a two-year hiatus from 1992 to 1994.[2] During this downtime, the band was faced with issues that almost resulted in them breaking up,[2][14] but eventually Iced Earth resurfaced with Burnt Offerings.[2] Heralded as Iced Earth's heaviest album,[2] Burnt Offerings was released on April 14, 1995,[15] and was the band's first album to feature drummer Rodney Beasley and vocalist Matthew Barlow.

 
Matt Barlow joined the band for 1995's Burnt Offerings. He would record three more albums with Iced Earth before his first departure from the band in 2003.

In January 1996, Iced Earth began recording their fourth studio album, this time with Tom Morris' brother Jim Morris acting as co-producer, along with Schaffer.[16] The album was also the first to feature drummer Mark Prator, and the last to feature longtime bassist Dave Abell, who left the group after finishing recording. Although Abell was credited for playing on the album, bassist Keith Menser appears on the back cover, because Century Media demanded the touring lineup to appear on the cover. Menser was fired after he didn't learn any of the band's songs for the tour, so he was soon replaced by James MacDonough. Mark Prator was also let go from the band, and was subsequently replaced by Brent Smedley. Released on May 23, 1996, The Dark Saga was a concept album based on the comic book character Spawn.[16] Musically the album was much more melodic and simplified compared to previous Iced Earth albums.[16] For the supporting tour, Iced Earth was joined by Nevermore.[11]

On April 21, 1997, Iced Earth released their first compilation album: Days of Purgatory. The album featured songs from their first two albums, as well as the Enter the Realm demo, resung by Matt Barlow, with new drums and bass on some tracks as well. The album also featured a few songs from Burnt Offerings, remixed and remastered.

Something Wicked This Way Comes and Alive in Athens (1998–1999) edit

In March 1998, work began on the band's fifth studio album, with Jim Morris returning as the producer.[17] Prior to the recording process, long-time guitarist Randall Shawver left the group. Guitarist Larry Tarnowski handled lead guitar duties on the album, but wasn't credited as a full-time member of the band, but as a session musician. Brent Smedley was also unable to play on the album, due to personal reasons,[18] and was temporarily replaced by Mark Prator, whom Smedley had originally replaced in 1996. Released on June 17, 1998, Something Wicked This Way Comes was notable for featuring the debut of Schaffer's Something Wicked Saga,[17] which he would expand upon on future albums. While on the supporting tour for Something Wicked This Way Comes (with Brent Smedley back on drums), the band recorded their first live album in Athens, Greece on January 23 and 24, 1999.[19] Entitled Alive in Athens, the three CD set was recorded in front of a sold-out audience (both nights) at the Rodon Club.[19] The album was released on July 19, 1999.

Also in 1999, the band released The Melancholy E.P.. Originally conceived as a radio-only single, the EP contained three previously released songs ("Melancholy (Holy Martyr)", "Watching Over Me" and "I Died for You"), as well as two new ones (cover versions of Bad Company's "Shooting Star" and Black Sabbath's "Electric Funeral").[20] However, Century Media Records did not end-up releasing the EP, so it was made available for fans as a limited 1500-copy special release.[20]

Horror Show and The Glorious Burden (2000–2004) edit

In 2000, work began on Iced Earth's sixth studio album. Entitled Horror Show, the album contained songs based on horror films and literature, such as Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera and the Wolf Man.[21] Released on June 26, 2001, the album was the band's first to feature drummer Richard Christy, and the third with guitarist Larry Tarnowski (now a full-time member). Originally Steve di Giorgio played bass on the album, but left the group after the recording process.[22] According to Schaffer, Di Giorgio was required and agreed to go on tour, but left due to "prior commitments".[23] He was replaced by James MacDonough. Horror Show was also the first Iced Earth album to be partially recorded at Schaffer's home studio "Schaffer Sound".[21]

On November 26, 2001 (March 5, 2002, in America) the band released the boxset Dark Genesis, which featured the band's first three albums plus the Enter the Realm -demo, remastered and remixed with new cover art.[24] The set also featured a new album, entitled Tribute to the Gods. It was Iced Earth's seventh studio album, featuring songs from such bands as Iron Maiden, Kiss and Blue Öyster Cult.

After the events of 9/11, Matt Barlow came to the conclusion that he wanted to start contributing to the "real world".[25] Barlow approached Schaffer with this in late 2002, but Schaffer convinced Barlow to stay with the band. When Iced Earth began recording their next studio album, Schaffer realized that Barlow's vocals were not what he desired; he felt that they lacked passion and quality, so he decided to let Barlow go after all.[25] Barlow became a police officer in the Georgetown Police Dept. in Georgetown, Delaware.[25]

After Barlow's departure, Iced Earth continued work on their next album, and eventually Schaffer got Tim "Ripper" Owens, from Judas Priest, to sing on the record as a favor.[26] Owens, who was still in Judas Priest at the time, was originally supposed to be credited as a guest musician, but after singer Rob Halford rejoined Judas Priest, Owens joined Iced Earth full-time.[26] Prior to the recording process, Tarnowski was let go from the band, so the lead guitar parts on the album were played by producer Jim Morris and session guitarist Ralph Santolla.

Prior to the album's release, Iced Earth released The Reckoning.[27] The single contained four songs off the new album, that the band felt were most likely to get radio airplay.[27] The Glorious Burden was released on January 12, 2004, in Europe and on January 13, in the United States. Much like how Horror Show was based on horror films and literature, The Glorious Burden was inspired by historical events.[28] It was also the band's first album with their new record company SPV. Following the supporting tour, James MacDonough left Iced Earth to join Megadeth.[29]

Framing Armageddon and The Crucible of Man (2005–2010) edit

 
Iced Earth in Stockholm, 2009

After The Glorious Burden, work began on the group's next album, which would be an expanded concept album on the "Something Wicked" storyline from Something Wicked This Way Comes. Before starting work on the album, Iced Earth was faced with multiple lineup changes. In July 2006, Ernie Carletti was chosen as the group's new lead guitar player, but after being faced with rape and kidnapping charges,[30] he was replaced by Tim Mills.[31] Incidentally, Mills was also forced to leave Iced Earth in order to concentrate on his own business, "Bare Knuckle Pickups".[32] In October 2006, Brent Smedley rejoined Iced Earth again, replacing Richard Christy on the drums.[33] Because the band were left without a bassist and lead guitar player, Schaffer ended up performing most of the lead guitar and bass parts on the album (although some tracks featured playing from producer Jim Morris, guitarist Troy Seele and bassist Dennis Hayes) In May 2007, Seele was announced as a permanent member of the band,[34] as was Dennis Hayes two months earlier.[35]

Before releasing the full-length album, Iced Earth released the EP Overture of the Wicked, which featured re-recorded versions of the original "Something Wicked Trilogy" as well as a brand new track, entitled "Ten Thousand Strong".[36] Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Part 1 was released on September 7, 2007, in Germany, September 10, in the rest of Europe, and on September 11, in the United States.

