By the time they recorded their eponymous debut,
heavy metal
traditionalists
Iced Earth
were seasoned veterans, having gradually climbed their way to the surface of a Florida club scene swimming with hundreds of
death metal
bands. And it shows, for despite a few production kinks, their sound (combining a tremendous
Iron Maiden
influence with a few
thrash metal
tricks, namely double kick drums) was almost fully developed. Led by rhythm guitarist
Jon Schaffer
, the group storm their way through a series of galloping anthems filled with guitar harmonies, complex time changes, and admirable musical chops, especially from lead guitarist
Randall Shawver
.
"Written on the Walls,"
"Colors,"
"The Funeral,"
and
"When the Night Falls"
are only a few of the highlights -- most of which were later re-recorded with new players for 1997's
Days of Purgatory
compilation. Purists may prefer the raw original versions. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia