Iced Earth's Reviews
The Glorious Burden (Average Rating: 8.86 out of 10)
STOP - read THIS review (Rated this album with 10 out of 10)
Reviewed by
gladius314159
from Ottawa, On
Picking up the Glorious Burden was easily the best purchase I have made since Iron Maiden's 'Dance of Death'. I knew right away I had to review it. I started reading some of the other reviews (currently there are 86), and reading most of them I noticed a general consensus of what people thought of Iced Earths newest release.
This review tries to capture that...
Declaration Day: 10/10 Most people think this song is a very solid opener. This track basically puts to rest anyone's reservations about Tim Owens' singing ability. The lyrics are very powerful, and both Owens and the band execute the chorus perfectly. When the Eagle Cries: 7/10 John's attempt to cover the September 11th terrorist attacks fails to compel most people. Most of them appreciate the message, but the lyrics are rather cheesy the song has too much noise for a ballad. The Reckoning: 7-9/10 People will remember this from its release many months before the album. Overall it's a heavy stylized song with some really ambitious yet simple riffs. It is hard to find a consensus on this song. Some think it works, others call it a failed rip-off of Iron Maiden. Greenface: 7-9/10 This is a short, tightly-played song that most people seem to enjoy. However some few people don't appreciate its sound. It is certainly nothing groundbreaking. Most think it's rather generic, but the good kind of generic. Attila: 9/10 Most people think this is a highlight of the album. It has wicked historical lyrics; cool riffs and alternating dialogue between armies. The sound really captures the theme. Red Baron / Blue Max: 10/10 If there was a true, undeniable highlight of this album: THIS is the song. The chorus is wailed by Owens in a way you have to hear to believe. The guitar play is simple, but bloody fantastic. Everyone loves this song. Hollow Man: 8/10 Hmm... another ballad. This one tends to get more respect than 'When the Eagle Cries', but isn't hailed as a classic or even a highlight by most. Valley Forge: 8/10 This is an interesting song. It comes off as a ballad before turning into Iced Earth's usual metal product by the end. Once again, more appreciated than 'When the Eagle Cries' but nothing hailed as an Iced Earth's classic. Waterloo: 10/10 A melodic masterpiece that just about everyone either respects or loves. Personally, this is my favourite song here (aside from the Trilogy). When the Eagle Cries: 9/10 There we go... an acoustic version of the flawed ballad. This sounds a lot better. The Gettysburg Trilogy: 10/10 John Schaffer's MASTERPIECE. People are amazed to hear that the historical scope of the lyrics are ACTUALLY REALIZED in the sound. Most people accept the trilogy as one song rather than breaking it down into three since the work flows together so perfectly. Even those who rate the album poorly appreciate the masterwork of Schaffer in this one. As this review comes to a close, I should mention that people really seem to accept Tim Owens as the new vocalist. If you are hesitating this purchase because of Matt Barlow's departure; no one blames you. We all loved him. But the census is that Tim does the job just as well (although his capacity for ballads may be in question by some). Most people appreciate the quality of this album and give it 5 stars.
Buy this album on Amazon at $20.99
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