In December 2007, it was announced that Barlow would be rejoining Iced Earth after five years.[37] Following his return, work continued on Iced Earth's next album, originally titled Revelation Abomination: Something Wicked Part 2.[38] Majority of the album's music had been recorded at the same time as Framing Armageddon, and originally Schaffer had planned to finish the album after the end of 2007.[39] However work on the album had to be pushed back, due to Barlow's prior commitments to his other band, Pyramaze.[39] In early 2008, it was announced that Dennis Hayes had been replaced by bassist Freddie Vidales.[40]

Before releasing their next full-length album, Iced Earth released the single I Walk Among You which contained a new song from the forthcoming album, as well as two song from Framing Armageddon, resung by Barlow. After being retitled The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Part 2, Iced Earth's tenth studio album was released in September 2008. After The Crucible of Man, the band released Box of the Wicked, in early 2010.[41] The boxset contained Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Part 1, The Crucible Of Man: Something Wicked Part 2, the Overture of the Wicked EP and the I Walk Among You single, as well as a bonus CD, containing one song from Framing Armageddon, now with Barlow on lead vocals, as well as three previously unreleased live tracks from the Graspop Metal Meeting festival in 2008.[41] The boxset also included a poster and a booklet.[41] Also in early 2010, Iced Earth signed a new contract with their former record company, Century Media Records.[42]

Dystopia (2011–2012) edit

 
Stu Block joined Iced Earth for 2011's Dystopia and subsequent albums.

In March 2011, Barlow issued a statement on Iced Earth's official website, stating that he was retiring from the band due to family commitments, among other things.[43] Barlow still took part in the band's 2011 summer tour,[43] and played his final show with Iced Earth on August 6, 2011, at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. Shortly after announcing Barlow's departure, Iced Earth revealed that Into Eternity frontman Stu Block had been chosen as the band's new lead vocalist.[44] With Block now on board, Iced Earth began recording their next studio album in May 2011.[45]

On June 27, 2011, the band released the DVD Festivals of the Wicked, which featured shows from Metal Camp Open Air (2008), the Rock Hard Festival (2008) and Wacken Open Air (2007). On September 7, 2011, Iced Earth released a re-recorded version of the song "Dante's Inferno", from the album Burnt Offerings.[46] The band's new album Dystopia was released on October 17, 2011, in Europe and October 18 in the United States. While not a concept album, many of the album's songs were inspired by dystopian themes and films such as V for Vendetta, Dark City and Equilibrium.[47] Two songs ("Dystopia" and "Tragedy and Triumph") also featured the return of the "Something Wicked" storyline.[47] After the Dystopia's release, Iced Earth kicked off the Dystopia World Tour, which was heralded as "the most extensive world tour Iced Earth has ever undertaken"[47][48] and that it would take the band "to countries it has never previously played".

On April 10, 2012, it was announced that Freddie Vidales had left Iced Earth.[49] He was subsequently replaced by Luke Appleton from Fury UK.[49] On August 19, 2012, Iced Earth recorded a new live CD/DVD in Cyprus, entitled Live in Ancient Kourion.[49]

Plagues of Babylon and Incorruptible (2013–2020) edit

 
Iced Earth in 2016

Iced Earth began writing new material for their twelfth studio album in early 2013. Drummer Smedley left the band in May 2013 due to personal reasons.[50] Raphael Saini therefore played drums on the album, titled Plagues of Babylon, as well as filling in on tour until Jon Dette took over on drums in November 2013. The album was released in January 2014, reaching position #5 on the German Media Control Charts, which is band's highest chart position in their entire career.[51][52][53]

On April 7, 2015, following a period of inactivity as a result of Schaffer requiring cervical fusion surgery, the band announced that Iced Earth would begin writing for their 13th studio album. The announcement also revealed that drummer Smedley had rejoined the band, replacing Dette, and that the new album was to be tentatively titled The Judas Goat, with an expected release date and subsequent touring cycle in early 2016.[54] In August 2016 lead guitarist Troy Seele announced his departure from the band citing family reasons.[55] He was replaced on September 25, 2016, by Jake Dreyer.[56]

On December 6, 2016, Schaffer spoke in an interview with Fernando Bonenfant from Metal Wani and announced that the new album would be called Incorruptible, originally due for release in May 2017.[57] On March 13, 2017, the band confirmed that they had completed work on the album for a mid-June release.[58] On April 6, the artwork was revealed with the album being set for a June 16 release.[59] The release of the album also fulfilled the band's second deal with Century Media Records.[60]

On October 26, 2018, it was revealed that Jon Schaffer had recruited previous Iced Earth members Gene Adam (vocals) and Bill Owen (lead guitar); along with guests Jim Morris (lead guitar), Ruben Drake (bass guitar), and Mark Prator (drums); to form Jon Schaffer's Purgatory, taking the name from the precursor to Iced Earth. The band had re-recorded old pre-Iced Earth demos, including (in their original form) tracks that were later re-recorded for Iced Earth releases. This EP, titled Purgatory, was released in December 2018.

