Iced Earth, that is, Jon Schaffer, after constantly changing musicians , did not deviate from what Iced Earth were playing at the dawn of their career. With a singer who is approaching the voice of the great Matt Barlow they created another remarkable album entitled “Incorruptible” and was released on June 16th, 2017 via Century Media. Those who are fervent followers on this long journey will be happy and perhaps enthusiastic about it.
Very professional, while remaining active in discography and live tours. I do not think they make the best of it, since the “Glorious Burden” era. What I have noticed is the lead guitar themes have become very interesting with the addition of Jake Reyer. The riffs are plentiful, of course we will also hear the triplets-based features. The melodies are pleasant and the songs are very catchy.
There is some interest in lyrics. The “Great Heathen Army” is based on the story of the Viking sons of Ragnar Lothbrok and their revenge against the Saxons for the murder of their father by King Ella. “Black Flag” is the old story of pirates and how the system they fought for used them, eventually rejected them and made them the ones they are. We still have “Clear The Way (December 13th, 1862),” which is a song for the Irish division and its great losses during the battle of Fredericksburg in the American Civil War between the South and the North.
It’s been a long time since I was a fan of this band and I remember that they had touched me in my teenage years with “Burnt Offerings”. I believe the same think can cause “Incorruptible” in today’s teenagers but I do not know how many followers will remain after puberty. I remain a follower, but I feel a little overwhelmed. Finally it seems certain that Jon Schaffer has found the recipe of success and uses it in excess in this work. (7,5)
Konstantinos Paizanos