Let me start with saying that
Iced Earth is one of my absolute favourite bands and that Something Wicked This Way Comes is one of my favourite albums of all time. I still become amazed when I listen to it. How can there be so many fantastic songs on one album? I guess I can't answer that, but I will try to comment on them.
The bands brilliant style of aggressive tunes, atmospheric moods, epic elements and lots of emotion is simply genius.
Burning Times is a mid-tempo pumping song, very hard and with a raw riff. The chorus is catchy and the lyric brilliantly sung.
Melancholy (Holy Martyr) is one of the most depressing and sad songs ever. The atmosphere is just amazing. I simply love the drums on this one, slow but felt with extreme hardness and power. The bass with an extreme level of depth simply rules.
The next one is of another style.
Disciples Of The Lie is extremely fast and aggressive. The anger and wrath glows within the lyric, which is about the evil forces, disguising in different covers, making people do their cruel deeds, and believe their lies. It is a very important lyric, and the furious musical side fits perfect. Jon Schaffer simply rules on guitar, the riff's he plays is out of this world.
Watching Over Me is one of the most important songs in my life. It's about losing someone you love, and the thoughts you continue to have of this person, and that you at times feel the person's presence. The song has a beautiful acoustic guitar riff, and a huge bombastic chorus. The lyric is fantastic and the feel that this song posses is magic.
Talking about personal relationship.
Stand Alone is one of the greatest Metal hymns ever written. Highly relatable lyrics once again, about standing up for what is your belief, and not taking any crap from anyone. The riff is monster and the break in the middle of the song is pure genius. This track glows with energy; just listen to the drums that are packed with power.
Through the whole album the band displays fantastic musical skills. Lots of monster riffs and melodic solo's, detailed drums, great bass breaks and rhythm's, Matthew Barlow's stunning and varied voice and atmospheric keyboards in just the right places.
Well, on to the rest of the album.
Consequences is one of the slowest songs. About the human race and all the wrongs done through time, and how it could be better if people wanted it. The chorus is a bit long, but this is a detail. The acoustic guitar has a central position, and also the melodic lead creates a lot of rhythm. I love this society critical lyric. A very good song.
My Own Savior is a Heavy monster of a power hymn. The speed is extreme, and the drums sound brilliant and intense. The raw voice fits perfect, and the fast lead guitar rules. A song about a person with mental problems, and a very dark and depressive lyric.
The Reaping Stone is a mid-tempo song with a mystic atmosphere. I am beginning to like this one more and more, the dark feel it has rules. A story about a mystic stone that can bring death to the ones it possesses. A song with a different feel to it, but an interesting track.
1776 (year of the signing of the American Declaration Of Independence) is the albums instrumental track. The melody is brilliant and the changes in rhythm works perfect.
Blessed Are You is a song for all
Iced Earth fans, it's a pure hymn. The chorus is huge and the atmosphere in the slow parts is dramatic and epic.
As a perfect ending part is the Something Wicked Trilogy about the chosen evil one, who will arise and fight mankind. A very dark story, but still fascinating, and a reminder to watch out for the evils in this world.
Prophecy is a hard and aggressive track. The middle break is simply divine. Matthew Barlow sings with a very intense voice and the feel to this song is very dramatic.
Birth Of The Wicked is a very fast and hard riffing song. Not the most melodic on the record, but it hits you hard.
The Coming Curse is the ending epic, bombastic and fantastic song. Atmospheric piano intro sets the mood for this dramatic song. It then explodes into fury and madness. The choir's sounds really like a warning of doom, and the changing parts functions well. Raw riffs and a solid rhythm section makes this a genius, balanced and varied song, lots of power once again.
The production is perfect, lots of power and still detailed.
It is almost impossible to say anything critical as you already have figured out. Of course I have my favourites, but all the songs rule in their own way, making this album totally out of this world.
The musical genius of well balanced power, sensitivity and drama, plus the strong emotions and my personal relationship with the lyrics makes this a true masterpiece.
Written by
Tommy Wednesday, January 8, 2003
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 10/10Members: 10/10 - Average of 1 ratings.
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 | Sandra
Rating: 10/10
First of all: what a superb production, it's such a pleasure to spin this album out loud. ... · Read more · |
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