Iced Earth's 1989 demo Enter the Realm was released on CD and vinyl for the first time on April 12, 2019, exactly 30 years after its original release.[61]

In a Facebook Live chat that took place on April 14, 2020, Schaffer confirmed that, after "a little bit of time off", Iced Earth would start working on their thirteenth studio album for a spring 2021 release. He stated: "Everything is a little bit up in the air right now. Even working on a new Iced Earth album is gonna be challenging until we see how all this plays out, because it's an international band. Stu's in Canada and Luke is in the U.K., so that makes it even more difficult for travel…the biggest issue now is logistics of actually getting together to do it, because we're an international band. If we lived in the same town or even in the same country, it would make things a lot easier. But we will [get around to making a new album], and there will be a time for that, no doubt. To say when that's gonna be, my plan was to focus on it in the back half of this year and have a release in spring of 2021. But the world's flipped upside down and has gotten pretty weird lately."[62]

Hiatus since Schaffer's arrest (2021–present) edit

In early January 2021, Schaffer appeared on the Most Wanted section of the FBI after being photographed taking part of the 2021 United States Capitol attack.[63] On January 9, Block posted a message via his personal Instagram account on behalf of the rest of the band members regarding Schaffer's situation:[64]

"Some of you have been concerned by our silence, which we understand. We needed some time to properly process the information and find out some facts before we made a statement. First and foremost we absolutely DO NOT condone nor do we support riots or the acts of violence that the rioters were involved in on January 6th at the US Capitol building. We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions."[65]

On January 17, it was announced that Schaffer was in FBI custody, on six felony charges, after turning himself in to authorities.[66] Iced Earth and Demons & Wizards were both later dropped from Century Media due to these events.[67] On February 15, 2021, vocalist Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton both announced their resignation from the band as a result of the event.[68] On the same day, Jake Dreyer also announced his departure, stating that he would be focusing on his band Witherfall.[69] Only Schaffer remains.[70]

Schaffer entered a guilty plea of unlawfully entering Congress and obstructing an official proceeding, on April 16, 2021, and was granted sponsorship for United States Federal Witness Protection Program.[71][72]

A compilation album A Narrative Soundscape was released in January 2022 as a companion of Schaffer's lyrics anthology Wicked Words and Epic Tales. It features 15 songs of the band in "stripped" acoustic-ambient versions and with spoken lyrics.[73]

Musical style and lyrical themes edit

Iced Earth has been described as power metal,[74][75] heavy metal,[76][77] and thrash metal.[77] When asked about the band's musical style, Schaffer, Iced Earth's chief songwriter, said: "We're a metal band. That's what we are. We have every dynamic from Pink Floyd to Slayer and everything in between."[78] In a 2019 interview with Guitar World, he said, "I think that a lot of power-metal stuff is kind of cheesy, actually. This is just something that I'm not into."[79]

Iced Earth's music has evolved and shifted several times during the band's history. On the group's 1990 self-titled debut album, the band's sound was characterized by time changes, acoustic passages and Iron Maiden-type galloping rhythms.[10] Many of these elements carried over to the follow-up album Night of the Stormrider, which added keyboards and piano, as well as some choral arrangements.[13] 1995's Burnt Offerings has been heralded as Iced Earth's heaviest album, and included the band's longest song to date, "Dante's Inferno".[2] As a counter measure to Burnt Offerings, 1996's The Dark Saga featured a much more subdued sound compared to previous releases.[16] The focus was less on technical musicianship, but on emotion and melody.[16] Something Wicked This Way Comes combined elements found on previous albums with brand new ideas.[17] The "Something Wicked Trilogy", which closes the album, took many cues from the Night of the Stormrider album.[17] Iced Earth continued to expand their sound throughout the 2000s, like adding a full-piece orchestra to the song "Gettysburg" from 2004's The Glorious Burden.[28]

Common lyrical themes in Iced Earth's music have been religion,[2][13] history, fantasy,[28] literature,[2][16][21][80] and films.[21][80] The band has also released several concept albums, the first being 1991's Night of the Stormrider.[13] The second, 1996's The Dark Saga, was based on the Todd McFarlane comic book character Spawn.[16] 1998's Something Wicked This Way Comes introduced the Something Wicked Saga,[17] which was later expanded upon on 2007's Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Part 1,[81] and 2008's The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Part 2.[82] Iced Earth have also released several albums written around a theme. 2001's Horror Show was largely based on horror literature and films,[21] 2004's The Glorious Burden was inspired by history and war,[28] while 2011's Dystopia centered around dystopian themes in literature and film.[80]

Band members edit

Current members

  • Jon Schaffer – rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, mandolin (1984–present)
  • Brent Smedley – drums (1996–1997, 1998–1999, 2006–2013, 2015–present)

Discography edit

References edit

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  65. ^ "Login • Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved February 16, 2021. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  66. ^ Huang, Binghui; Martin, Ryan; Evans, Tim (January 17, 2021). "Indiana guitarist Jon Schaffer in federal custody after Capitol insurrection, faces 6 charges". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  67. ^ Hartmann, Graham (January 19, 2021). "Iced Earth's Stu Block Issues New Statement on Jon Schaffer's Capitol Riot Involvement". Loudwire. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  68. ^ "ICED EARTH Singer STU BLOCK And Bassist LUKE APPLETON Have Officially Quit The Band". Blabbermouth.net. February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  69. ^ "ICED EARTH Guitarist JAKE DREYER Distances Himself From Band, Says He Is Focusing Solely On WITHERFALL". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
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  71. ^ "Prosecutors secure first guilty plea in Capitol riot cases". NBC News. April 16, 2021. Jon Schaffer, a member of the Oath Keepers, pleaded guilty to unlawfully entering Congress and obstructing an official proceeding.
  72. ^ Pasbani, Robert (April 16, 2021). "ICED EARTH's Jon Schaffer Granted Witness Protection Program Sponsorship". Metal Injection. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  73. ^ "JON SCHAFFER Releases New ICED EARTH Album 'A Narrative Soundscape'". Blabbermouth.net. January 26, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  74. ^ DiVita, Joe (April 7, 2017). "Iced Earth Announce 'Incorruptible' Album Details". Loudwire. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  75. ^ Bukszpan, Daniel (2003). The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal. Barnes & Noble Publishing. p. 2. ISBN 978-0-76074-218-1.
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  78. ^ "Jon Schaffer - Interview". Bloodbath.ro. Retrieved March 23, 2013.[dead YouTube link]
  79. ^ "Iced Earth Guitarist: I Think a Lot of Power Metal Is Cheesy. I'm Not Into It". Ultimate Guitar. March 5, 2019. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  80. ^ a b c . Iced Earth. Archived from the original on March 2, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2013.
  81. ^ "Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Part 1". Icedearth.com. Retrieved March 23, 2013.
  82. ^ . Icedearth.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2013.

