I don't know for you, but the fact that Matt Barlow is back in action is definitely the most important event of this year. I listened to his incredible performance in PYRAMAZE and I was expecting to come across an equally good Heavy Metal thunder in the new ICED EARTH album. I had the chance to have a taste of what was going to follow with the band's single CD I Walk Among You which was issued earlier this year. Just think that when the first notes of I Walk Alone touched my ears, I could not stop smiling.

The US metallers need no introduction, since they are one of the best Heavy Metal bands still active. I know that many of you may disagree with what I say, but I have grown up listening to these US Power Metal titans and the return of Barlow was something that made me spend some time on them again. The Ripper era was not as successful as many predicted, and Owens left one more band to be replaced by this band's original singer. This boy is definitely cursed. So, I will just forget that albums like The Glorious Burden and Framing Armageddon were released. Let's say that this is the band's next step after Horror Show.

And it actually is since the sound is really close to what the band tried to do in Horror Show, with slightly more epic riffing, and Barlow performing some theatrical vocals. Matt hasn't lost his incredible abilities at all, and he is still able to drag you into the atmosphere he creates. In Sacred Flames is only a small intro to give you an idea of what is going to follow and the totally SAVATAGE riffing of Behold The Wicked Child kicks in. And you immediately notice that the spirit of Horror Show is back to haunt your dreams.

Regarding the music in general, you probably know what to expect. Schaffer has created his own trademark in guitar playing and the rhythm section is always full of credited musicians that help him create a heavy as fuck and solid background for him to lay his riffing upon. A nice job has been done by the band's new bass player, who is rather unknown. The band picked him up from a US Death Metal band called INFUSION. And the saga keeps going... The band's frontman (we all know who he is) continues the legacy he creates with every album. As you can see, each new album is giving answers to questions created by the previous ones.

The production is great as always with face melting guitars and gut blasting drums. And, I was thinking of commenting on Barlow's vocals but I really feel unable to write anything about him. One of the best voices in the Metal scene is back and this is the only thing I can say right now. You want some Heavy Metal with ass kicking vocals, heavy riffing and some Middle Eastern leads here and there? Get the fuck out and go get this album NOW!