Iced Earth's Reviews
The Glorious Burden (Average Rating: 8.86 out of 10)
The Glorious Burden is a glorious success! (Rated this album with 8 out of 10)
Reviewed by
Phillip Collins
from Medway, Ohio USA
Iced Earth has always boasted tight rhythms, intricate riffs, and cohesive arrangements. However, with "The Glorious Burden," the band has exceeded their previous efforts. Abandoning the silly occultism that pervaded their past lyrics, Iced Earth has decided to embrace more worthwhile themes... such as patriotism and military history. Hopefully, this is indicative of a trend in the band's lyrical proclivities. The messages of songs like "Valley Forge" and "When the Eagle Cries" are certainly more lyrically compelling than songs about Satan and witchcraft. As for musicianship, Iced Earth remains in top form. Ripper Owens, who was unfairly stigmatized during his career Judas Priest, delivers an over-the-top performance with passion and vigor. Schaffer's riffs are executed with razor-sharp precision. Richard Christy, whose work with Chuck Schuldiner is legendary, contributes his peerless double-bass drum wizardry. The solos, which are provided by outside artists, are replete with impressive runs and arpeggios. In a nutshell, this high quality music that far surpasses the mediocrity of contemporary nu-metal and alternative "musicians."
Buy this album on Amazon at $20.99
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