Well... I finally got the disc and I thought I'd share my thoughts with you guys... I think this cd is decent at best. Some of it is enjoyable but I had higher expectations than that. Sure, it has the best solos of Iced Earth's catalogue but where's the speed? shere is the fast picking? Damn I thought that Tim's addition to Iced Earth's ranks with thrash things up a little because let's face it, Tim's voice is way thrashier than matt's...
Well... you've got 3 great thrasher on this disc... the rest is either ballads or mid-paced songs. Here is my track by track review...
Star Spangled Banner
Well... the american national anthem on electric guitar... This has been done millions of time so why bother discussing it? ...5/10
Declaration Day
Well, this one sounds more like a Demons and Wizards song than anything else. It's mid paced and catchy. Great solo though! 7/10
When the Eagle Cries
I had the acoustic version of this one on the reckoning EP and it was good... This version is pretty much the same but the vocals are poorer but the addition of distorted guits in the chorus add something more to the mood of the song... 7/10
The Reckoning
I said it before and i'll say it again, this one kills. This is one of the thrashers of the album. It's great overall thought pretty simple. However... what is that slow paced middle part doing there??? 8/10
Green Face
Thrasher number 2! This one has a great vocal performance by Ripper! Damn does he sound Angry!!! His vocals somewhat tends in the black metal direction in some parts! This one is my favorite off this album 9/10
Valley Forge
Another Demons and Wizard sounding tune. It starts like a ballad but turns into a cool rocking piece of music wich is overall pretty interesting. Great solo!!! 8/10
Atilla
Ugh... What is that? The most redondant song of the album... it goes on and on... There's no climax... no punches... Gee I listened to it three times because I thought I missed the point! Bottom line is: there is no point !!! 3/10
Hollow Man
This song was supposed to be Schaffer's big masterpiece... He didn't want to waste this one on Century Media... WHy again? I don't see anything special... it's just a good ballad... nowhere as good as I died for You or Watching Over me though... 6/10
Red Baron / Blue Max
The last thrasher on this album! This one is the most complex structure-wise and has some great drumming... I like the vocals too! 7/10
The Trilogy...
Long, too atmospheric... I'll have to listen to it again ... so far... ish... 6/10
Overall : 6.6/10
Well... you've got 3 great thrasher on this disc... the rest is either ballads or mid-paced songs. Here is my track by track review...
Star Spangled Banner
Well... the american national anthem on electric guitar... This has been done millions of time so why bother discussing it? ...5/10
Declaration Day
Well, this one sounds more like a Demons and Wizards song than anything else. It's mid paced and catchy. Great solo though! 7/10
When the Eagle Cries
I had the acoustic version of this one on the reckoning EP and it was good... This version is pretty much the same but the vocals are poorer but the addition of distorted guits in the chorus add something more to the mood of the song... 7/10
The Reckoning
I said it before and i'll say it again, this one kills. This is one of the thrashers of the album. It's great overall thought pretty simple. However... what is that slow paced middle part doing there??? 8/10
Green Face
Thrasher number 2! This one has a great vocal performance by Ripper! Damn does he sound Angry!!! His vocals somewhat tends in the black metal direction in some parts! This one is my favorite off this album 9/10
Valley Forge
Another Demons and Wizard sounding tune. It starts like a ballad but turns into a cool rocking piece of music wich is overall pretty interesting. Great solo!!! 8/10
Atilla
Ugh... What is that? The most redondant song of the album... it goes on and on... There's no climax... no punches... Gee I listened to it three times because I thought I missed the point! Bottom line is: there is no point !!! 3/10
Hollow Man
This song was supposed to be Schaffer's big masterpiece... He didn't want to waste this one on Century Media... WHy again? I don't see anything special... it's just a good ballad... nowhere as good as I died for You or Watching Over me though... 6/10
Red Baron / Blue Max
The last thrasher on this album! This one is the most complex structure-wise and has some great drumming... I like the vocals too! 7/10
The Trilogy...
Long, too atmospheric... I'll have to listen to it again ... so far... ish... 6/10
Overall : 6.6/10
