Album: “The Glorious Burden [Limited]”

Description

Iced Earth: Tim Owens (vocals); Jon Schaffer (guitar, background vocals); James MacDonough (bass); Richard Christy (drums). <p>Recorded in 2003. Includes liner notes by Jon Schaffer. <p>After much debate and a labored attempt at completing his contributions to a new studio offering, a disenchanted Matt Barlow chose to step down as vocalist of power-metal veterans Iced Earth. Enter Tim "Ripper" Owens, who was eagerly awaiting a formal announcement that metal god Rob Halford had rejoined his then-band, Judas Priest. Anticipating the obvious (and long-rumored inevitable), Owens weighed a number of offers before joining forces with Iced Earth. He quickly helped them finish their recording, and enthusiastically joined their ranks. <p>Principal writer, guitarist, and noted history buff Jon Schaffer has crafted a classic metal album that is sure to stand apart from the nu-metal din. THE GLORIOUS BURDEN focuses on conflicts and tragedies inspired by documented world events, steering away from the fantasy concepts of the band's previous works. Metal enthusiasts familiar with the contemporary leanings of Owens' style on Priest's JUGULATOR and DEMOLTION discs will hear a flair for melody and dramatic, soaring vocals, not flexed since his days in Winter's Bane (the singer's little-known original band). The September 11th-themed "When the Eagle Cries" and Civil War epic "Gettysburg," in particular, stand out as career defining moments for Iced Earth, a group reborn.