Band Members:
Vocals:Matthew Barlow
Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals:
Jon Schaffer
Lead Guitar:Larry Tarnowski
Bass:James MacDonough
Drums:Brent Smedley

Discography:

Iced Earth is a melodic speed metal band based out of Tampa, Florida (Indiana now). Originally, Jon Schaffer began a band called Purgatory with then drummer, Greg Seymour. They produced a few demos with the band, including "Psycotic Dreams". Jon and Greg moved away from Indiana (where Jon grew up) and moved to Tampa. There, they would begin an era of great metal music.

At first, things weren't going so well. Jon and Greg ended up sleeping in abandoned houses and spending the day in the rent a bum place, getting paid around $25 a day. They would eat only one meal a day, trying to scrounge together enough money to get a place of their own. Times were tough, but that would change.

Around this time they changed their name from Purgatory to Iced Earth. This name was used in memory of Jon's best friend who died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 16. His friend always liked the name Iced Earth so Jon used the name eventually after fighting it.

Jon recruited singer Gene Adams, bassist Richard Bateman, and guitarist Randall Shawver. Richard left the band to go to Agent Steel. Jon recruited bassist Dave Abell to replace Richard. This all took place between the late 80s and early 90s. The newly formed Iced Earth went on to record their demo "Enter the Realm" which included the songs 'Colors', 'Nightmares', 'To Curse the Sky', 'Solitude', and 'Iced Earth'. Sometime after this demo, drummer Greg Seymour quit the band, leaving Jon in a tough position. This was due to the fact that two weeks, or so, later the band got a record deal. Jon replaced Greg with drummer Mike McGill.

In 1991, the band produced their first album entitled "Iced Earth". This album showed who and what Iced Earth was and would continue to be. The band brought back the metal sounds from the early 80s. It was obvious that bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Black Sabbath and others were the bands main influences. The album featured some heavy, unique guitar riffs. The album was not up to par however, with simple drumming and out of pitch vocals. The album was only a minor success.

After going on tour throughout Europe, Jon had to make some decisions. Both Gene and Mike were booted from the band for not being what Jon was looking for and for acting with rock star mentalities. Both Gene and Mike were drinking way too much and Gene was ruining his voice by smoking hash and such. This brought on the recruiting of singer John Greely and drummer Ricchie Secchiari.

In 1992, the band recorded their second album entitled "Night of the Stormrider". This is arguably the best Iced Earth album to date. This album is very dark. It is a tale devised by Jon, featuring a man who is betrayed by religion and grows with hatred and anger. He is taken over by nature's dark forces and tries to destroy the earth. In the end he is consumed by hell for eternity. Everything seemed better on this album compared to the first. The singing was better, the drumming better, the production.... it was all there where it needed to be. The album sold about double the number of copies in Japan and Europe that the first one did. Iced Earth had proven that they were a forced to be reckoned with.

Once again the band went through member changes and after a three year layoff were reformed with singer Matthew Barlow and drummer Rodney Beasley. The band had had some shitty times with their record label during this time. They went on to produce their heaviest album yet. This album was called "Burnt Offerings". The whole album is filled with anger. This is their revenge. Jon, however feels that this album didn't live up to par, stating that the band was going through a tough time. It is still a very good album, fitting just in there behind Night of the Stormrider for third (that's how I feel at least). What is unique about this album though, is the sixteen minute epic 'Dante's Inferno' which is a journey through hell.

This brings us to what I feel is the best Iced Earth album, and in fact best metal album of all time. In 1996, the band produced "The Dark Saga". The story behind this album is based on Todd McFarlane's comic book character, Spawn. This album is very dark and full of emotions. It tells you Jon's interpretation of the Spawn story. The liner notes are filled with artwork from issue #50. It doesn't get any better than this. Also during this album and shortly after there were changes made in members. They used a professional drummer to record the drums on this album. His name is Mark Prator and he is from Morris studios. Jon says he has the "groove". They also hired new members including drummer Brent Smedley and bassist Keith Menser, who was quickly replaced with James MacDonough. Bass player Dave Abell left the band because he didn't feel the energy anymore.... he didn't feel like touring.

In 1997, Iced Earth released a double CD in Europe that is a compilation of remixed and remastered songs from 86-94. The album was released as a single CD in USA (figures with Century Media). However, the double CD will be available through mail order from Century Media.

In 1998, the band experienced some more member changes. Randy has left the band and has been replaced (temporarily?) by 19 year old, Larry Tarnowski. At first it was thought that Brent wasn't making the move with the band to Indiana (they moved up from Florida earlier in 98). However, he did eventually make it. He did miss out on playing on the new album. The new album is called Something Wicked This Way Comes and once again features session drummer Mark Prator. The album is available now.

Check out the official Iced Earth Homepage
www.icedearth.com

Download this Iced Earth Theme for your Windows Desktop. (I did not create it. Check the readme.txt file for instructions and credit. I also re-zipped it since I lost the original zip file. You may have to change the paths. Again, refer to the readme.txt file)

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This page was researched, designed and created by Tim Johnston.
Last updated on June 15, 2001 at 9:57 AM.

(I haven't updated this site in a couple of years besides today (June 15). I just added the Desktop Theme since someone wanted one. However, expect a total overhaul in look, navigation, and content within the next couple of weeks.)