Iced Earth - Horror Show
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Artist: Iced EarthEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2001-06-26
Music Label: Century Media
Soundtracks:
- Wolf
- Damien
- Jack
- Ghost of Freedom
- Im-Ho-Tep [Pharaoh's Curse]
- Jeckyl and Hyde
- Dragon's Child
- Frankenstein
- Dracula
- Phantom Opera Ghost
Free Music Notes for Horror Show
Free Music Review: Metal and Monsters
Hit: 5 Stars
>Now, I've heard it said many a time that horror movies and heavy metal go together like sin and Satan. I mean it makes sense right? Heavy metal is sometimes very haunting, mostly dark, and shrouded in mysticism and folklore. Horror books (and movies as well) also portray scenes of extreme intensity and darkness, full of suspense and sometimes disturbing depictions. In fact, someone once said that "if heavy metal were to be classified according to motion picture, if would be in the horror section." So it's about time a band created a concept album solely about, you guessed it, classic horror stories. Included are the classic tales of Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Werewolf (among others), which talk of the evil and destructive means of these famous villains, but also the passion and beauty that goes along with them as well. Also, Iced Earth keeps the cheese at a safe distance, and approaches these subjects with seriousness and maturity, not going overboard MOST of the time. Besides the horrific images that Jon Schaffer and Barlow write and sing about respectively, they delve into the passion and emotion that are present in "Phantom Opera Ghost" and "Dracula", while, again, not sounding ridiculously embarrassing.
The musicianship is, to put it in words, exceptional and top-notch. Schaffer rips out crunchy and powerful riffs, that leave you sweating and out of breath, but also, delicately produces melodic and soul-searching acoustic passages (on tracks like "Ghost of Freedom", "Dracula", and "Phantom Opera Ghost") that leave you...well... breathless as well. Matt couldn't be better, and being his last studio release with the band, he really "goes out on a good note." His maniacal screams give you chills up your spine, while his emotional side challenges the listener to sing along and attempt to hit those high notes in tune with his iron pipes. The rhythm section sounds more than solid as well, keeping complex time with the immortal Schaffer, and generating memorable pieces, such as the opening bass part on "Damien" or the intricate and creative drum intro on "Wolf". Everything from the mandatory guitar to the occasional flute fits right in with the powerful music giving the listener ample satisfaction.
"Wolf" opens up on a great note, dropping the listener into talented drums and duel guitar leads, when...suddenly... Barlow screams like a madman, while Jon tears out some heavy artillery. The chorus is especially good, as it contains some insane double-bass{ing} as well as a sing-along vocal part. Matt describes the man turning into a wolf, the temptation and rage that goes along with that, and everything else implied perfectly. Very cool opener. "Damien" (which is one of my favorite IE songs ever) then creeps up, opening with a sweet bass line and some really moving "choir" effects, saying Set! Domino! Set! Very haunting intro, that gets even better when Jon dishes out a chilling acoustic passage, then...BAM! Heavy riffage bursts through the speakers accompanying Barlow's menacing vocals, creating images of evil and sadness all around. The chorus is, too put it simply, AMAZING and always continues to leave me awestruck. Again, Christy rides the double-bass like nobody's business while Matt reaches into his soul and conjures up some memorable vocals. The interlude is also note-worthy and very enjoyable. Flawless to put it simply.
"Jack" is next, which tells the tale of the infamous Jack the Ripper and all he was known for. Without getting too graphic, Barlow puts himself in Jack's shoes, relating his life and adventures throughout his abominable reign. Fast-as-hell (probably the fastest on the album), with an especially notable bass part and Matt's malignant vocals give a dark atmosphere to the song. Also great, is after the interlude, Matt really delivers a haunting scream and very powerful verse. Another gem to enjoy. "Ghost of Freedom" showcases Shaffer and Barlow in their emotional side. It's mostly just an acoustic ballad that never gains momentum until the wicked solo. Very moving, and a nice contrast to the heavy hitters that surround it. While not my favorite IE song, it really adds a lot to the album and must not be overlooked.
"Im-Ho-Tep" naturally and not-surprisingly opens with an Egyptian-like riff that builds into a very driving and heavy riff from Jon. Barlow really sounds good on this one, hitting those high notes perfectly and with ease. It sounds like, during the verses, Matt sang one way, then overlain it with another vocal part. Very cool and noodly solo as well. Another acoustic passage opens "Jeckyl and Hyde", but not for long, because it soon turns into a heavy powerhouse. The chorus isn't that memorable, but still good. A mandolin is used during the interlude which adds some "class" to the song. Really cool time-change too at about 2:35 or so.
"Dragon's Child" opens with a haunting intro with some hushed vocals as well. Soon, Jon once again delivers a driving riff and Matt really sings his heart out. Very good song that will definitely fill an empty void. "Transylvania" is my personal favorite Maiden instrumental and I was glad that Iced Earth did a cover. Better production, a faster pace, and new musicians is all that's really new about this classic. Up the irons! "Frankenstein" is one of those songs that you know right away is gonna be something special. Heavy, opening riff that turns into a galloping verse complementing Barlow's intimidating voice. The chorus is easily one of the best off the album and very catchy. Great listen.
"Dracula" opens with a very soft acoustic intro with some over-the-top sappies from Matt. A tad too passionate but fear not, because after a bit your ears are filled with Matt's soaring voice and Jon's fast hands. To be honest, what starts off as one of the lightest off the album turns into the heaviest. Great stuff. "Phantom Opera Ghost" is also something very, very special. The intro is very entertaining and easy to hum to. Then after a bit Jon's guitar shreds itself some heavy riffs. A chick is brought in to do the female part of the story, and while I usually don't approve, it's acceptable with Iced Earth. No, really it's quite good and not awkward in the least bit. Matt is in his BEST performance here, sounding so much like the Phantom (from what I've seen in the movie), it's scary. The insanely fast acoustic part after the interlude seems impossible. Great closure to this masterpiece.
All in all, you need this album. It's so solid, and very memorable, it can get no lower than a 4.5 star. If you like classic horror movies (like myself) this album will interest you. But then, if you despise horror movies, but love epic and progressive metal that is ever so thrashy, then you won't be disappointed. Easily a top 10-15 NM classic, Horror Show puts on more than merely a "show".
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