While the 1998 album provided a general overview of the story, Jon Schaffer has been conceptualizing for well over a decade. The saga is being fully brought to life with the release of the back-to-back conceptual albums "Framing Armageddon" and "The Crucible Of Man." While both albums provide answers to mysteries the previous releases would create, the timeliness of the story in today s world is guaranteed to keep people thinking and guessing. Schaffer s ability to convey the central themes and events of the story without always revealing exactly why characters decisions are made and how events come to pass, will keep fans of the saga coming back as future mediums for the "Something Wicked" storyline are revealed. The Crucible Of Man is the culmination of the storyline. The absolute pinnacle of the American Metal Powerhouse s career, and happily the full-length return of singer Matt Barlow.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
How do you BURY Barlow?:
I've waited, hoping that Matt Barlow would come back to the band. And what do I hear (or not hear)? As unbelievably talented as Schaffer is, here he BURIES Matt Barlow's unbelievable vocal talents in the mix. The original "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and especially "Horror Show" are perfect examples of the ROAR this band can produce when the mix is correct. THIS however is not one of those efforts. Sorry guys, for me this one just isn't 'there'.
Just horrible!:
Iced earth is a really awesome band and I love them but it seems like they just smacked a 10 minute rush job making this cheap new album and I got to say im very dissapointed with these guys. Theirs no real thrash, the songs are short and boring with less solos that you'll be skipping through track to track until you find something atleast catchy.
These guys sure as hell can do alot better than this I mean way better, I should know that and all the other 5 star reviewers should know that too which... more info
Terrible:
I'm not going to write a lengthy review because this album does not deserve any more of my time than I'm already giving. All's I have to say is that this is not the Iced Earth that I fell in love with. Also this band is not power metal, it's traditional metal. I'll stick to my Burnt Offerings, Stormrider and Dark Saga cd's.
None Better than Barlow:
Pure and Simple, with the return of Matt Barlow Iced Earth has risen from the ashes. This album RULES!
