Summary
ICED EARTH is arguably one of the most underrated American metal bands. A lot of that is due to when the group hits it’s peak – the mid to late 1990s, when the metal community had lost a lot of it’s momentum. The band’s early run was also marked by several vocalist changes. They finally found the right fit on their third record with the addition of Matt Barlow. ICED EARTH’s lack of popularity is unfortunate because their catalogue could have put them in the category of “the heavier IRON MAIDEN“; a title and status that would have been well-deserved. Alas, ICED EARTH has been relegated to a small, but avid, fan base for much of their career. A career that has seen the band do a lot of interesting, unique, and inventive things: concept albums, themed albums with subjects ranging from classic horror monsters (i.e. Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolfman) to history and war (such as the battle of Gettysburg). That creativity is what first caught my attention at the age of 12 and led to my lifelong fandom. Led by Jon Schaffer on guitar, ICED EARTH has an underappreciated discography just waiting to be discovered by a broader metal audience. With that, here are our picks for ICED EARTH’s Top 25 tracks to date. Life-long fans and soon-to-be fans welcome!
Honorable Mentions:
- “Black Flag
- “Valley Forge“
- “The Phantom Opera Ghost“
- “Dark Saga“
- “Travel in Stygian“
- “Plagues of Babylon“
25. “Iced Earth“
From the group’s debut album, and titled after their namesake, “Iced Earth” is an early example of Jon Schaffer’s ability to write well-composed, effective metal riffs. The track has also served as a long-time live staple and is the band’s unofficial anthem.
24. “Slave to the Dark“
“Slave to the Dark” is probably the most underrated song from the band’s most popular album. The second track in ‘The Suffering‘ trilogy, it is calculated and reserved but still hits hard and has a memorable chorus. The bridge leading up to the solo is also an example of beautiful music composition.
23. “The Devil to Pay“
“The Devil to Pay” is the first track in ICED EARTH’s ‘Gettysburg Trilogy’, which depicts the 3 day battle, and turning point, of the American Civil War. This song, and the entire trilogy, transcends metal music. With Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals, the band holds nothing back. Complete with emotional storytelling full of dynamic music composition, this track is an experience as much as it is a song.
22. “Colors“
“Colors” is a great example of what would become the signature ICED EARTH guitar style: complete with perfectly executed triplets and IRON MAIDEN-type galloping rhythms. It is an oft-forgotten but classic track from the group.
21. “Dystopia“
“Dystopia” is the only track on our list from the Stu Block vocal era (2011 to present). I have nothing but respect for Stu but ICED EARTH just doesn’t quite sound the same without Matt Barlow on vocals. In addition, many of the band’s recent outings feel derivative of the group’s earlier work. This track, however, really stands out. It is the best usage of Stu’s vocals and the riffs and vocal harmonizing in the song are badass.
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