External links edit

  • Official website
  • Iced Earth at AllMusic  

iced, earth, album, album, american, heavy, metal, band, currently, composed, only, schaffer, formed, tampa, florida, based, columbus, indiana, they, were, formed, 1984, under, name, rose, then, purgatory, guitarist, main, songwriter, bandleader, schaffer, ori. For the album see Iced Earth album Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band currently composed of only Jon Schaffer formed in Tampa Florida and based in Columbus Indiana They were formed in 1984 under the name the Rose then Purgatory 1 by guitarist main songwriter and bandleader Schaffer and original drummer Greg Seymour Iced Earth released their debut album in 1990 and have since released twelve studio albums four EPs three compilations three box sets three live albums and eleven music videos Iced EarthIced Earth in 2012Background informationAlso known asThe Rose 1984 1985 Purgatory 1985 1988 OriginTampa Florida U S GenresPower metal heavy metal thrash metalYears active1984 2021 on hiatus LabelsCentury Media SPVSpinoffsDemons amp Wizards Sons of LibertyMembersJon SchafferPast members See list of former band members Websiteicedearth wbr com After releasing the demo EP Enter the Realm 1989 and signing to Century Media Records the band released two full length studio albums Iced Earth 1990 and Night of the Stormrider 1991 before taking a two year hiatus from 1992 to 1994 2 after which the band returned with new lead vocalist Matt Barlow Iced Earth went on to release four studio albums with him in over half a decade Burnt Offerings 1995 The Dark Saga 1996 Something Wicked This Way Comes 1998 and Horror Show 2001 After Horror Show Barlow quit the band and joined the police force while Iced Earth continued on with Tim Ripper Owens formerly of Judas Priest on vocals With Owens the band released two studio albums 2004 s The Glorious Burden and 2007 s Framing Armageddon In late 2007 Barlow rejoined the band and they recorded one more album with him The Crucible of Man 2008 In 2011 Barlow once again left Iced Earth and was replaced by Into Eternity frontman Stu Block Dystopia Block s first album with the group was released that October the album received a positive response with some critics calling it one of Iced Earth s best albums 3 4 The group recorded two more albums with Block Plagues of Babylon 2014 and Incorruptible 2017 Iced Earth has had numerous lineup changes as of 2021 there had been over thirty musicians in and out of the band since its formation with Schaffer as the sole constant member Following Schaffer s January 2021 arrest by the FBI for his involvement in the 2021 United States Capitol attack the rest of the lineup departed Schaffer is in FBI custody on felony charges which has generated new publicity for Iced Earth and has resulted in the band being dropped from their longtime label Century Media 5 6 Contents 1 History 1 1 Formation and early years 1984 1989 1 2 Self titled debut album and Night of the Stormrider 1990 1993 1 3 Burnt Offerings and The Dark Saga 1994 1997 1 4 Something Wicked This Way Comes and Alive in Athens 1998 1999 1 5 Horror Show and The Glorious Burden 2000 2004 1 6 Framing Armageddon and The Crucible of Man 2005 2010 1 7 Dystopia 2011 2012 1 8 Plagues of Babylon and Incorruptible 2013 2020 1 9 Hiatus since Schaffer s arrest 2021 present 2 Musical style and lyrical themes 3 Band members 4 Discography 5 References 6 External linksHistory editFormation and early years 1984 1989 edit The central figure of Iced Earth is and has been guitarist Jon Schaffer who formed the band on January 20 1985 7 in Tampa Florida Schaffer s original vision for the band started under the moniker The Rose in 1984 1 nbsp Guitarist Jon Schaffer who founded the band in 1984 is the only remaining original member of Iced Earth The group was very short lived after which Schaffer formed a band called Purgatory which would eventually change its name to Iced Earth 1 Line up changes were common within the band with Schaffer staying as the only constant member The group recorded a demo in 1985 titled Psychotic Dreams 1 In 1988 Purgatory changed its name to Iced Earth 1 According to Schaffer a friend of his who died in a motorcycle accident prior to Schaffer moving to Florida 1 was responsible for the name 8 In 1989 Iced Earth recorded another demo called Enter the Realm with the lineup of Gene Adam on vocals Randall Shawver on lead guitar Dave Abell on bass Greg Seymour on drums and Schaffer on rhythm guitar and vocals 9 All of the songs on Enter the Realm would later appear on the band s debut album with the exception of Nightmares and the title track Self titled debut album and Night of the Stormrider 1990 1993 edit After getting signed to Century Media Records the band now with Mike McGill on drums started work on their debut album Recorded at Morrisound Recording with Tom Morris and Schaffer as producers 10 Iced Earth was released in November 1990 in Europe and on February 25 1991 in the US Following the album s release Iced Earth toured across Europe with Blind Guardian 11 12 Following their self titled debut Iced Earth quickly began work on their second album Prior to the recording process singer Gene Adam was let go from the band after he refused to take singing lessons Adam was subsequently replaced by John Greely as was drummer McGill by Richey Secchiari 13 The album entitled Night of the Stormrider was again recorded at Morrisound Recording with Schaffer and Morris as producers The album was released on November 11 1991 in Europe but in the US the album s release was delayed until April 1992 so it wouldn t compete with the group s debut album Following Night of the Stormrider s release Iced Earth again toured Europe with Blind Guardian 11 12 Burnt Offerings and The Dark Saga 1994 1997 edit Following the supporting tour for Night of the Stormrider Iced Earth entered a two year hiatus from 1992 to 1994 2 During this downtime the band was faced with issues that almost resulted in them breaking up 2 14 but eventually Iced Earth resurfaced with Burnt Offerings 2 Heralded as Iced Earth s heaviest album 2 Burnt Offerings was released on April 14 1995 15 and was the band s first album to feature drummer Rodney Beasley and vocalist Matthew Barlow nbsp Matt Barlow joined the band for 1995 s Burnt Offerings He would record three more albums with Iced Earth before his first departure from the band in 2003 In January 1996 Iced Earth began recording their fourth studio album this time with Tom Morris brother Jim Morris acting as co producer along with Schaffer 16 The album was also the first to feature drummer Mark Prator and the last to feature longtime bassist Dave Abell who left the group after finishing recording Although Abell was credited for playing on the album bassist Keith Menser appears on the back cover because Century Media demanded the