Iced Earth - "Something Wicked This Way Comes"
July 7, 1998
Producer: Jim Morris
Iced Earth is a band that have suffered many line-up changes through the years. To the point where band founder, guitarist Jon Schaffer, is the only orginial remaining member left. So in a sense Jon really IS Iced Earth. However, he has always been in good company with very talented musicians that have come and gone in Iced Earth's 25-year history. In 1998 Jon and Iced Earth released what many fans consider to be their best work to date. Their fifth studio offering: "Something Wicked This Way Comes."
On this record Jon is accompined by: Long time front-man and co-songwriter vocalist Matt Barlow. Handling bass duties and having a song-writing credit himself on the record is James MacDonough. This would also be the debut album for guitarist Larry Tarnowski, handling all the leads. Finally, main time keeper Mark Prator makes his return behind the drum-set recording his second consecutive and final album with the group.
Iced Earth have always been a difficult band to identify one sound with. Having very cut-throat aggressive riffs and constant double bass drumming throughout a lot of their material, some would suggest they are a Thrash Metal band. However, Iced Earth is also known for their strong vocal melodies as well as their very heartfelt lead sections. Containing some lyrical content that some would say isn't thrash metal worthy but would rather fall under the banner of Power Metal. The reason I'm telling you all this is because "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is nothing short of a balancing act.
This is one of their most compelling albums lyrically. This record could almost be a semi-concept album as most tracks contain lyrics centering around various aspects of religion and faith.
Looking through the eyes of the Holy Martyr himself in the track "Melancholy." To grappling the idea of their being no Holy Martyr to begin with in the tune "Stand Alone." Coming to the conclusion you are your own maker with the cut "My Own Savior." To dealing with the loss of a loved one who becomes your guardian angel in the song "Watching Over Me." This album contains these tracks and more that show while Faith is a good belief, it shows in my eyes that it's something best kept to yourself as it is something many people will manipulate and take advantage of if given the chance.
When listening to this album in it's entirety it is almost 'bi-polar' to give it a term. As it seems every second song is of a more melodic nature furthermore shows more of a Power Metal influence. Songs like "Watching Over Me," "Blessed Are You" and "Melancholy" showcase that side of the band rather well.
While on the flip side of the coin, all the odd numbered tracks of the record seem to be of a heavier and faster nature. Furthermore putting on display they know how to thrash rather well. Tunes like "Stand Alone," "Burning Times" and "Disciples of The Lie" are very prime examples showing their thrash heritage.
However, that formula of sorts comes to an end at the start of the last three tracks on the record. Composing of the "Something Wicked Trilogy," on these tracks the musicianship is stepped up a notch above the rest of the album. Showcasing plenty of technical composing and more unconventional song structures, the light is truly shining bright as this is one of the group's finest hours. Displaying their abilities to mash their Power influences into their Thrash influences and vice-versa flawlessly. The tracks that form this trilogy are titled: "Prophecy," "Birth of The Wicked" and my favorite cut from the album "The Coming Curse."
On a side note the "Something Wicked Trilogy" is what laid the groundwork for Iced Earth's eighth and ninth records released in 2008 and 2009 respectively. The concept albums titled: "Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Pt. 1" and "The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Pt. 2."
Despite the consistency of one stable complete line-up for a significant period of time, Jon Schaffer and company deliver one of the best pure Heavy Metal albums of the late 90's. Containing riffs that are headbanging and air-guitar worthy, a top notch vocal performance with lyrics that will give comfort to anyone struggling with faith, giving some good pros but very realistic cons along the way. With lots of interesting stick-work that moves the record along at a glorious pace, this collection of music totaling sixty-one minutes will be over before you know it.
While this may not be my personal favorite Iced Earth release, I encourage all new coming fans of the group to pick this record up. As it shows all on one release what this band is truly all about.
My Killer Kutz: "The Coming Curse," "Watching Over Me" & "Consequences"
