Iced Earth (30th Anniversary Edition)

USのヘビーメタルバンド=ICED EARTH(アイスド・アース)メタル史に名を残したデビュー作 『Iced Earth』の最新リマスターによる30周年記念盤

Jon Schafferが80年代に結成し現在に至るUSのヘビーメタルバンド、ICED EARTH(アイスド・アース)。30年前の1990年にリリースしたデビュー作 『Iced Earth』 が、Zeussによるリマスタリングで蘇る。米国のトレンド満ちた音楽シーンに流されることなく、己の信じる音楽を貫き通すJon Schafferの不変の精神を改めて認識することができる。Jon Schafferは、盟友BLIND GUARDIANのHansi KurschとのプロジェクトDEMONS AND WIZARDS名義で今年2020年に新作リリース、ほかにもWITHERFALLの制作に関わりながら、本の執筆を手掛けるなど本隊以外の活動にも力を注いでいる。

By the time they recorded their eponymous debut, heavy metal traditionalists Iced Earth were seasoned veterans, having gradually climbed their way to the surface of a Florida club scene swimming with hundreds of death metal bands. And it shows, for despite a few production kinks, their sound (combining a tremendous Iron Maiden influence with a few thrash metal tricks, namely double kick drums) was almost fully developed. Led by rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer, the group storm their way through a series of galloping anthems filled with guitar harmonies, complex time changes, and admirable musical chops, especially from lead guitarist Randall Shawver. "Written on the Walls," "Colors," "The Funeral," and "When the Night Falls" are only a few of the highlights -- most of which were later re-recorded with new players for 1997's Days of Purgatory compilation. Purists may prefer the raw original versions. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia