The Dark Saga
(1996. Century Media)
Iced Earth continues to mature and evolve with their fourth release. "The
Dark Saga" is a concept album based on the popular Spawn comic book
series. It tells the story of a man who sells his soul in order to return
to his true love on Earth. But he soon discovers that she is married to his
own best friend. He is left completely alone in the world, and although he
has good inside, he is influenced by dark forces. Everything that he desires
is denied, even his own death. Fans of earlier Iced Earth albums might notice
the change in the musical style to fit with this dark love story. The focus
is less on technical musicianship (although the playing is still as impeccable
as ever), and more on creating a complete story through sound and words.
Thus, the music is generally more dark, emotional, melodic, and simple than
other Iced Earth albums. This is not to say that the songs are uninteresting;
to the contrary, some of the most amazing Iced Earth songs appear on this
album. The crushing heaviness and power remains, but it is entwined with
beauty and grace, creating Iced Earth's most thoughtful and emotional work
to date.
Tracklisting:
01 . Dark Saga [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]
02 . I Died for You [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]
03 . Violate [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]
04 . The Hunter [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]
05 . The Last Laugh [Music: Schaffer/Shawver. Lyrics: Schaffer]
06 . Depths of Hell [Music: Schaffer/Shawver., Lyrics: Simmons]
07 . Vengeance is Mine [Music: Schaffer/Shawver. Lyrics: Barlow]
The Suffering Scarred
08. Scarred [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]
09 . Slave to the Dark [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]
10 . A Question of Heaven [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]
Lineup:
Jon Schaffer | Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Matthew Barlow | Lead Vocals
Randall Shawver | Lead Guitar
Dave Abell | Bass Guitar
Mark Prator | Drums
Additional Information:
Recorded at Morrisound Studios, Tampa, Florida (January - February 1996).
Produced by Jim Morris and Jon Schaffer.
Engineered by Jim Morris.
Mastered by Audio 11.
Artwork by Todd McFarlane. Iced Earth logo designed by Jon Schaffer.
Additional information on this release including guest musicians can be found in the jackets and sleeves accompanying the officially released CD/vinyl copies.
