So how did Framing Armageddon turn out to be? Thumbs up?
After the news came out yesterday, I went on an Iced Earth binge. Since I had just listened to 'Alive in Athens' on Saturday*, I first went for 'Horror Show', and then back to 'Burnt Offerings'. But then for some reason, I was drawn back to 'Framing Armageddon'. I was like, "wait, dumbass, this is supposed to be a Matt Barlow celebration!" But that didn't stop me, so I listened to it, and it really seems to be quite a good album. If it held up well in that context, I'm sure it would do even better on its own.
Perhaps if Priest had let Ripper contribute, we wouldn't have been graced with Demolition... perhaps if Schaeffer had let Ripper bring more to the table creatively... this album wouldn't be the yawn that it often is.
But has Tim ever shown any songwriting aptitude? Beyond Fear was his chance to prove that the mean old bandleaders had been holding him back, but I don't really recall that album setting the world afire when it dropped.
And 'Framing Armageddon' is the most creative album-length example of Schaffer's songwriting since 'Burnt Offerings', so the "bland, boring songwriting" argument doesn't really apply to that one.
Best thing Owens did with IE was the Gettysburg Trilogy. That was SO good, I wouldn't even want to hear Barlow do it.
Agree with the first line (might even go so far as to say it's the best thing IE has EVER done), but your second line is just crazy-talk!
*: After listening to AIA this weekend, I dug up the "trip report" that I had written when I traveled to Athens with Iced Earth, and re-posted it on my blog. Obviously Jon must have stumbled across it (he's constantly doing a Google Blog Search for "Iced Earth"), and said "damn, Neil's right, those sure were good times. Maybe I should give Matt a call". So really I'm the reason that this is happening.
Neil
Can't help it, the original post read very much like a Blabbermouth newsbyte, but I did notice you said it was confirmed so I figured it was from a more legitimate source.
