Iced Earth - The Crucible Of Man

\r\nI have to admit that I was very curious to listen to this album. It is a real treasure when such a popular frontman returns to the band, for the whole “buzz” on one hand, and, on the other hand merely because Barlow has a voice which is hard not to be recognized from both fans and not fans of the group. Under such conditions, being casual and write music just for writing can not be justified. And I ‘m not referring to how much time it took them in order to finish the compositions of the album, but only to what I, as a listener, am listening to. In other words, Barlow might made the majority of the fans happy and lift up the expectations of the band itself, but I do not think that they accomplish to “resurrect” the glamour of the past regarding the compositions. I feel sorry if it sounds cynical, but the main thing that maintained my interest from the beginning to end, was the vocals. Typical Iced Earth riffing, with Heavy guitars, aggressive vocals, with pompous and epic, in most songs, choruses, and, totally tight with the above, powerful rhythm section.As a total, however, it can’t pass to me all this Hyper mood that comes from Jon Schaffer nor to convince me that the band has not lost a thing from that unique inspiration that made them so important some years ago. I don want to decrease the importance of the whole effort, neither the importance of the coming back, but if I could choose, I would prefer one more Pyramaze album with Barlow, instead of immoderate enthusiasm and words that can not be proven with facts afterall. \r\n

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\r\nNicoleta Sarantou \r\n

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\r\nLine up:
\r\nJon Schaffer : rhythm guitar, backing vocals
\r\nMatt Barlow : lead vocals
\r\nTroy Seele : lead guitar
\r\nBrent Smedley : drums
\r\nFreddie Vidales : bass guitar \r\n

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