touring lineup to appear on the cover Menser was fired after he didn t learn any of the band s songs for the tour so he was soon replaced by James MacDonough Mark Prator was also let go from the band and was subsequently replaced by Brent Smedley Released on May 23 1996 The Dark Saga was a concept album based on the comic book character Spawn 16 Musically the album was much more melodic and simplified compared to previous Iced Earth albums 16 For the supporting tour Iced Earth was joined by Nevermore 11 On April 21 1997 Iced Earth released their first compilation album Days of Purgatory The album featured songs from their first two albums as well as the Enter the Realm demo resung by Matt Barlow with new drums and bass on some tracks as well The album also featured a few songs from Burnt Offerings remixed and remastered Something Wicked This Way Comes and Alive in Athens 1998 1999 edit In March 1998 work began on the band s fifth studio album with Jim Morris returning as the producer 17 Prior to the recording process long time guitarist Randall Shawver left the group Guitarist Larry Tarnowski handled lead guitar duties on the album but wasn t credited as a full time member of the band but as a session musician Brent Smedley was also unable to play on the album due to personal reasons 18 and was temporarily replaced by Mark Prator whom Smedley had originally replaced in 1996 Released on June 17 1998 Something Wicked This Way Comes was notable for featuring the debut of Schaffer s Something Wicked Saga 17 which he would expand upon on future albums While on the supporting tour for Something Wicked This Way Comes with Brent Smedley back on drums the band recorded their first live album in Athens Greece on January 23 and 24 1999 19 Entitled Alive in Athens the three CD set was recorded in front of a sold out audience both nights at the Rodon Club 19 The album was released on July 19 1999 Also in 1999 the band released The Melancholy E P Originally conceived as a radio only single the EP contained three previously released songs Melancholy Holy Martyr Watching Over Me and I Died for You as well as two new ones cover versions of Bad Company s Shooting Star and Black Sabbath s Electric Funeral 20 However Century Media Records did not end up releasing the EP so it was made available for fans as a limited 1500 copy special release 20 Horror Show and The Glorious Burden 2000 2004 edit In 2000 work began on Iced Earth s sixth studio album Entitled Horror Show the album contained songs based on horror films and literature such as Dracula The Phantom of the Opera and the Wolf Man 21 Released on June 26 2001 the album was the band s first to feature drummer Richard Christy and the third with guitarist Larry Tarnowski now a full time member Originally Steve di Giorgio played bass on the album but left the group after the recording process 22 According to Schaffer Di Giorgio was required and agreed to go on tour but left due to prior commitments 23 He was replaced by James MacDonough Horror Show was also the first Iced Earth album to be partially recorded at Schaffer s home studio Schaffer Sound 21 On November 26 2001 March 5 2002 in America the band released the boxset Dark Genesis which featured the band s first three albums plus the Enter the Realm demo remastered and remixed with new cover art 24 The set also featured a new album entitled Tribute to the Gods It was Iced Earth s seventh studio album featuring songs from such bands as Iron Maiden Kiss and Blue Oyster Cult After the events of 9 11 Matt Barlow came to the conclusion that he wanted to start contributing to the real world 25 Barlow approached Schaffer with this in late 2002 but Schaffer convinced Barlow to stay with the band When Iced Earth began recording their next studio album Schaffer realized that Barlow s vocals were not what he desired he felt that they lacked passion and quality so he decided to let Barlow go after all 25 Barlow became a police officer in the Georgetown Police Dept in Georgetown Delaware 25 After Barlow s departure Iced Earth continued work on their next album and eventually Schaffer got Tim Ripper Owens from Judas Priest to sing on the record as a favor 26 Owens who was still in Judas Priest at the time was originally supposed to be credited as a guest musician but after singer Rob Halford rejoined Judas Priest Owens joined Iced Earth full time 26 Prior to the recording process Tarnowski was let go from the band so the lead guitar parts on the album were played by producer Jim Morris and session guitarist Ralph Santolla Prior to the album s release Iced Earth released The Reckoning 27 The single contained four songs off the new album that the band felt were most likely to get radio airplay 27 The Glorious Burden was released on January 12 2004 in Europe and on January 13 in the United States Much like how Horror Show was based on horror films and literature The Glorious Burden was inspired by historical events 28 It was also the band s first album with their new record company SPV Following the supporting tour James MacDonough left Iced Earth to join Megadeth 29 Framing Armageddon and The Crucible of Man 2005 2010 edit nbsp Iced Earth in Stockholm 2009 After The Glorious Burden work began on the group s next album which would be an expanded concept album on the Something Wicked storyline from Something Wicked This Way Comes Before starting work on the album Iced Earth was faced with multiple lineup changes In July 2006 Ernie Carletti was chosen as the group s new lead guitar player but after being faced with rape and kidnapping charges 30 he was replaced by Tim Mills 31 Incidentally Mills was also forced to leave Iced Earth in order to concentrate on his own business Bare Knuckle Pickups 32 In October 2006 Brent Smedley rejoined Iced Earth again replacing Richard Christy on the drums 33 Because the band were left without a bassist and lead guitar player Schaffer ended up performing most of the lead guitar and bass parts on the album although some tracks featured playing from producer Jim Morris guitarist Troy Seele and bassist Dennis Hayes In May 2007 Seele was announced as a permanent member of the band 34 as was Dennis Hayes two months earlier 35 Before releasing the full length album Iced Earth released the EP Overture of the Wicked which featured re recorded versions of the original Something Wicked Trilogy as well as a brand new track entitled Ten Thousand Strong 36 Framing Armageddon Something Wicked Part 1 was released on September 7 2007 in Germany September 10 in the rest of Europe and on September 11 in the United States In December 2007 it was announced that Barlow would be rejoining Iced Earth after five years 37 Following his return work continued on Iced Earth s next album originally titled Revelation Abomination Something Wicked Part 2 38 Majority of the album s music had been recorded at the same