helterskelter.ca

ICED EARTH
2004 - The Glorious Burden.
way more Helter Skelter.

January 12, 2004 - 2024: 20 years of: The Glorious Burden.

An American Union.

Pushing real heavymetal during the tough 90s, the Tampa terror of ICED EARTH was finally making waves in the new millennium. Following the 9/11 events, singer Matt Barlow left the crew and was replaced by newly job-less ex-JUDAS PRIEST Ripper Owens. The all-star effect was rounded up with James MacDonough (future MEGADETH) on bass and both ex-DEATH Richard Christy on drums and Ralph Santolla on guest-leads ...talks about Demons & Wizards !

The celebration opens-up with a metalized "The Star-Spangled Banner" overture that rides into the "Declaration Day" ...a crude riff-o-rama. Tight fast metal rhythm and overlaid high vocal-melodies, an Euro signature performed in an American way.

With pride, passion and power, the ravage powermetal of "The Reckoning (Don't Tread On Me)" and "Red Baron / Blue Max" are strong assets to heavymetal's eventual 2004-05 massive return / rebirth. Remembrance and revenge is across the menacing powerballad "When The Eagle Cries", an homage to the lost souls of 9/11.

American history gets Jon Schaffer-ed, with a rich epic heavymetal concept. The 31min+ "Gettysburg (1863)" three-track Civil War recollection is a deep, symphony-supported, serious metal-trek. Patriotic-metal is here.

Following 2001's Horror Show CD, ICED EARTH provides more brute raw power. These cold killers were now under contract with Germany's SPV Records and waving the heavymetal flag, high above the scene.

The stormriders shall strike every nerve with their second Ripper burnt offering, the first of a two-segment concept: 2007's Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Part 1 CD.

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The Glorious Burden = full CD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn2sZ3pk7tk&list=OLAK5uy_mYSrzpj8EXm9-gIGbgXDpBv5rRZM7qArs
Live in Sauget IL in 2004
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD9BbFU62gM