The Stormrider Rides Again
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor
Iced Earth seems to be a band that keeps getting better over time - like fine wine, mastermind Jon Schaffer and his gang of musicians - armed to the teeth in talent - looks to carve their name in stone as one of Metal’s best outfits.
Since the inception of Iced Earth in the early 90s - which was formed after the demise of Schaffer’s band Purgatory - the band was been known to release albums of the utmost quality. As of today, have astounded thousands, even millions around the world with the release of such outstanding works like Something Wicked This Way Comes, Horror Show, Burnt Offerings, and The Glorious Burden - just to name a few. Even their live album - the triple-disc Alive In Athens - has garnered rave reviews from the Metal media, and is an excellent showcase of the band, doing what they do best, in a live environment.
What is it that drives Jon Schaffer to single-handedly write all of the music and keep the band going - even through the worst of disputes and line-up changes?
Schaffer is the founder, songwriter, rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist of Iced Earth - and the only member to survive all the incarnations of the band. He sees to the hiring and the firing of band members as he sees fit; a rather dictatorial approach to leading and managing a band, but this method seems to work just fine. No one wants uncommitted or untalented musicians in a band, and Schaffer knows that more than anyone else in the business.
Having seen to the hiring and firing of perhaps a dozen (or even more) band members in Iced Earth, Schaffer has seen to the letting go of racists and thieves in this band - and this way in the earlier days of the band. Nowadays, he has set his standards much higher - I can safely say that he would dismiss anyone in his band for pettier misbehaving.
Maybe it is this form of leadership that has helped Schaffer get only the best musicians for his brand of Power Metal infused with elements of American Thrash Metal. Only recently did he cut off the services of a lead guitarist, who apparently committed rape a few years before.
Nonetheless, this form of leadership is essential to maintain the unique sound of Iced Earth. Schaffer is a firm disciple of the music laid down by Heavy Metal legends Iron Maiden and Judas Priest - yet, he only incorporates their elements in the most tasteful way into his brand of Metal. He can easily turn Iced Earth into a Priest or Maiden clone - especially now, since he has the likes of Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, formerly of Judas Priest - but he knows better than to shamelessly parade another tribute band.
Ripper Owens infamously replaced Matt Barlow - who left to pursue a career in law enforcement after the 9-11 tragedy, much to the discontent of Iced Earth fans around the world who deeply appreciated Barlow’s terrifying screams and deep, emotional singing - and has not been fully accepted by the band’s legion of die-hard fans yet.
Iced Earth are currently finishing up their double album opus, based on the story of The Antichrist present in the Something Wicked This Way Comes album. They have enlisted the services of Brent Smedley - the drummer fans can hear on the Alive In Athens CDs - and the albums are expected to be released a year apart. Too long a wait for the Metal fans who have anticipating these albums for years.
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