Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked - Part 1)

As one of the biggest forthcoming releases of the year, Iced Earth has really built quite the hype concerning their first of two new albums, "Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Pt. 1)". Continuing with a concept established on their critically acclaimed album "Something Wicked This Way Comes", Iced Earth had a lot riding on this release. Fans had been disappointed with their previous album and were eager and hungry for some heavy hitting Thrash influenced Power Metal. Unfortunately, "Framing Armageddon" isn’t exactly what we were expecting.

Instead of a comeback album, this latest release is even more experimental than before. Jon Schaffer, guitar player and songwriter, decided to play around more with atmosphere and concept building rather than straightforward songs. Whether or not this is a good thing is really up to the listener. The songs are well varied in their performance and range from atmospheric interludes to heavy riffed, call to arms anthems (example: “Ten Thousand Strong”) to everything in-between. There is plenty of variety to be sampled on "Framing Armageddon".

It takes a while for the album to kick into gear as it takes its sweet time building the story and music towards an explosive point towards the end of the album. The guitar work isn't the usual Jon Schaffer material but more focused on building the atmosphere rather than being technical. He does some very technical guitar work on the album but only when the story and feel of the song calls for it. His musical writing has been pushed further this time around because of the massive concept he is trying to push across for the audience. It feels a little forced at time (especially some of the slower songs drag out a bit long) but he does get the point across. So don't expect an album full of fast and blast songs.

Tim Owens (as some know him, Ripper Owens) returns for his second Iced Earth album and he delivers some of the songs of his lifetime. His high pitched shrieks and soaring notes help give this album the epic feel that it needs but I felt that "Framing Armageddon" didn't give him a chance to show us all that he has. He never really gets a chance to show his darker and harsher vocals that I enjoy so much although "The Domino Decree" does come close and the latter half of the album does allow him to range himself. He does give some stellar performances and even though his vocals are layered quite often on "Framing Armageddon" (I assume this is to give it that epic feel) he nails it note for note.

This is still Iced Earth in the end. There are going to be emotional guitar leads and solos with galloping rhythms and all around amazing performances from every band member. This album does have a tendency to force the epic storytelling down the listener's throat instead of letting the story evolve. The last half of the album is the best, which is rare in the music industry, but it takes a few listens to appreciate the concept that Iced Earth were striving for.

Songs to check out: "Ten Thousand Strong", "The Domino Decree", "Framing Armageddon".