time as Framing Armageddon and originally Schaffer had planned to finish the album after the end of 2007 39 However work on the album had to be pushed back due to Barlow s prior commitments to his other band Pyramaze 39 In early 2008 it was announced that Dennis Hayes had been replaced by bassist Freddie Vidales 40 Before releasing their next full length album Iced Earth released the single I Walk Among You which contained a new song from the forthcoming album as well as two song from Framing Armageddon resung by Barlow After being retitled The Crucible of Man Something Wicked Part 2 Iced Earth s tenth studio album was released in September 2008 After The Crucible of Man the band released Box of the Wicked in early 2010 41 The boxset contained Framing Armageddon Something Wicked Part 1 The Crucible Of Man Something Wicked Part 2 the Overture of the Wicked EP and the I Walk Among You single as well as a bonus CD containing one song from Framing Armageddon now with Barlow on lead vocals as well as three previously unreleased live tracks from the Graspop Metal Meeting festival in 2008 41 The boxset also included a poster and a booklet 41 Also in early 2010 Iced Earth signed a new contract with their former record company Century Media Records 42 Dystopia 2011 2012 edit nbsp Stu Block joined Iced Earth for 2011 s Dystopia and subsequent albums In March 2011 Barlow issued a statement on Iced Earth s official website stating that he was retiring from the band due to family commitments among other things 43 Barlow still took part in the band s 2011 summer tour 43 and played his final show with Iced Earth on August 6 2011 at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany Shortly after announcing Barlow s departure Iced Earth revealed that Into Eternity frontman Stu Block had been chosen as the band s new lead vocalist 44 With Block now on board Iced Earth began recording their next studio album in May 2011 45 On June 27 2011 the band released the DVD Festivals of the Wicked which featured shows from Metal Camp Open Air 2008 the Rock Hard Festival 2008 and Wacken Open Air 2007 On September 7 2011 Iced Earth released a re recorded version of the song Dante s Inferno from the album Burnt Offerings 46 The band s new album Dystopia was released on October 17 2011 in Europe and October 18 in the United States While not a concept album many of the album s songs were inspired by dystopian themes and films such as V for Vendetta Dark City and Equilibrium 47 Two songs Dystopia and Tragedy and Triumph also featured the return of the Something Wicked storyline 47 After the Dystopia s release Iced Earth kicked off the Dystopia World Tour which was heralded as the most extensive world tour Iced Earth has ever undertaken 47 48 and that it would take the band to countries it has never previously played On April 10 2012 it was announced that Freddie Vidales had left Iced Earth 49 He was subsequently replaced by Luke Appleton from Fury UK 49 On August 19 2012 Iced Earth recorded a new live CD DVD in Cyprus entitled Live in Ancient Kourion 49 Plagues of Babylon and Incorruptible 2013 2020 edit nbsp Iced Earth in 2016 Iced Earth began writing new material for their twelfth studio album in early 2013 Drummer Smedley left the band in May 2013 due to personal reasons 50 Raphael Saini therefore played drums on the album titled Plagues of Babylon as well as filling in on tour until Jon Dette took over on drums in November 2013 The album was released in January 2014 reaching position 5 on the German Media Control Charts which is band s highest chart position in their entire career 51 52 53 On April 7 2015 following a period of inactivity as a result of Schaffer requiring cervical fusion surgery the band announced that Iced Earth would begin writing for their 13th studio album The announcement also revealed that drummer Smedley had rejoined the band replacing Dette and that the new album was to be tentatively titled The Judas Goat with an expected release date and subsequent touring cycle in early 2016 54 In August 2016 lead guitarist Troy Seele announced his departure from the band citing family reasons 55 He was replaced on September 25 2016 by Jake Dreyer 56 On December 6 2016 Schaffer spoke in an interview with Fernando Bonenfant from Metal Wani and announced that the new album would be called Incorruptible originally due for release in May 2017 57 On March 13 2017 the band confirmed that they had completed work on the album for a mid June release 58 On April 6 the artwork was revealed with the album being set for a June 16 release 59 The release of the album also fulfilled the band s second deal with Century Media Records 60 On October 26 2018 it was revealed that Jon Schaffer had recruited previous Iced Earth members Gene Adam vocals and Bill Owen lead guitar along with guests Jim Morris lead guitar Ruben Drake bass guitar and Mark Prator drums to form Jon Schaffer s Purgatory taking the name from the precursor to Iced Earth The band had re recorded old pre Iced Earth demos including in their original form tracks that were later re recorded for Iced Earth releases This EP titled Purgatory was released in December 2018 Iced Earth s 1989 demo Enter the Realm was released on CD and vinyl for the first time on April 12 2019 exactly 30 years after its original release 61 In a Facebook Live chat that took place on April 14 2020 Schaffer confirmed that after a little bit of time off Iced Earth would start working on their thirteenth studio album for a spring 2021 release He stated Everything is a little bit up in the air right now Even working on a new Iced Earth album is gonna be challenging until we see how all this plays out because it s an international band Stu s in Canada and Luke is in the U K so that makes it even more difficult for travel the biggest issue now is logistics of actually getting together to do it because we re an international band If we lived in the same town or even in the same country it would make things a lot easier But we will get around to making a new album and there will be a time for that no doubt To say when that s gonna be my plan was to focus on it in the back half of this year and have a release in spring of 2021 But the world s flipped upside down and has gotten pretty weird lately 62 Hiatus since Schaffer s arrest 2021 present edit In early January 2021 Schaffer appeared on the Most Wanted section of the FBI after being photographed taking part of the 2021 United States Capitol attack 63 On January 9 Block posted a message via his personal Instagram account on behalf of the rest of the band members regarding Schaffer s situation 64 Some of you have been concerned by our silence which we understand We needed some time to properly process the information and find out some facts before we made a statement First and foremost we absolutely DO NOT condone nor do we support riots or