Overture of the Wicked by Iced Earth
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Release date : June 2007
Reviewed by Anthony Morgan
Background information
Review
Background information
Overture of the Wicked forms the initial glimpse of an ambitious mammoth double album concept culled from the imagination of Iced Earth mainman Jon Schaffer. The EP's origins can be traced back as far as the group's 1998 full length effort Something Wicked This Way Comes, where three of the four tracks on offer here appeared in their original guise. “Prophecy”, “Birth of the Wicked” and “The Coming Curse” collectively form the Something Wicked trilogy, a storyline concept which'll be significantly expanded upon courtesy of the aforementioned double disc installment. For those of you keen to know the gory details, feel free to read onwards. The first chapter, Framing Armageddon, sees the light of day in September 2007. Its as yet untitled successor, on the other hand, is projected for issuing in early 2008. Schaffer's Soaring Eagle Sound studio played host to the recording of this EP and both studio efforts, while mastering and mixing duties were handled by Jim Morris at Morrisound.
Review
First track “Ten Thousand Strong” is the only new material on the EP, a cut lifted from Iced Earth's forthcoming September 2007 release. While a solid, refined effort, the song fails to ascend to classic status. Its commercial leanings restrict it from venturing into progressive areas, so while its an obvious choice of single more dedicated fans will still pick this up and yet be more intrigued by what adventurous numbers the upcoming album has to offer. Nevertheless, it has no overwhelming flaws and may still sit nicely in your collection.
The rest of the material comprises the Something Wicked trilogy, given a modern reinterpretation almost a decade later. Owens treads ground that Barlow once walked, a bold daring move. Still, it beats the shit out of usual EP fodder such as the obligatory cover, remix or live track. “Prophecy” opens with a soothing chord which connotes the natural sounds of a walk under the tranquil lake, hinting at a fantastical journey. Immediately holding extra layers of depth than its A-side sibling, the same can be said for the rest of the material. Schaffer wields the sharp, heavy axe and lays down some monstrous chops which display his worth in spades. Located in all the correct places, each tasty lick justifies itself without ascending down the long trodden path of self-indulgence. In the way a commercial single can never wander, they fly in several directions of their own accord. Years of shaping and refining these numbers on the road pays dividends, with Owen belting the lyrics as though they were custom penned. Let's hope the upcoming two albums build upon this legacy, though for now this'll serve as a brilliant introduction to quality music.
