The Blessed and the Damned

Iced Earth has had a longer career than most realize (since 1988), and coming up with a “greatest hits” couldn’t have been easy. The fact that it’s a two-disc set should be hint enough.

First is the booklet. Damn, the artwork kicks ass. Instead of the traditional front-cover sort of thing, the booklet folds out to become four times the size. And a majestic rendering of an epic battle between Heaven and Hell, no less. And on the inside, a full listing of all Iced Earth’s full-lengths (including dates, line-ups, color photos, tracklistings). There’s also an interestingly laid-out bio of sorts, giving hints beyond the music. That’s the genius behind it – almost everyone thinks of bands as far-away gods, and this brings them back to earth. Albeit a cold and icy earth….

Now, the music. Twenty-three tracks of Iced Earth’s best, touching every full-length album ever made – going backwards from 2001’s Horror Show (none of those 2002 cover songs, only pure Iced Earth). From the thrashers “Disciples of The Lie” and “Violate (live)” to the more solemn “Watching Over Me” and “Melancholy (Holy Martyr).” There’s really no describing any of these tracks, they are ALL good. Not one song deserves to not be here. Even the live songs work, as they show off the fact that Iced Earth is pretty much the same live as they are in the studio; they prove that Iced Earth is real, not hidden behind a producer like some shit bands.
But be wary: not every song Iced Earth has crafted is a masterpiece. In fact, I prefer this to any of their albums simply because there isn’t a single weak track. You can’t have this on a normal album, you’ll end up not liking at least one (unless the album is perfect, which is practically impossible).

You can’t just go and download this, you have to buy it. At less than $25, it’s certainly cheaper than the “Dark Genesis” boxed set, and it gives a good history of this famous band.

Nothing short of fascinating, even if you don’t like power metal.

Contrary to what others believe, I find a greatest hits album to be best of what a band has ever made. Simply put, it is the best songs the band feels they have ever made and then they are put on an album. It is the best damn CD they can make.

This album is certainly that.

Iced Earth has accomplished great things over its long career, and this CD is a thrilling tribute to the things they have accomplished since those days of Night Of The Stormrider. Spanning their wide career that started in the early 90’s with their LP, Iced Earth, this CD raps up everything nice and tightly, making it an essential to metal fans that are new to Iced Earth as well as die hards of the group.

As always Iced Earth provides the reader with killer artwork to go along with the music and the booklet provides the reader with a touching overview of how the band has become who they are and how they have endured over the years.

If you’re a fan of metal, give this one a pass, I’m sure you have heard most of it anyway. But if you’re new to Iced Earth or a true fan of the band you will want to own this to crown your Iced Earth throne.

P.S. This CD will make you miss Barlow…