Clearly The Glorious Burden did not meet our expectations that were built as soon as Tim Owens was announced to be Matthew Barlow's replacement behind ICED EARTH's microphone. The aforementioned album sounded rather weak and contained some 'filler' songs while Schaffer was learning the throat of the new vocalist. Well, it's about time to share with you my thoughts about the first of the two parts that Schaffer will implement to expand the story told in the homonymous song/trilogy found in the Something Wicked Comes album.
If I am not mistaken this is Schaffer second attempt to create a concept album after the Night Of The Stormrider album that was released in 1992.  Since Framing Armageddon IS a concept album it contains, as expected, some intros and preludes in order to create the proper mystical atmosphere. The album is based mainly on mid-tempo songs (apart from Ten Thousand Strong and the excellent The Setian Massacre) which I think it happened on purpose since it's all about telling the beginning of the story and building the tension that will eventually break out in the second part.
For the shake of the storyline Schaffer has brought several Eastern based melodies, some female backing vocals and some non-metal instruments. Tim has finally given the chance to present his vocal potentials in full extent; the aggression of his harsh voice took ICED EARTH in a higher level without loosing an inch on the melodic parts. Something Wicked Pt.1 or the excellent almost power ballad The Clouding are some fine examples of this Schaffer-Owens alliance that has finally prove its worth! Of course, you will find the classic staccato solid-as-hell rhythm guitar and the sing-along melodic chorus as found in When Start Collide (Born Is He) or the emotional A Charge To Keep.
Apart from the rhythm guitars Schaffer did additional work on the lead ones by putting together some really good solos and fills that in the case of ICED EARTH really spice things up! I think you'll agree with me saying that during the Barlow years ICED EARTH have chosen a mainstream sound that broaden their fan base. This time the band re-discovers itself and follows the darker path that was initially paved with the Burnt Offerings album.  
After having listened to this release for many times and actually getting really bored of Schaffer's useless voice-overs (the album eventually leaked onto the net) I am more than anxious to get my hands on the second part of the story that, as I said, will be more aggressive. So, don't waste time on judging or commenting on Schaffer attitude and philosophy and get this powerful album before something wicked comes our way.