the acts of violence that the rioters were involved in on January 6th at the US Capitol building We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions 65 On January 17 it was announced that Schaffer was in FBI custody on six felony charges after turning himself in to authorities 66 Iced Earth and Demons amp Wizards were both later dropped from Century Media due to these events 67 On February 15 2021 vocalist Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton both announced their resignation from the band as a result of the event 68 On the same day Jake Dreyer also announced his departure stating that he would be focusing on his band Witherfall 69 Only Schaffer remains 70 Schaffer entered a guilty plea of unlawfully entering Congress and obstructing an official proceeding on April 16 2021 and was granted sponsorship for United States Federal Witness Protection Program 71 72 A compilation album A Narrative Soundscape was released in January 2022 as a companion of Schaffer s lyrics anthology Wicked Words and Epic Tales It features 15 songs of the band in stripped acoustic ambient versions and with spoken lyrics 73 Musical style and lyrical themes editIced Earth has been described as power metal 74 75 heavy metal 76 77 and thrash metal 77 When asked about the band s musical style Schaffer Iced Earth s chief songwriter said We re a metal band That s what we are We have every dynamic from Pink Floyd to Slayer and everything in between 78 In a 2019 interview with Guitar World he said I think that a lot of power metal stuff is kind of cheesy actually This is just something that I m not into 79 Iced Earth s music has evolved and shifted several times during the band s history On the group s 1990 self titled debut album the band s sound was characterized by time changes acoustic passages and Iron Maiden type galloping rhythms 10 Many of these elements carried over to the follow up album Night of the Stormrider which added keyboards and piano as well as some choral arrangements 13 1995 s Burnt Offerings has been heralded as Iced Earth s heaviest album and included the band s longest song to date Dante s Inferno 2 As a counter measure to Burnt Offerings 1996 s The Dark Saga featured a much more subdued sound compared to previous releases 16 The focus was less on technical musicianship but on emotion and melody 16 Something Wicked This Way Comes combined elements found on previous albums with brand new ideas 17 The Something Wicked Trilogy which closes the album took many cues from the Night of the Stormrider album 17 Iced Earth continued to expand their sound throughout the 2000s like adding a full piece orchestra to the song Gettysburg from 2004 s The Glorious Burden 28 Common lyrical themes in Iced Earth s music have been religion 2 13 history fantasy 28 literature 2 16 21 80 and films 21 80 The band has also released several concept albums the first being 1991 s Night of the Stormrider 13 The second 1996 s The Dark Saga was based on the Todd McFarlane comic book character Spawn 16 1998 s Something Wicked This Way Comes introduced the Something Wicked Saga 17 which was later expanded upon on 2007 s Framing Armageddon Something Wicked Part 1 81 and 2008 s The Crucible of Man Something Wicked Part 2 82 Iced Earth have also released several albums written around a theme 2001 s Horror Show was largely based on horror literature and films 21 2004 s The Glorious Burden was inspired by history and war 28 while 2011 s Dystopia centered around dystopian themes in literature and film 80 Band members editFor a more comprehensive list see List of Iced Earth band members Current members Jon Schaffer rhythm guitar acoustic guitar backing vocals keyboards mandolin 1984 present Brent Smedley drums 1996 1997 1998 1999 2006 2013 2015 present Discography editMain article Iced Earth discography Iced Earth 1990 Night of the Stormrider 1991 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 1 2007 The Crucible of Man Something Wicked Part 2 2008 Dystopia 2011 Plagues of Babylon 2014 Incorruptible 2017 References edit a b c d e f Iced Earth s Bio The Official Iced Earth Website Icedearth com Archived from the original on September 4 2012 Retrieved November 18 2011 a b c d e f g h Burnt Offerings Icedearth com Retrieved November 18 2011 Dystopia review Imperiumi net Retrieved October 18 2011 Dystopia review Hallowed se Retrieved October 8 2011 Kaufman Gil January 19 2021 Iced Earth s Stu Block Issues New Statement on Jon Schaffer s Capitol Riot Involvement Billboard Retrieved January 20 2021 Huang Binghui Martin Ryan Evans Tim January 19 2021 Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer arrested by FBI for involvement in Capitol riot Yahoo Retrieved January 20 2021 Jon Schaffer answers questions from Iranian fans YouTube Archived from the original on December 21 2021 Retrieved February 9 2011 Jon Schaffer Interviewed by FaceCulture Faceculture com Retrieved November 18 2011 Enter the Realm Discogs Retrieved October 14 2013 a b Iced Earth Icedearth com Retrieved November 18 2011 a b c Jon Schaffer and Matt Barlow Interviewed in 1996 YouTube Retrieved June 15 2012 dead YouTube link a b Jon Schaffer interviewed by MetalReviews MetalReviews Retrieved September 2 2012 a b c d Night of the Stormrider Icedearth com Retrieved November 18 2011 Jon Schaffer interview from 1996 Youtube com Archived from the original on December 21 2021 Retrieved November 19 2011 Burnt Offerings at Amazon com Amazon com Archived from the original on May 23 2012 Retrieved June 13 2012 a b c d e f g The Dark Saga Icedearth com Retrieved November 19 2011 a b c d e Something Wicked This Way Comes Icedearth com Retrieved November 20 2011 Jon Schaffer interviewed by Metal Rules Metal Rules Retrieved November 21 2011 a b Alive in Athens Icedearth com Retrieved November 21 2011 a b The Melancholy EP Icedearth com Retrieved November 21 2011 a b c d e Horror Show Icedearth com Retrieved November 21 2011 Jon Schaffer interviewed by MetalWorks Youtube com Archived from the original on December 21 2021 Retrieved November 21 2011 Jon Schaffer interviewed by Metal Temole Metal Temple Retrieved November 26 2011 Dark Genesis Icedearth com Retrieved November 21 2011 a b c Matt Barlow s bio Spirit of Metal Retrieved November 21 2011 a b Tim Ripper Owens interviewed by Metal Rules Metal Rules Retrieved November 22 2011 a b The Reckoning Icedearth com Retrieved November 22 2011 a b c d The Glorious Burden Icedearth com Retrieved August 22 2012 James MacDonough leaves Iced Earth Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on October 12 2004 Retrieved November 26 2011 Ernie Carletti faced with rape charges Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on February 1 2013 Retrieved November 26 2011 Tim Mills joins Iced Earth Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on June 7 2011 Retrieved November 26 2011 Tim Mills leaves