Iced Earth's Reviews
The Dark Saga (Average Rating: 9.32 out of 10)
Metal Now & Forever (Rated this album with 10 out of 10)
Reviewed by
Kevin Keeney
from From the Depths of Fairfax
I have been into heavy metal for almost 20 years now. In fact in the mid-to-late 1980's, I rarely listened to anything else. During that time, I listened to bands such as Metallica, Anthrax, Accept, Iron Maiden, and Helloween. Around 1990, the heavy metal scene as I knew it faded to glam metal. Not only that, bands such as Metallica and Anthrax changed their style and I slowly lost interest. Of course, Metal never died but it was harder to find because many radio stations stopped dedicating time for Metal. Then my friend turned me on to this album. It was a re-birth. Believe me, if you were into Metal in the mid-80's and are disgusted with the music scene nowadays give this album a try. I think you will not be disappointed. In fact, you may find yourself buying other Iced Earth albums (like myself) and complete the collection. Unfortunately even with my best attempt, I can't convert how good the music is to words. Simply stated, there are NO bad songs on this album! If you like "speed" metal, you probably will love Violate; it is concentrated energy. "Dark Saga" is another highly addictive song; the first time I listened to this song, I didn't have time to listen to the rest of the album, because I kept playing the song over and over again! The best way that I can describe "Dark Saga" is grinding bass guitar that is complemented very well with forceful-in-your-face vocals. In a "Question Of Heaven", the vocals are just as forceful, but even more incrediable. The vocals span several octives throughout the song. The lyrics are trully a masterpiece because all of the songs are related to each and tell one complete story! It is trully rare when an artist does this. The only other bands that come to mind are the Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, and Rush (but I may have forgotten a few others)? For example, "Scarred" is about when a person who gets touched by the devil and sold his soul only to find out he will be denied of heaven. "Slave to the Dark" is about the same guy who is torn between his evil power (or is it really Lucifier's power) and what is good (which is deep inside of him). Then "A Question of Heaven" is about the same person who is now close to death and trying to get into heaven. He demands that he be permitted to enter heaven, but angels sing back to him denying his request. At the point of death the person, is forced to make a choice between good or evil. (I will not disclose his ultimate decision). Without going into too much detail the other songs are related to good versus evil. To the band members of Iced Earth, you guys deserve an Emmy! It is very rare that an album of this magnitude and caliber is produced in the record industry. Thanks for being different by not selling-out to the almighty dollar. Metal Now & Forever.
Buy this album on Amazon at $13.99
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