Review of Iced Earth - Horror Show

With this band being of the Power Metal genre, this will be the first attempt by one of The Prophets (in this case me) to dissect an album featuring this brand of music. I must say it's a great pleasure to do so, because being Iron Maiden is like one of my all-time favorite...oh wait a minute, I'm sorry...this is an Iced Earth review. Well in that case, let me take The Number Of The Beast out of my disc player (thanks for bringing back the memories Wrex) and replace it with Horror Show. Alright, enough with the sour comedy and on with the show...Horror Show. When I found out that two of my favorite musicians in Richard Christy and Steve DiGiorgio were going to play on this effort, both the anticipation and the excitement were overwhelming. It had been months since I'd read that piece of news, and time seemed to be dragging on and on. By the time this album finally hit the stores I was on such a Death Metal kick that I didn't know what to think when I first threw this one in. As much as I can appreciate Matt Barlow's vocals, the "Goddamn, my balls are in a vice" style is not in high demand throughout the entire metal underground. Although he does prove that he is arguably in the fore-front of the Power-pack, it just wasn't what I wanted to hear at that particular time. However, going back to it now and giving it the full justice it requires, I've noticed one thing. I've been missing out on some kickass music that had been sitting and collecting dust since it's release. For those of you who don't know, Horror Show is a concept album based on different characters from various horror movies, books and quite possibly real life. The idea came from Iced Earth mastermind/main song writer/guitar player/leader......Jon Schaffer. Many studio albums after their debut CD entitled Iced Earth, their sound has pretty much stayed the same with the only real changes coming in the vocal and production departments. This is Barlow's fourth studio effort with the band and he sounds better and better with each release. With the technical ability displayed by both DiGiorgio and Christy on albums from other projects, I am surprised that they didn't do more in their respective departments. The only conclusion I can come to is that Mr. Schaffer was the director (as always) and guided them along a path of his liking (like they need guidance). Their playing is tight as always and better than average, but this album could very well have received a masterpiece rating had they had the chance to express their artistic craft in full. What sets this band apart from so many others in the Power scene is their heaviness. The twin melodies are there and so are the lead sections which add flavor to the mix as well. I believe some leads here and there should be required in all true metal, however I can do without the phenom leads that usually exist in this style of music. I'll take some tight-ass rhythm playing any day of the week over that over-schooled bullshit. Not that I don't have respect for a musician with a Master's Degree in guitar, but it just doesn't move me much anymore. Larry Tarnowski adds this simple yet effective style to this music and it is in welcoming fashion. Even though I'll stand by Dark Saga as being the best work this band has ever done, Horror Show completely blows Something Wicked out of the water. All fans of Iced Earth and Power Metal in general should pick this disc up. All you younger folks who haven't been with us since the old-school days might just want to stay away if your mind is a bit subdued. Favorite Track: Damien

Release Details

Iced Earth

Horror Show

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