Iced Earth — Horror Show

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

22 years ago today, the Phantom of the Opera’s reign of terror was once again unleashed upon us.

On this day (June 26) in 2001, Iced Earth released their sixth full-length studio album, “Horror Show” via Century Media Records.

Background:

In 2000, work began on Iced Earth's sixth studio album. Entitled “Horror Show”, it is a concept album containing songs based on horror films and literature, including; Dracula, Frankenstein, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Wolfman.

It was the first Iced Earth album to feature drummer Richard Christy, and the only album to feature Steve Di Giorgio on bass, who left the group after the recording process.

According to Schaffer, Di Giorgio was required and agreed to go on tour, but left due to "prior commitments". He was replaced by James MacDonough.

It was the third album to feature guitarist Larry Tarnowski (who, at that time had become a full-time member). “Horror Show” is usually considered Iced Earth's only straightforward Power Metal release, as little of the Thrash Metal influence from the band's earlier works is present.

This album also featured more prominent usage of Matt Barlow's multi-layered vocals as a center point for the songs. “Horror Show” was also the first Iced Earth album to be partially recorded at Schaffer's home studio "Schaffer Sound".

There was a special limited-edition two-disc set. The second disc included the instrumental track, "Transylvania", an Iron Maiden cover, along with an interview with bandleader/rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer.

There is also a single-disc version with "Transylvania", but without the interview. The song "Dracula" includes the line "the blood is the life", a quote from Deuteronomy 12:23. However, it is likely lifted from the 1992 version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula which also features the line.

As in "Dracula", many of the lyrics are lifted straight from the movies they were inspired by. Unlike other releases, it features much writing from Matt Barlow.

By the end of the song "Damien" there is a section where Jon's reversed voice repeats the message that is also in the middle, silent section of the song. So, if the song is played backwards, the true message can be heard.

This kind of reversed voice was also done by Iron Maiden in the beginning of their song "Still Life" of their fourth studio album “Piece of Mind”.

Critical Reception:

In his review for AllMusic, Jason Hundey wrote;

“Unlike previous releases, “Horror Show” doesn't deliver an unrewarding knockout punch on first listen. In fact, it takes quite a few listens to see the hidden gems that make this album so fantastic; so give the album its due attention -- it will pay off in the end.

Other highlights include the mid-paced classic German-esque thrash of "Dragon's Child" and the ambitious yet fully realized mini-opera (reminiscent of Queensrÿche's "Suite Sister Mary") "Phantom Opera Ghost." Enjoy the show.”

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “Horror Show” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/horror-show/1045657795

Click this link to listen to “Horror Show” via Spotify: Horror Show https://open.spotify.com/album/2LI1sWcLYsWeN1TwZ6VvNK

There were no official videos recorded for this album, so I am including a fan filmed live version of “Dracula” from the “Horror Show” tour: https://youtu.be/p7lPzyde3b0

Click this link to follow Iced Earth on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIcedEarth

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

Iced Earth — Horror Show

Background:

Critical Reception:

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

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