Corny theme perfectly executed!
Review Score: 








(10/10)
The theme of classic movie monsters for a concept album couldn't be pulled off by many, but Iced Earth has done it! Schaffer's rhythm guitar skill is matched by few, Matt Barlow's operatic voice is in top shape, Larry Tarnowski's screaming guitar solos are just incredible, DiGiorgio's(?) bass lines are very reminiscent of Iron Maiden, and Richard Christy's merciless double-bass drumwork will pound you into sweet oblivion.
The album opens with Wolf, which is, obviously, about the Wolfman. This song has an awesome chorus, and the riff in the middle is so unbelievalby heavy it's painful.
After that is the haunting 9min+ epic Damien. I'm not really sure what this song is about. I don't remember this from any movies or anything. Anyways, the song has a haunting intro, great riffs and a chorus that'll make the hair stand on the back of your neck. After Damien ends, it instantly tears into the opening riff of Jack, the fastest song on the album, telling the sad and violent story of Jack the Ripper.
After that, we take a break from the album's theme with the beautiful acoustic ballad Ghost of Freedom. This song is about the soldiers who've lost their lives these past few years. Nice vocals, nice melody.
After that is Im-Ho-Tep (Pharaoh's Curse). This song is amazing. The opening riff fits the song's setting perfectly. Beyond that, Jekyll and Hyde and Dragon's Child are two songs I haven't listened to that much. Though I like them both, they didn't draw me in like the other songs did.
After that is my favorite song on the album, Frankenstien, with its awesome riff, then opening verse. The background vocals are awesome.
Then opens Dracula, which fools you into thinking its a soft ballad, then it tears into a speedy riff that is as hard as any on the album. Love this song.
After that is Phantom Opera Ghost, which would be a great song if it weren't for the cheesy vocals. I like this song, but the lyrics could've been better.
The only weak track on the album is the cover of Iron Maiden's Transylvania. I like the song, but its just... unimaginitive as covers go. But the rest of the second disc, the interview with guitarist Jon Schaffer, is very interesting. I liked learning about Iced Earth's origins. I didn't even know about Purgatory before this.
Overall, this album is incredible. This is essential for any fan of Iced Earth, or any fan of metal in general.
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