Iced Earth isn’t really a band of firsts, but they have released the first new material in 3 years time. And it is the first of a two part opus called Something Wicked. Very curious on what they unleashed on mankind this time, I could hardly wait to put my promo copy on. My first impression I have is that they just delivered the same goods again. As I have with my second and later impressions.

Even though they released an ambitious concept album it isn’t as if Iced Earth suddenly changed their musical direction. It is the same style of classical heavy metal with high pitched vocals they are known for. Part 1 of Something Wicked is called Framing Armageddon. Part two will be released next year and part one will probably be re-released forming a package. 

Their previous concept album The Dark Saga from 1996 is about the comic book character Spawn. This time the story is far more complex. In short it is about mankind’s invasion of earth. Being presented as the direct descendents of the Grand Architect of The Universe, these so called Setians are Earth’s most ancient culture and most peaceful race in existence. But of course eventually things go wrong. If you wish to read the entire story, simply just buy the album. It’s difficult to sum up the story in a few words. And if I would explain it here to its full extent, they probably sue me for plagiarism.

A preview of the story is to be found on their 1998’s Something Wicked This Way Comes album. The last 3 songs on that disc formed a trilogy, a hint of things to come. Iced Earth’s big boss Jon Schaffer always mentioned in interviews that the entire story would emerge someday in the course of two albums. And after nine years part 1 has finally arrived. And was it all worth the wait? Oh yes it was worth it. But I do have my reservations. I consider the entire concept as a good idea, but sometimes the lyrics and music are just too predictable like in ’A Charge To Keep’. I just expected a little bit more of this self proclaimed ultimate masterpiece. 

So basically this is my opinion about Framing Armageddon. High quality and good songs? Oh yes. Their best album yet? No way, not by a long shot. A must-buy for the fans? Yes, definitely.