- Mar 26, 2002
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I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on Iced Earth.
Within the realm of prog/power metal, there are some bands that have really made the grade and for good reason. Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Edguy are some of my favorites. Here's why:
Blind Guardian - very diverse, melodic, fantasy-influenced, and above all, the music just gets more infectious with each listen. Hansi Kursh is a phenomenal vocalist, and his vocals alone on the Edguy track 'Out of Control' turned a good song into a classic.
Gamma Ray - fast, powerful, melodic, great vocal lines by Kai Hansen. In addition, Henjo Richter is very obviously influenced by historic giants such as Ritchie Blackmore. In fact, some songs like The Winged Horse could very well be a Rainbow cover!
Edguy - melodic, very approachable compositions that scream power, and fill the gap that Maiden fans have been missing since Somewhere in Time. Needless to say, Tobias Sammet is a genius, and Avantasia has to be one of the greatest metal albums of all time.
Here's my problem....
Iced Earth - I DON'T GET IT!
I have tried to give them so many listens over the years - I have Horror Show and Something Wicked, and both are ok - nothing really blows me away. Sometimes they lack melody, the singing is a little rough, and the music can be really difficult to approach. Without doubt they are masterful musicians, and the stuccato riffing is second-to-none, but I don't get how people see the Iron Maiden influence compared to, say, Edguy. Are Iced Earth really power metal or would they be classified as Speed Metal? Are they really melodic? They remind me more of early Megadeth or Testament, moreso than Maiden.
Where am I going wrong?
I love early Megadeth and Testament (Alex Skolnick is one of my fave guitarists), and yet I still don't see the fuss about Iced Earth. Someone help! Also, listening recommendations for IE tracks are more than welcome (and reasons why those tracks are recommended).
Within the realm of prog/power metal, there are some bands that have really made the grade and for good reason. Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Edguy are some of my favorites. Here's why:
Blind Guardian - very diverse, melodic, fantasy-influenced, and above all, the music just gets more infectious with each listen. Hansi Kursh is a phenomenal vocalist, and his vocals alone on the Edguy track 'Out of Control' turned a good song into a classic.
Gamma Ray - fast, powerful, melodic, great vocal lines by Kai Hansen. In addition, Henjo Richter is very obviously influenced by historic giants such as Ritchie Blackmore. In fact, some songs like The Winged Horse could very well be a Rainbow cover!
Edguy - melodic, very approachable compositions that scream power, and fill the gap that Maiden fans have been missing since Somewhere in Time. Needless to say, Tobias Sammet is a genius, and Avantasia has to be one of the greatest metal albums of all time.
Here's my problem....
Iced Earth - I DON'T GET IT!
Where am I going wrong?