Iced Earth's Reviews

Night of the Stormrider

(Average Rating: 9.50 out of 10)

Absolutely fockin' BRILLIANT!

(Rated this album with 10 out of 10)
Reviewed by markgugs from Hackensack, NJ United States

Someone once described the Iced Earth sound to me as chuggariffic gallop. I can't think of any better way to describe what just came out my speakers. This album smokes, from start to finish. My previous Iced Earth experience was limited to the equally brilliant "Alive in Athens," as I wanted to hear this much revered band play their "hits" in a live setting before going pack and picking up album by album.

Well let me just say that this was also my first experience hearing the mighty Jon Schaffer in the studio, and the first time hearing ex-vocalist John Greely. I can't say enough about how good this album is...starting off with the MASSIVE and yes, galloping "Stormrider" trilogy ("Angels Holocaust" through "The Path I Choose") sets the tone for what's to come: blistering riffing, searing solos, rapid and timely drumming. Nothing short of scorching throughout, really. Songs like "Pure Evil" and the epic "Travel in Stygian" simply blew me away. No wonder they came across so strongly in the live setting; they were phenomenally crafted songs to begin with.

Even the largely unheralded "Mystical Eyes" shows so much pure METAL talent that I think I'm going to have to give the disc yet another spin right now! The other thing I absolutely LOVE about this album is the way it is seamless. One song flows directly into the next without any break. I really don't know if the album is themed or supposed to be a concept, but you truly become immersed in the musical imagery. It's that good. I can't think of much else to say other than if you don't have this yet, you are TRULY missing one of the great metal releases of the 90s. Get all of this!

Buy this album on Amazon at $14.99