Iced Earth Unveils New Album Cover and Track List
Submitted by Anna on Mon, 01/08/2011 - 10:26pm
American heavy metal outfit Iced Earth has released the cover art and track listing for their forthcoming, new album Dystopia.
Dystopia is the tenth studio album from Iced Earth and will be released from October 17th 2011 via Century Media Records. The new effort is additionally the debut recording from vocalist Stu Block, who became the lead singer of the band following the latest departure from Matt Barlow earlier this year.
Although Dystopia is not a concept album, founder Jon Schaffer stated that there are unifying themes to several of the songs, and even an appearance by band mascot “Set Abominae”.
Commented Jon Schaffer:
“I’ve always been fascinated by the darker side of life. Movies like Metropolis, Brazil, and The Matrix resonate with me. The same for albums like 2112, The Wall, and of course Operation:Mindcrime. Their images of a soulless, repressive society stuck with me over the years. It must be the sci-fi fan in me.”
He spoke of working with new vocalist Stu Block:
“You just can’t ask for a better attitude. Stu is so excited to be here. He brings a youthful exuberance to the band, which is a lot of fun. And he’s a real dude. He’s down to earth, and willing to try anything that Jim [Morris, co-producer, engineer] or I throw at him. He’s stepping into the shoes in a very natural way.
“We’re opening up a part of his voice and a style of singing that he didn’t even really know he had. We’re exploring this whole new range. And we’re just getting started. I believe Stu will continue to grow – and has the potential to grow – into one of the greats, one of the guys that will go down in metal history. If he stays on this course, with the attitude that he has, his willingness to learn, and his passion, he’s destined for really great things. I firmly believe that.”
The release of Dystopia will be followed by the most extensive world tour Iced Earth has ever undertaken.
Dystopia track list:
- Dystopia
- Anthem
- Days of Rage
- Soylent Green
- V
- Boiling Point
- Anguish of Youth
- Iron Will
- Dark City
- End of Innocence
- Equilibrium
- Tragedy and Triumph
In March 2011, front man Matt Barlow announced his intent to part ways with the outfit after their 2011 European tour, citing family commitment and Iced Earth’s imminent tour schedule. Following this announcement, March 16th saw the band reveal that Stu Block - of Canadian progressive metal band Into Eternity - would take over as lead vocalist for the quintet.
The forthcoming new record, Dystopia, is the follow-up to Iced Earth's 2008 release The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Part 2.
Check out our review of the band's Festivals Of The Wicked DVD.
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