I too lost interest in these guys. Too much fluff. I'd have to be really blown away with the new material before I spend another dime on 'em. Maybe the new (old) label and the "retro sound" that is all the rage these days will invigorate Jon.

How come the drum sound always sucks on IE albums. Honestly, I can't stand this band. I like Dracula, and Phantom Opera Ghost, and Ghost of Freedom, but that's it.

I could never become a fan. I have two of their albums: the dark saga and horror show. Very good, but didn't make me want to hunt down the rest of their catalogue.

I really enjoyed the first 2 albums

Pulled out The Glorious Burden for the ride into work this morning. Man, this album rules. I don't care what anyone says, Tim Owens RULED in IE.

Until Schaffer decides to go back to the simple song structures and loses the whole "I want these songs to be epic" Iced Earth will not grab me like they used to. When this band was on they were easily my favorite. Once Barlow left and Ripper came in I lost all interest in the band.

Bring it on!!!!

ICED EARTH Hard At Work On 'Inspired, Focused And To-The-Point' New Album - Feb. 14, 2011

U.S. power metallers ICED EARTH are hard at work on their tenth studio album, due later this year via Century Media Records.

Unlike 2008's "The Crucible Of Man" and 2007's "Framing Armageddon", the new CD won't be a conceptual effort. Instead, band leader Jon Schaffer promises a return to the raw-and-heavy sound of ICED EARTH's classic fan-favorite albums.

"I can tell you from the riffs and the attitude behind it," he said, "this is going to be a bad-ass record. This is inspired, focused, and to the point. This is really heavy stuff. It's a kick in the nuts."

He added: "People probably think I don't have it in me any more. But they're going to be proved wrong about that. I can tell you this: we're coming back with a vengeance. We're out for blood."

Good to hear. I am a big IE fan and even found the last 2 to be rather good,although I'm glad they're not going down the conceptual road again.

http://www.bravewords.com/news/157267

Quote:

Long-time vocalist Matt Barlow has retired from ICED EARTH. In his heartfelt statement, Barlow cites his commitment to his family and the need for Iced Earth to tour more as the reasons for his retirement; however, he has committed to perform with Iced Earth on all 2011 European festival dates, which will be his last with the band.

Click the link for a long "goodbye" letter from Barlow to the fans.















Welcome back.

Again!?! Is he still a cop or did he retire from that too?

LoL... damn that sucks though. Their last album wasn't that great so I was hoping for some kind of a better come back. Guess we'll have to wait and see what happens now.