Owens may be technically better. He has a better range, can hold longer notes, etc, etc. But when it comes to overall value, this is where Barlow exceeds Owens imo. Just because John Petrucci can play a better lick than someone else doesnt necessarily make him a more enjoyanle guitarist to listen to. Why do people like "raw" music when produced music sounds better? It all comes down to personal taste, and imo Barlow has a lot more emotion in his voice. Even though he is a little less talented of a vocalist, he is far superior imo when it comes to fitting with Iced Earth. Barlow is the perfect singer for IE, and it is a shame that he has left, but it cant be helped. Move on and listen to the new stuff. Treasure the old stuff, but still give Owens a try.
Imo, he just doesnt have the eerie voice that Iced Earth should have. For example, Horror Show wouldnt be right if it was sung by Owens. Why was Barlow able to take the Night of the Stormrider and turn it into a great album (Days of Purgatory)? Its just because his voice fits the theme better. Owens has a great voice for the Glorious Burden, and for the concept that John was aiming for, it was amazingly perfect. I didnt like it as much as past works (because its not my idea of Iced Earth), but you gotta admit it screamed history and patriotism. As a concept album, it was a work of art.
But Owens trying to tell us a terror Armageddon-like story, I can still imagine the sounds of cannons and firing muskets of Gettysburg. It should be sci-fi, but it kinda sounds more organic if you know what I mean. Not that the new cd is bad, its just that Barlow could have done better. Tis a shame he left, he was definitely meant for Iced Earth.