Nicked from Blabbermouth as usual.


ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer has issued the following statement:

"Hello, dear friends!

"Once again the winds of change are upon us, and this time I can say that I am very happy about the result.

"While out on the European tour I had several in depth discussions with many loyal ICED EARTH fans. A common theme of these discussions was how much Matt is missed. I agreed with the fans that things were not the same and that it was a very special period in ICED EARTH's history.

"When I heard several months ago that Matt [Barlow] was going to be doing a project in music again, I was thinking about contacting him and seeing what his intentions were. I didn't act on this because I was so focused on the writing of the new epic, and frankly, it just didn't seem realistic.

"Well, after getting out on the road and speaking with many of you directly, I decided to call Matt and see how he was doing and if he was interested in working together again. I am proud to say that he is coming back to ICED EARTH and we will be getting back to work in the studio very soon.

"Matt will be singing on Part 2 of the 'Something Wicked' concept CD and we will be looking forward to getting out on tour and delivering a series of ICED EARTH shows that will rival any in the history of the band. And there will be a proper DVD filmed from this period, something we’ve all been waiting for.

"I want you all to know that it was you who made this a reality. I have missed Matt's presence onstage and in my personal life in a big way over the past few years, so I appreciate your honesty in our discussions. It did help me realize the decision to move forward with pursuing this. The fans have spoken and we have delivered!

"You true fans know that I'm a straight shooter, I say what I mean and mean what I say. And though I value your opinions greatly, you must believe that this is a decision that comes completely from the heart and is not motivated by anything other than what feels the best for ICED EARTH. This is the way that things have always been dealt with, for better or for worse, but always honestly and from the heart.

"Tim Owens is a great and talented singer and I wish the best for him and his future on a personal and professional level.

"There will be more news soon as to further developments and plans. This will push back the release of Part 2 a bit. Not because we couldn't be ready to record in time, but because of a new addition to Matt's family in early 2008!

"I am very happy to announce that ICED EARTH is truly BACK!"

You beat me by one minute you scuzzbucket. You win.

Much prefer Barlow, although Ripper's time was clearly not very appreciated by Schaffer... "Iced Earth are back?" - What, so they went away when Ripper joined?!

It is great news all around however it is a rather large shit on Ripper takes over then kicks out on the first instance matt comes back, Shows Jon is a bit of a shit. Icing on the cake here:"I am very happy to announce that ICED EARTH is truly BACK!" Harsh.

But good news!

james should show his mod skills and merge the threads

I loved Matt Barlow but taking an old vocalist back is usually the same as taking an ex-girlfriend back. You split up for a reason.
I really hope they both know what they're doing.

I'd question the value of ONE Iced Earth thread! [duplicate deleted]

Iced Earth are fucking gay. Our gay-boy drummer jizzes all over them.

MartinC wrote:Iced Earth are fucking gay. Our gay-boy drummer jizzes all over them.

They certainly are pretty gay. Tim Owens is the worst man though, he doesn't deserve half the success he's had, just because he was in a Priest tribute band, it bloody beggars belief. He's got a horrible voice.

I thought they were a bit crap at Wacken, but Ripper's got a decent voice, I don't think you can fault him there. He just doesn't come close to Gary Barlow.

iced earth haven't been good for a while

thrashduck wrote:I thought they were a bit crap at Wacken, but Ripper's got a decent voice, I don't think you can fault him there. He just doesn't come close to Gary Barlow.

I just hate the 'Ripper's voice, I feel it is stupid and annoying, and his falsetto is rubbish. Although saying all that, he wasn't as bad a choice for Priest as Blaze was for Maiden. But at least Blaze was hilarious, Owens was just shit.

I wonder how long till they rerecord all the Ripper stuff with Matt?

Plodman wrote:iced earth haven't been good for a while

Fair enough the glorious burden was rubbish but the new album is rather good, it did take me laods of listens to enjoy it. It isnt as good as the older stuff with Barlow though

Jon is such a cunt.
He changes his singers like a child changes his dolls.
First, Schaffer said that Owen is such a great and awesome and cool singer in all the interviews.
But then, he kicked him out.

But it's nice that Barlow is back in Iced Earth , I really like his vocals.

you must believe that this is a decision that comes completely from the heart and is not motivated by anything other than what feels the best for ICED EARTH

In Other words the new records have been selling shit so I'm hoping people will give a shit about Iced Earth again if I get Matt back.

Booting out members for no good reason is bullshit but no doubt people won't care much because they'll be too busy wanking over the fact Matt is back.