Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked - Part 1)

I eagerly anticipated this release from Iced Earth. My preferred vocalist, Matt Barlow, isn’t in the band anymore, but I had hoped for some enjoyable riffs, if nothing else. Unfortunately, Framing Armageddon lacks most elements that made past Iced Earth releases worthwhile. On the whole, the album fails to convey its intended story, while it provides no memorable tracks due to cluttered, drawn out arrangements.

Unsurprisingly, Framing Armageddon is another concept album from Iced Earth. Whereas other Iced Earth concept albums hammer the story home, I still can’t understand Framing Armageddon’s overall concept, even after a few listens. I would look up the story online, but the music should narrate effectively. That telling the story, the very goal of the album, fails, suggests the myriad of wrong on this disc. The inept story might be fine if quality songs filled the album, but individual tracks fail as well.

A weird track comprised mostly of drum beats begins the album. The beats are not like any other track, and the song isn’t metal. There are several such tracks which aren’t exactly songs. They add nothing musically or to the narrative; they waste the listener’s time.

In the musical content, no guitar works stands out on Framing Armageddon. I enjoy the chugging, heavy sound of most Iced Earth. Conversely, the tone here isn’t compelling. Of the 19 songs on Framing Armageddon, I can’t remember even one riff. Other Iced Earth albums, or *any* good albums for that matter, have riffs that stick. You can rock out to their songs in the library with no music playing. Framing Armageddon doesn’t have that permanence.

It seems that the band tries to create memorable choruses through vocals. In many occasions, several vocal layers compound Ripper’s voice. In the past, Iced Earth has succeeded with operatic singing, chanting, and the like; however, Framing Armageddon’s added vocals detract from the guitar riffs. And, since the riffs aren’t good to begin with, there isn’t much positive.

In fact, vocals generally don’t work on this album. Tim Owens delivers the high-pitched metal scream several times. Each time he does it, it affects me less. It’s not a word, and it’s not emotional. There are some female vocals on one track, and they don’t fit in either. Lyrics are neither well-written nor memorable. They talk about things which may exist; I honestly couldn’t tell you.

Clearly, Schaeffer changed his musical approach for Framing Armageddon. For instance, “Infiltrate and Assimilate” begins with a progressive-sounding riff. The riff isn’t horrible, but it doesn’t sound like Iced Earth. When bands try new things, they can achieve great results. On the contrary, the keyboards, sound effects, and extra musical elements of Framing Armageddon cannot hide poor riffs. This album’s wanking unsuccessfully mimics European progressive metal, a style which Iced Earth has never played. In short, Iced Earth lacks the necessary talent and creativity for progressive metal.

It got the points that it did for a few measures of rocking out. "Framing Armageddon" has a good opening riff. The box art is nice. I appreciate the distribution of SPV which has made this available at my local books and music store. Those positive elements notwithstanding, I can't stand listening to the album any more. I don't plan to pull it out anytime soon.

All in all, this album does not compare to other Iced Earth releases, and, it isn’t a good metal album in its own right. Framing Armageddon does nothing to be remembered, and there are few fun moments. I listen to Iced Earth albums to rock, and this album doesn’t. Don’t buy it.