Iced Earth

Horror Show

The most impressive album -- ever.

Review Score:

(10/10)
I cannot honestly say that there is no bias in the review about to be written; Iced Earth captured me within their frozen grasp years ago and I have yet to break free. This is hardly something bothersome though, as the music is the most impressive I have ever heard, and Horror Show is no exception!

At first listen, Horror Show sounds dramatically different from anything Iced Earth has ever done. The line-up has once again changed, bringing new sounds and styles to the band's already well-written and performed style. With this release, I think they finally got it right.

Throughout your Horror Show experience, you will be treated with a variety of sounds: Haunting, Rasping, Razing, Serene, Powerful; everything is there and in tact. Each track must be listened to on an individual basis to truly be appreciated for what they are, despite the fact that this is a concept album. There is no denying that it is a pleasurable listen from start to finish, but -- unlike so many other concept albums out there -- there is no requirement to listen to it from start to finish every time you place it in your CD player.

With new drummer Richard Christy -- of Death and Control Denied fame -- each track is a rhytmetic powerhouse; his double-bass drumming leaves nothing to be desired as it frequently continues for astonishing lengths of time. There is no distraction in this, however; with the superb instrumentals and vocals of the rest of the band, the drums only act as one part of a whole, flawlessly accompanying the rest of the band as their passion for music shines through in their sound.

Brilliant song writing captures each listener and takes them away to the "Silver Screen" where each Monster's story is told. The Wolfman, Damien, Jack the Ripper -- clear on up to the Phantom of the Opera -- each monster's tale is told with an astonishing variety of music and Matt Barlow's highly praised vocals.

If you enjoy Iced Earth -- buy this album! If you have never heard of Iced Earth -- buy it anyway! This is a band that has been there, done that, and is travelling along its way to the next level of perfection as each release continues to be better than the last. If you don't own Horror Show yet, you're missing out!

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