Iced Earth Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on February 1 2013 Retrieved November 26 2011 Brent Smedley rejoins Iced Earth Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on June 7 2011 Retrieved November 26 2011 Troy Seele joins Iced Earth Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on January 8 2009 Retrieved November 26 2011 Dennis Hayes joins Iced Earth Blabbermouth net Retrieved August 25 2012 Overture of the Wicked Icedearth com Retrieved November 26 2011 Matt Barlow rejoins Iced Earth Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on June 6 2011 Retrieved November 26 2011 New Iced Earth song posted online Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on April 22 2008 Retrieved November 26 2011 a b Jon Schaffer interview part 2 About com Retrieved November 26 2011 Freddie Vidales joins Iced Earth Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on May 19 2008 Retrieved November 26 2011 a b c Box of the Wicked details Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on June 6 2011 Retrieved September 26 2011 Iced Earth sign with Century Media Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on May 1 2010 Retrieved November 26 2011 a b Iced Earth Vocalist Matt Barlow Retires From The Band Releases Emotional Statement The Official Iced Earth Website Icedearth com March 3 2011 Archived from the original on September 29 2011 Retrieved October 2 2011 Iced Earth Leader Chooses New Vocalist Announces European Leg Of Massive World Tour Icedearth com March 16 2011 Archived from the original on September 29 2011 Retrieved October 2 2011 Stu Block interview by Heavy Metal Thunder Blabbermouth net Archived from the original on September 30 2011 Retrieved October 8 2011 Iced Earth re record Dante s Inferno and give it away for free The Official Iced Earth Website Iced Earth September 7 2011 Archived from the original on May 23 2012 Retrieved October 2 2011 a b c Iced Earth reveal cover art and release dates Icedearth com Archived from the original on September 29 2011 Retrieved October 8 2011 Iced Earth Announces World Tour The Official Iced Earth Website Icedearth com Archived from the original on September 29 2011 Retrieved September 9 2011 a b c Iced Earth announces Indian tour dates a live DVD and new bass player icedearth net Archived from the original on April 13 2012 Retrieved April 10 2012 Iced Earth Drummer Quits Replacement Announced Blabbermouth net May 6 2013 Retrieved December 17 2017 Fayyazi Mohsen January 14 2014 Iced Earth Highest Chart Entry Of Band s Entire Career 5 On German Media Control Charts metalshockfinland com Retrieved January 18 2014 Iced Earth Plagues Of Babylon German Media Control Charts Retrieved January 18 2014 dead link Iced Earth Plagues Of Babylon Release Date Confirmed North American Tour Announced BlabberMouth November 12 2013 Retrieved February 24 2014 Schaffer Jon Update from Iced Earth 7th April 2015 Archived from the original on July 5 2015 Retrieved April 15 2015 ICED EARTH Guitarist TROY SEELE Quits BlabberMouth August 22 2016 Retrieved September 25 2016 Iced Earth introduce new guitarist Moshville Times September 25 2016 Retrieved September 25 2016 ICED EARTH To Release Incorruptible Album In May Listen To New Song The Great Heathen Army Blabbermouth net December 11 2016 Retrieved December 11 2016 ICED EARTH To Release Incorruptible Album In June Blabbermouth net March 13 2017 Retrieved March 13 2017 ICED EARTH Incorruptible Cover Artwork Unveiled Blabbermouth net April 6 2017 Retrieved April 6 2017 ICED EARTH s JON SCHAFFER There s A Lot Of Bands Who Would Give Their Left Nut To Be Able To Do What We ve Done Blabbermouth net December 16 2017 Retrieved June 5 2019 Century Media Records Iced Earth releases ENTER THE REALM first time on vinyl Century Media Records Retrieved June 5 2019 ICED EARTH s JON SCHAFFER To Release His First Book Blabbermouth net April 15 2020 Retrieved April 15 2020 Pasbani Robert January 8 2021 ICED EARTH s Jon Schaffer Now Listed On FBI s Most Wanted Metal Injection Retrieved January 8 2021 Divita Joe January 9 2021 Iced Earth s Stu Block Issues New Statement on Jon Schaffer s Capitol Riot Involvement Loudwire Retrieved January 9 2021 Login Instagram www instagram com Retrieved February 16 2021 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a Cite uses generic title help Huang Binghui Martin Ryan Evans Tim January 17 2021 Indiana guitarist Jon Schaffer in federal custody after Capitol insurrection faces 6 charges The Indianapolis Star Retrieved January 18 2021 Hartmann Graham January 19 2021 Iced Earth s Stu Block Issues New Statement on Jon Schaffer s Capitol Riot Involvement Loudwire Retrieved January 20 2021 ICED EARTH Singer STU BLOCK And Bassist LUKE APPLETON Have Officially Quit The Band Blabbermouth net February 15 2021 Retrieved February 15 2021 ICED EARTH Guitarist JAKE DREYER Distances Himself From Band Says He Is Focusing Solely On WITHERFALL BLABBERMOUTH NET February 15 2021 Retrieved February 16 2021 Rose Anna January 10 2021 Jon Schaffer s Iced Earth bandmates say they don t condone Capitol riots NME Retrieved March 24 2024 Prosecutors secure first guilty plea in Capitol riot cases NBC News April 16 2021 Jon Schaffer a member of the Oath Keepers pleaded guilty to unlawfully entering Congress and obstructing an official proceeding Pasbani Robert April 16 2021 ICED EARTH s Jon Schaffer Granted Witness Protection Program Sponsorship Metal Injection Retrieved April 18 2021 JON SCHAFFER Releases New ICED EARTH Album A Narrative Soundscape Blabbermouth net January 26 2022 Retrieved January 27 2022 DiVita Joe April 7 2017 Iced Earth Announce Incorruptible Album Details Loudwire Retrieved September 26 2019 Bukszpan Daniel 2003 The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Barnes amp Noble Publishing p 2 ISBN 978 0 76074 218 1 Reilly Nick January 7 2021 Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer wanted by police for storming US Capitol NME Retrieved January 20 2024 a b Rivadavia Eduardo Iced Earth Biography amp History AllMusic Retrieved December 1 2018 Jon Schaffer Interview Bloodbath ro Retrieved March 23 2013 dead YouTube link Iced Earth Guitarist I Think a Lot of Power Metal Is Cheesy I m Not Into It Ultimate Guitar March 5 2019 Retrieved January 20 2024 a b c Dystopia Iced Earth Archived from the original on March 2 2013 Retrieved March 23 2013 Framing Armageddon Something Wicked Part 1 Icedearth com Retrieved March 23 2013 The Crucible of Man Something Wicked Part 2 Icedearth com Archived from the original on May 2 2013 Retrieved March 23 2013 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Iced Earth Official website Iced Earth at AllMusic nbsp Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Iced Earth amp oldid 1225178959, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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