CD Review: Iced Earth - Overture of the Wicked The Evolution of an Epic

Iced Earth is a band that has never received the kind of attention that they deserve. I first discovered them in the world of comic books, as they has done a concept album based on Todd McFarlane's Spawn. It was a good album, one I liked better when I revisited it years later. I would revisit it when the followup album came out, the phenomenal Something Wicked This Way Comes, which is where this story begins. It was 1998 when this album was unleashed, and now, nearly ten years later, that era of Iced Earth's history is being revisited and reimagined.


That Something Wicked This Way Comes album was closed with an epic trilogy of songs that tell a tale of events in the distant past which are having a dire effect on the present. Together the songs were called the "Something Wicked Trilogy," comprised of "Prophecy," "Birth of the Wicked," and "The Coming Curse." They were not my favorite songs on the disk, but there was no denying the punch they packed coming on the tail end of the preceding ten songs. This album remains my favorite release, though there really isn't a stinker in the bunch.

The performance of the three songs on that 1998 album were beyond compare, from the spot on guitarwork from Iced Earth mastermind Jon Schaffer to the amazing vocals from Matthew Barlow. What really drew me, initially, to the band was Barlow's vocals, despite being the third vocalist in three albums for the band, he fits like a glove. The heavy power metal fronted by this powerfully emotional voice that was like an emotive chameleon sliding between the heartfelt and moving and an aggressive in your face style. His work on this trilogy is a great example of what he could do. Unfortunately, he has left the band in favor of other pursuits, which brings us to the present day.

This year, a revamped lineup has returned to the "Something Wicked Trilogy," expanding the tale and taking us to the next evolutionary step in Iced Earth's history. Primary songwriter/guitarist and leader of the band Jon Schaffer (similar to how Megadeth is really Dave Mustaine's Megadeth, Iced Earth is Jon Schaffer's Iced Earth) is turning the "Something Wicked" concept into a story arc that will span two full length albums. Before we can get to that, however, there is a little thing of the band having a new vocalist, one who did not perform the original songs. Now, to help the continuity, and expand on Schaffer's vision, the original trilogy has been completely re-recorded, from the ground up, to feature new vocals. The current singer is Tim "Ripper" Owens, who was previously a member of Judas Priest, replacing Rob Halford after he had left the band. He has appeared on one album thus far, the excellent The Glorious Burden (though it did take a little while to get used to the vastly different voice).

Iced Earth has recently released an EP called Overture of the Wicked. Comprised of four tracks, it leads with a variation on a single that will appear on the next full length, Framing Armageddon, as well as the new version of the "Something Wicked" trilogy. While it only has four tracks, it is showing Iced Earth at the top of their game. This EP is intense and does a good job at increasing my anticipation of the next album.

Overture of the Wicked starts with the new single, "Ten Thousand Strong." The song begins at full throttle with a galloping guitar riff, with the accompanying jackhammer drums, with Owens voice coming in with a high scream before the song settles in. It is a very good song, and I look forward to hearing the final version on the new album. While the song is very Iced Earth in its sound, it isn't what I really wanted from this, I was anxious to get past it and here the new, revamped trilogy.

My anxiety was tempered by a general leariness, I love Barlow's voice, the emotion and power that he conveys is unmatched. Tim Owens is no slouch, he does have an excellent voice, but it is so vastly different from Barlow's that I was concerned that remaking older material would not do it justice. Sure, the band had done something similar with Barlow when they recorded the Days of Purgatory album, covering older tracks with Barlow on vocals, but again, that was Barlow singing them. Yes, I may be a bit biased.

"Prophecy" begins, and most of my fears were proven to be unfounded. This is a new trilogy that can co-exist with what came before. The music is instantly recognizable, yet very noticeably different. Melody has taken a bit of a backseat, as this new take creates a darker, heavier atmosphere. By the time we get to "The Coming Curse" all fears have been removed, while I still love the original versions, these are just as strong and serve to whet the appetite for what is to come.

The production values are higher, and the mix sounds a lot crisper. The performance is spot on and the instruments all getting better placement, particularly the drums which sound a bit buried in the original sequence. The combination of Schaffer's rhythms and the insane precision of drummer Brent Smedley (original triolgy was performed by Mark Prator) is something to hear, the kick drum is locked in with the guitar bringing in a bit of a Fear Factory feel (though not quite). While I think I will always prefer Barlow to Owens, he is doing a great job making this version his own.

Bottomline. Iced Earth is a band that every fan of metal should become familiar with, and this EP is a good way to do it. The production and the performance are fantastic, and to think this is a mere appetizer for two albums which expand on what is done here, I cannot wait. Do not hesitate, get out and get this.

Highly Recommended.