Schaffer also said somewhere that he spoke to Morris by phone / text many times during the production of the album and got some bits of advice, but that the main reason he produced it himself was because their tour schedule dictated it had to be done in Europe rather than doing it at Morrisound, but he anticipates working with Morris again at some point.
Iced Earth - Plagues of Babylon
- Thread starter DustyV
- Start date
Schaffer also said somewhere that he spoke to Morris by phone / text many times during the production of the album and got some bits of advice, but that the main reason he produced it himself was because their tour schedule dictated it had to be done in Europe rather than doing it at Morrisound, but he anticipates working with Morris again at some point.
edgeofthorns
24 Hours Ago...
I've been listening to this album today and overall, I think it's really solid. I like what I'm hearing.
~Brian~
~Brian~
Artizan
Member
The first aspect that I noticed was that Jim did not do this album. I have no idea why. Possibly economical reasons??
The Fiddler
Just Do It.
The deluxe version of the CD has a 55 minute documentary on the making of the disc. The decision to record, produce and mix the new disc in Europe was primarily a logistics decision as IE was touring heavily on the festival circuit in Europe when all the above was going down. Instead of having Jon constantly flying back-and-forth between Florida (Morrisound) and Europe to play the festivals, Jon and Ulf (manager) decided to just record the whole album in Europe so Jon wouldn't have to go through the entire recording process jet-lagged (as he did with Dystopia).
If you're an IE fan and you love the behind-the-scence documentaries on how an album is made (and how it all came about), then definitely purchase the deluxe version of the new release. And there are TONS of other goodies on the bonus DVD... "Limited edition deluxe CD/DVD includes standard CD plus DVD with 'making of' documentary, alternate album mixes and gear guides; 32-page booklet with alternate cover artwork on cover; 6-panel matte digipack, collective top spine. (2014)"
http://www.cmdistro.com/Item/Iced_Earth_-_Plagues_Of_Babylon_-CD+DVD-_-Digipak-/47214
From start-to-finish, I believe the cost to make this album from start-to-finish is likely more than any prior IE CD. Century Media has the finances to invest heavily in bands they deem to be successful.
The Fiddler
Just Do It.
And as a note, the first six songs are a continuation of the Set Abominae storyline and the last six songs are totally separate (have nothing to do with) from the Set Abominae storyline.
engmtlhd
Member
MeTuLHeD
A Member To Remember
Might as well weigh in here. I've always loved this band and their songs. But what just KILLS these records for me is the production. There. I said it. This band desperately needs a heavier-than-thou producer to give them a driving and powerful sound. Every time I listen to this stuff, I keep thinking what it would sound like with someone like Nordstrom or Sneap or Dutkiewicz or the like behind the desk. Yes. I know. I can hear the outrage already. Many people apparently love the "Morrisound Sound". And I like some of Morris' stuff. I just don't like what he does with IE and never have. Of course, that may have more to do with Schaffer's micro management than Morris' ear for all I know.
Anyway, there it is.
Anyway, there it is.
Harvester
The Promoter
Just to clarify...you do realize that Jon produced the new disc himself in Germany and Morris is not credited with anything (other than a phone consultation from what I have read). It sounds amazing compared to the previous ones..to my ears anyway.
I agree with you otherwise.
MeTuLHeD
A Member To Remember
No. Had no idea. I have only heard samples...so I don't have the actual liner notes.
Self produced? Hmmm. Well, getting away from Morrisound is a step in the right direction. Perhaps Nordstrom next time? :-D
Need to grab this and give the whole thing a listen. Perhaps this will be the IE disc which breaks the production curse for me...?
The Fiddler
Just Do It.
Again, I'd really recommend the deluxe CD-DVD version if you're interested in learning about how Jon's viewpoints regarding the production, mixing and mastering processes come together to create the final product. It's all covered in the 55 minute documentary.
You get TWO different masters of the ENTIRE album. Also included for your listening pleasure are the first 6 songs -- which are part of the Set Abominae storyline -- presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 48/24 mixes. That's a lot of music and extras for under $20. And the packaging is killer. A new artist was brought in (Eliran Kantor) and he elevated the quality of the artwork a couple of notches on this disc, IMO.
Troy and Jon also give you the story behind the gear (mostly the guitars) that they used to record the music. And to top it off, there's a nice interview with Jon and Hansi in the studio. Hansi was a background vocalist on the song, "Amongst the Living Dead." Hansi lives in Germany and the entire disc was created in Germany, so it only made sense to have him appear.
