Iced Earth

By Francisco Monteiro on Sep 26, 2011 in Cd Review | 0 comments

Album: Dystopia
Label: Century Media
Tracks: 10
Release Date: 2011-10-17
Lenght: 46.11

Riff Score: 7.0/10

Iced Earth return with the highly anticipated “Dystopia”, a trip into a dystopian world of anguish and darkness, filled with heavy metal riffs and amazing vocals.

2008 marks the year of “The Crucible of Man”. Almost 3 years later (and a lot of criticism directed towards Iced Earth), the band prepares to present to their fans a new and improved version of Iced Earth. “Dystopia” will be the 10th album from these American, Heavy-Metal playing and constantly changing group of very talented musicians.

Changes in the lineup of the band are something every Iced Earth fan has come to expect over the years. This time we get to welcome to the ranks Stu Block, better known for his work with Into Eternity (Progressive/Melo-Death band from Canada). It is obvious that we should expect some top notch vocals in this album when Stu and Jon Schaffer get to share the microphone.

Jon Schaffer has always been known to create very rich concepts for Iced Earth albums by tapping into literature and movies (who can forget 2001’s “Horror Show”?). This time, however, Jon has decided to attack the theme of dystopia. If any of you have ever seen any movie, or read any book about dystopias, you know what to expect: a shitty world, full of oppression and censorship, countries with no civil rights, and possibly one or two cool heroes trying to save the world. That is what Jon tries to accomplish here. Take a look at the cover, a menacing monster, towering over a closed city, with people trying to escape while Zeppelins direct spotlights in their direction. Bad world, we get it, good cover. Take a look at the track list and you will almost instantly recognize some movies in there. “V”, “Dark City” and “Equilibrium” are all famous movies that deal with a dystopian world.

What to expect from this concept? Struggle, anguish, and many other synonyms I will not write here. Iced Earth tried to deal with those in each song they wrote. Taking inspiration from Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, Iced Earth are still able to infuse their sound with some Power-Metal sounds, especially in the guitar solos and riffs that exist throughout the album.

First things first. The band is competent. No one can accuse them of not being able to rise to the standards of Iced Earth’s past. Jon Schaffer plays perfectly, clockwork precise in his rhythms and has a powerful presence in the vocals. Troy Seele in lead guitar is virtuous in many songs, although he could have been given more freedom to shred. Brent Smedley in the drums and Freddie Vidales in the bass give respectable performances, but in no way do they stand out. They are precise and competent, and that’s all you can ask for.

Stu Block however shines. His performance in vocals really brings “Dystopia” to a different level. What could have been a forgettable album turns into a very enjoyable 46 minutes and 11 seconds, by just simply appreciating the vocal battles between him and Jon. The first track “Dystopia” shows us that from the get go, a very fast Heavy-Metal song with both Jon and Stu going at it. The same with “Boiling Point”, a very fast track with both guys showing their vocal range.

“Anthem”, “Dark City” and “Equilibrium” are all quite inspired by Iron Maiden, especially in the introductions. “Equilibrium” however is quite forgettable, not to say downright boring. The lyrics are, through most of the album, not bad, with the exception of “Anguish of Youth”, which seems really pointed at younger fans (She wants to smile, she wants to live, free from a life of despair), and “V” (prepare for victory, our minds have been awakened […] we are the resistance). The high point of “Dystopia” was saved for last: “Tragedy and Triumph” is a fast Heavy-Metal song, with awesome vocals, an awesome rhythm, and virtuous guitar throughout, definitely the best song of the album. All things considered, Iced Earth have created a good Heavy-Metal album, with some Iron Maiden influences and a little Power-Metal mixed in just for fun. Better than the criticized “The Crucible of Man” but not by a long shot. Good enough to listen to many times, but not good enough to make the top-25 end of the year lists.

However, on a more personal note, “Dystopia” did not create a powerful impression on me. Despite all the influences that I absolutely love (Iron Maiden, Heavy-Metal, Power-Metal), it seemed to lack a certain kind of power that veteran metal heads instantly recognize when in the face of true awesomeness. It is well constructed, well performed, but it lacks the passion to make someone listen to it, and then listen to it some more. I give it a 7 because I recognize its merits, if I didn’t it would get about a 5. I wish the entire album could be like “Tragedy and Triumph”. Sadly, it is not.

By: Francisco Monteiro