Tracks
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I must admit that I approached ‘Incorruptible’ with a degree of trepidation. ‘Dystopia’ was elevated by Stu Block’s incredible vocal performance but there was no hiding from the lacklustre song-writing, the familiar song structures and dystopian terrains which Schaffer had led us across since at least Framing Armageddon. ‘Plagues of Babylon’ was an average affair and although I have several favourites from the album, it didn’t quite sound like a band hitting its stride.
This all changed in 2017 when a heavy touring schedule and a change of personnel (addition of guitarist Jake Dryer) scraped-off any remaining rust left in the Iced Earth machine and led to the release of ‘Incorruptible’. With bright and crisp production, cinematic soundscapes and inspired song-writing, this was the sound of a band staking their claims to be recognised as a heavy-metal heavyweight. And, for one, I think they achieved it!
‘Incorruptible’ is truly fantastic album. Starting with the multi-layered guitars and medieval battle scenes of ‘Great Heathen Army’, historical realism takes centre stage and never leaves. Battle voices, huge choruses – the song moves like a freight-train across a frozen lake, never slowing for a moment. The historical thread continues with ‘Black Flag’, Iced Earth’s first pirate song, full of melody and epic vocal screams which cuts and slashes like a cutlass. The culmination is, of course, the majestic Clear the Way (December 13, 1862) which immortalises the sacrifices of the Irish Brigade at the Battle Of Fredericksburg – a Maidenesque epic (Schaffer being a long-standing Iron Maiden fan) which is on a par with the Gettysburg trilogy from the extended edition of the ‘Glorious Burden’.
Fear not, dark fantasy and mystery themes abound. ‘Raven Wing’ is my personal favourite with its up-lifting message and absolutely blistering guitar solo. Check out ‘The Relic’– the quality of song-writing and performance shows turns the song into a tale of the unexpected!
I am a sucker for a good instrumental and, to be honest, I cannot remember the last time I heard one that impressed me (which is why I gravitate towards Vai, Malmsteen, Satriani,etc.) Imagine my delight at discovering that great guitar solo, twin guitar and epic riffage gem that 'Awaken the Ancestors’ is. With its tribal drumming, American Indian chants, this is more 'run to the hills' than 'cry for the Indians' (Maiden and Anthrax references in case you were wondering) and I could almost see the shadows of dancing bodies around ancient fires, while smoke drifts over the tops of pine-trees somewhere in Wyoming or Montana.
I have lost count of the amount of times I have listened to this album now – Iced Earth have truly done themselves justice. Give it a try, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
This all changed in 2017 when a heavy touring schedule and a change of personnel (addition of guitarist Jake Dryer) scraped-off any remaining rust left in the Iced Earth machine and led to the release of ‘Incorruptible’. With bright and crisp production, cinematic soundscapes and inspired song-writing, this was the sound of a band staking their claims to be recognised as a heavy-metal heavyweight. And, for one, I think they achieved it!
‘Incorruptible’ is truly fantastic album. Starting with the multi-layered guitars and medieval battle scenes of ‘Great Heathen Army’, historical realism takes centre stage and never leaves. Battle voices, huge choruses – the song moves like a freight-train across a frozen lake, never slowing for a moment. The historical thread continues with ‘Black Flag’, Iced Earth’s first pirate song, full of melody and epic vocal screams which cuts and slashes like a cutlass. The culmination is, of course, the majestic Clear the Way (December 13, 1862) which immortalises the sacrifices of the Irish Brigade at the Battle Of Fredericksburg – a Maidenesque epic (Schaffer being a long-standing Iron Maiden fan) which is on a par with the Gettysburg trilogy from the extended edition of the ‘Glorious Burden’.
Fear not, dark fantasy and mystery themes abound. ‘Raven Wing’ is my personal favourite with its up-lifting message and absolutely blistering guitar solo. Check out ‘The Relic’– the quality of song-writing and performance shows turns the song into a tale of the unexpected!
I am a sucker for a good instrumental and, to be honest, I cannot remember the last time I heard one that impressed me (which is why I gravitate towards Vai, Malmsteen, Satriani,etc.) Imagine my delight at discovering that great guitar solo, twin guitar and epic riffage gem that 'Awaken the Ancestors’ is. With its tribal drumming, American Indian chants, this is more 'run to the hills' than 'cry for the Indians' (Maiden and Anthrax references in case you were wondering) and I could almost see the shadows of dancing bodies around ancient fires, while smoke drifts over the tops of pine-trees somewhere in Wyoming or Montana.
I have lost count of the amount of times I have listened to this album now – Iced Earth have truly done themselves justice. Give it a try, I don’t think you will be disappointed.