From the DVD:
"We are not big fans of the way many recordings are mastered today. The digital age and a general change in the music industry landscape have led to a "Loudness War" and it's hard to completely stay out of it. We love dynamic range in music and high audio quality and that's why we decided to give you several options. The Master we used for the CD (that's also part of this package) is what we felt was the best for that medium. The alternative audio versions available to you are here:
Audio Track 1: No Limiting -- Vinyl Master
Audio Track 2: Competitive Limiting -- Digital Master"
Jon is "old school" and chooses a wider dynamic range over a louder sounding album in which the dynamic range gets "squashed." But when people are listening to a variety of songs from a variety of bands in playlists, an album that is produced in favor of more dynamic range versus more loudness will have songs that aren't as "loud" as the songs from the other bands. As evidenced in this thread, a lot of people have a problem with the approach of dynamic range over loudness. Hence, the variety of masters for you to choose from according to your tastes.
As Jon states in the DVD, it's amazing to think that sound studios are filled with millions of dollars of equipment and after the final mix is done, the songs are compressed down into a $0.99 MP3 that is listened to with a $9.99 pair of earbuds. :Smug:
You get TWO different masters of the ENTIRE album. Also included for your listening pleasure are the first 6 songs -- which are part of the Set Abominae storyline -- presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 48/24 mixes. That's a lot of music and extras for under $20. And the packaging is killer. A new artist was brought in (Eliran Kantor) and he elevated the quality of the artwork a couple of notches on this disc, IMO.
Troy and Jon also give you the story behind the gear (mostly the guitars) that they used to record the music. And to top it off, there's a nice interview with Jon and Hansi in the studio. Hansi was a background vocalist on the song, "Amongst the Living Dead." Hansi lives in Germany and the entire disc was created in Germany, so it only made sense to have him appear.
From the DVD:
"We are not big fans of the way many recordings are mastered today. The digital age and a general change in the music industry landscape have led to a "Loudness War" and it's hard to completely stay out of it. We love dynamic range in music and high audio quality and that's why we decided to give you several options. The Master we used for the CD (that's also part of this package) is what we felt was the best for that medium. The alternative audio versions available to you are here:
Audio Track 1: No Limiting -- Vinyl Master
Audio Track 2: Competitive Limiting -- Digital Master"
Jon is "old school" and chooses a wider dynamic range over a louder sounding album in which the dynamic range gets "squashed." But when people are listening to a variety of songs from a variety of bands in playlists, an album that is produced in favor of more dynamic range versus more loudness will have songs that aren't as "loud" as the songs from the other bands. As evidenced in this thread, a lot of people have a problem with the approach of dynamic range over loudness. Hence, the variety of masters for you to choose from according to your tastes.
As Jon states in the DVD, it's amazing to think that sound studios are filled with millions of dollars of equipment and after the final mix is done, the songs are compressed down into a $0.99 MP3 that is listened to with a $9.99 pair of earbuds. :Smug:
lane_miller
Space Ghost
This just came in the mail. Clearly, a generous art budget was made available, a nice touch that is often short changed these day. Concerning the music, I would say this is very promising. I will have to get it a few more spins to be able to decide just how good it is. I loved Dystropia and this is certainly in the same league.
The Fiddler
Just Do It.
One of the best metal covers I've ever heard...
The original...
The cover...
The original...
The cover...
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Nidstang
The Melancholy Spirit
mëtålspëd
Umlauts ist Krieg
General Zod
Ruler of Australia
Although I enjoyed this album initially, my interest in it has faded quickly. After half a dozen spins, I have little desire to play it again.
Stand Undefeated
Constant Lurker
Haven't revisited this album in over a month, and I don't think I will anytime soon... Disappointment for me.
eaeolian
Division Guitarist
In revisiting it, I think part of my problem with it is...the mix. It's static, flat, and uninspiring to me. The material is OK, not quite as good as Dystopia but still pretty good, but it all comes across as, well, bland. I find I do better when the songs are in mixed playlists than when I listen to the album.
I may buy the deluxe version, though, since I'd like to see that documentary, and hear the pre-mastered version.
I may buy the deluxe version, though, since I'd like to see that documentary, and hear the pre-mastered version.
Oblivion Ocean
Member
Interesting that opinion on this has started to cool down. I honestly was shocked at the initial praise for the album. As I mentioned earlier, I was seriously wondering if I got the same album everyone else did. I have tried to get into it numerous times. It is not bad but it has no immediacy to me, nothing sticks its hooks in you to come back and listen to it again. It is the same way I feel about the last few Evergrey albums.
TENTH DREAMER DECEIVER
Halcyon Way Sufferer
- Jan 7, 2002
- 3,859
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labrekk
Member
I like Owens but I think I prefer Stu with Iced Earth. Stu is like a mix of Barlow and Owens which is perfect for Iced Earth IMO.
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