Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked, Pt 1 Review
Posted by Dan Marsicano on 09.14.2007
Iced Earth takes a chance and releases the first part of a two part concept album that spans over 10,000 years. Can Iced Earth successfully create an enjoyable concept album, which has only been attempt by a few bands?
The Band:
Tim Owens-Vocals
Jon Schaffer-Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic, and Bass Guitars, Backing Vocals
Troy Seele-Lead Guitar
Brent Smedley-Drums
The Track Listing:
1. Overture-2:24
2. Something Wicked Pt. 1-5:02
3. Invasion-1:00
4. Motivation Of Man-1:34
5. Setian Massacre-3:48
6. A Charge To Keep-4:24
7. Reflections-1:50
8. Ten Thousand Strong-3:56
9. Execution-1:27
10. Order Of The Rose-4:51
11. Cataclysm-1:30
12. The Clouding-9:18
13. Infiltrate and Assimilate-3:48
14. Retribution Through The Ages-4:32
15. Something Wicked Pt. 2-2:59
16. The Domino Degree-6:36
17. Framing Armageddon-3:40
18. When Stars Collide (Born Is He)-4:17
19. The Awakening-2:01
The Review:
Concept albums can be tricky for any band to create. A band has to be able to make a story that is cohesive and able to be interesting for an entire album. The main problem with most concept albums is that there are too many interludes or none of the songs stand out on their own. That’s not to say that there aren’t any classic concept albums. The Wall and Tommy immediately come to mind. Most bands don’t attempt a concept album because of the degree of difficulty they can provide, but then again, Iced Earth isn’t most bands.
Something Wicked This Way, released in 1998, was a successful album for Iced Earth that was highlighted by the “Something Wicked” trilogy, which introduced antihero Set Abominae. Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked, Pt 1 continues the story started in the trilogy. For Iced Earth, this was a chance to expand their sound and show people what a metal band could do with a unique character and concept. Iced Earth tells a compelling story throughout Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked, Pt 1 and is able to back that story up with solid musicianship.
The album tells a great story of the upcoming destruction of mankind and how they need to be saved. The album stays away from interludes, for the most part. The only interludes that are used are to advance the story or lead into the next song ala “Execution.” Most of the interludes have vocals in them, so they aren’t useless at all. The only one that could be considered pointless is “Cataclysm,” which is just a bunch of random sound effects.
The first half of the album is really heavy on these interludes, and the songs themselves are good, but seem a bit repetitive at times. “Something Wicked Pt.1” has some high vocals by Owens, but the riffing gets very repetitive near the end. “Setian Massacre” is a great metal song that has a good balance of melody and speed. For all out speed, “Ten Thousand Strong” will satisfy Iced Earth fans. The current single is a blast of metal, as Owens screams like an animal and Schaffer riffs are pounding and brutal. The song is great and the highlight of the first half of the song.
The second half is where Iced Earth gets experimental in their sound. “The Clouding” is a nine minute epic that goes through many different melodies and genres. At first, the song starts out with clean electric/acoustic guitar as the listener gets a Pink Floyd/Yes vibe. The song is very moody and casts a dreamy trance on the listener. Of course, since this is Iced Earth, the heaviness isn’t far away. Halfway through, the guitars come in and all hell breaks loose. While there aren’t any standout solos or flashy guitar work, the song works perfectly in the atmosphere department.
Tracks 15-17 are where the band is at their peak. “Something Wicked Pt 2” is a brilliant three minute instrumental that is Middle-Eastern tinged and has some great tribal drums and acoustic picking. “The Domino Degree” starts out with a surprising organ intro, which is very Deep Purple sounding. The whole song uses the dynamic between the guitars and the organ to its fullest potential, as they trade off solos throughout the song.
The title track is full out thrash metal like it was 1985 all over again. This song will cause listeners to band their heads like crazy. A special mention has to be made to the last 45 seconds of the song, which are the most metal 45 seconds on the entire album. Jon Schaffer pulls out this insane fast-picked riff with Owens screaming, and I mean screaming, “FRAMING ARMAGEDDON!” like the world was collapsing around him. Those 45 seconds just define the word “metal.”
I never enjoyed Tim Owens in Judas Priest, as I felt his voice was very overdramatic and too cartoony for my taste. While my opinion hasn’t changed that much, I have to give Owens credit as his performance on Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked, Pt 1 is definitely his best work. His voice isn’t as annoying and fits most of the songs. Sometimes, he hits the high notes at a wrong time, but that doesn’t happen too often.
Jon Schaffer did 95% of the guitar work on the album, which is not too surprising, considering he has been doing that for years. His guitar work is solid, if unspectacular at times. His riffing can get a bit repetitive, but for every repetitive riff, Jon pulls out a riff that surprises the listener. “The Clouding” is a perfect example of this.
Troy Seele doesn’t get too much input into the album, only a couple of solos. So his playing won’t be judged too much. Brent Smedley, in his first studio appearance on an Iced Earth album, pulls out a commendable effort on the drums. His double bass playing is consistent and full of power, and his fills in “Motivation of Man” stand out greatly.
Framing Armageddon-Something Wicked, Pt 1 is only the first of two parts. The second part should be out by January. I am really excited to see how the album ends and how the two albums together hold up, musically and lyrically. Iced Earth is off to a good start. Not every song is great, but neither was every song in The Wall. The album is a good metal album, and as long as metal fans don’t mind Owens vocals, they will find an solid concept album with the promise of a satisfying conclusion.
The 411: Iced Earth succeeds with creating an interesting story that is backed up by solid musicianship. The highlights of the album are "Framing Armageddon", "The Clouding", "The Domino Degree" and "Ten Thousand Strong." Any fan of Iced Earth, as long as they liked Tim Owens vocals in The Glorious Burden, should pick this up ASAP.
