Iced Earth's Reviews

The Glorious Burden

Good but it could've been better..

I am not digging this album. It does not have the Iced Earth feel that I'm familiar with (Burnt Offerings through Horror Show). It's a good album, yeah.. but ONLY when I think of it as not-Iced Earth.

The songwriting has more of an epic ballad feel to it, than short story feel. However, as always, the music is superb. The ballad-ness of the writing makes the songs kindof awkward, when compared to, for example, The Dark Saga album and the Something Wicked trilogy.

Tim Owens' voice does NOT do Matt Barlow ANY justice. Barlow could shift from gravelly to high-metal-screams at the drop of a hat. Owens' voice doesn't have that range, from what I've heard.

"When The Eagle Cries" is a nice patriotic song.. but.. it's SO unlike Iced Earth. It's probably one of their slowest, un-metal songs yet. But, it's still a good song. "Declaration Day" has most of the old IE-quality to it. Thus, it is probably my only real "favorite" on the album.

I was not impressed by: The Reckoning, Greenface, Red Baron/Blue Max, Valley Forge.
Songs that redeemed the album: Declaration Day, Atilla, Hollow Man
Songs I'm neutral on: Waterloo, Devil to Pay, Hold at All Costs, High Water Mark.

Overall, I give this album a letter grade of C. It's good... but... WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?

Buy this album on Amazon at $20.99