Iced Earth--Something Wicked This Way Comes (1998)
Rating--9.4
Reaping Stone--RealAudio Burning Times
More evidence that a band which truly care about its fans and its art will not sell out. At this stage in IE's career, John
Schaffer has to be considered one of the top songwriters in metal today. Speed and intricity in the music, and lyrically heavy in conceptual
themes. This disc is also a complete culmination of the group's previous works, mixing the occasional dark atmosphere of
'Burnt Offerings,' the melody of 'Dark Saga,' and the all-out thrash and double-bass spitfire of 'Night of the Stormrider' and the
debut.
The album almost seems to follow a heavy/melodic rotation in terms of song arrangement, as one will be full throttle
while the next will step back to move with atmosphere and well-placed acoustics, before cracking forth with force. Being yet another
storyline told within the songs, this time about ancient Egypt and the "Wicked" character of reckoning, the song style blending fits
well with the tale.
"Burning Times" kicks things off right from the start with a pure crunch and full-force flow, with its
bottom-ended heaviness and the controlled-to-screaming voice of Matt Barlow. The band accomplishes on several songs what
'Dark Saga' could only do on one or two: thrash as fast and heavy as in its early days. "Disciples of the Lie," "Stand Alone,"
"My Own Savior," and "The Coming Curse" stack up to any of the burners from the first part of IE's catalog.
The songwriting
again shows maturity as tracks such as "Melancholy," "Consequences," and "Prophecy" all start out in a lighter frame before
moving to thick distortion or speed.
"1776" is a classic instrumental in the fast mold of the ones off the first two albums, and
lurking in the shadows and somewhat standing alone is the splendid "Reaping Stone." A winding, atmosphere-laden, total
groove and power track, "Reaping" is bass-driven and methodical at the beginning, with a tasty mid-section that rips with
intricate guitar precision. Catchier than the other songs, but in a power, guitar-note sense---it is in no way commercial.
The Slayer and Maiden influences are apparent, though it's important to point out that the style displayed on this disc
is really only one group's---Iced
Earth's. This is the point where a true identity has been forged, and where others will start copying them. Because this album so
thoroughly displays all the band's styles, it would be a good place to start if you're looking to get into them.
You will, however, probably find yourself wanting them all...
TRACK LIST: Burning Times/Melancholy (Holy Martyr)/Disciples of the Lie/Watching Over Me/Stand Alone/Consequences/
My Own Savior/Reaping Stone/1776/Blessed Are You/[Something Wicked (trilogy)]--Prophecy/Birth of the Wicked/
The Coming Curse
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