IcedEarth.com has posted the cover art for the band’s forthcoming full-length studio album, "The Crucible of Man – (Something Wicked Part II)" which continues where their 2007 release, "Framing Armageddon – (Something Wicked Part I)" left off. "The Crucible of Man" features the return of frontman Matt Barlow who was Schaffer’s original voice of choice to introduce the "Something Wicked" saga back in 1998 as a trio of songs which concluded their album, "Something Wicked This Way Comes."
While the 1998 album provided a general overview of the story
Schaffer has been conceptualizing for well over a decade, the saga is being fully brought to life with the release of the back-to-back conceptual albums "
Framing Armageddon" and "
The Crucible Of Man." While both albums provide answers to mysteries the previous releases would create, the timeliness of the story in today’s world is guaranteed to keep people thinking and guessing. Schaffer’s ability to convey the central themes and events of the story without always revealing exactly “why” characters’ decisions are made and “how” events come to pass, will keep fans of the saga coming back as future mediums for the "Something Wicked" storyline are revealed.
The band will begin rehearsals next week for a run of dates in June as direct support for Judas Priest in Europe, as well as the Hellfest, Bang Your Head, Graspop, and Gods of Metal European festivals.
"The Crucible of Man" is due for a late August or early September release on Steamhammer/SPV. The release will then be followed by a North American tour that kicks-off in September and features an appearance as headliner for the ProgPower USA IX festival in Atlanta, Georgia on September 27. The North American dates will be announced at IcedEarth.com when they are confirmed.
The single from the new album is titled, "I Walk Among You" and is being released worldwide this week by Steamhammer/SPV and features the new track, "I Walk Alone," as well as three additional songs from “Framing Armageddon” with new vocal performances by Matt Barlow. All tracks can be listened to in their entirety at both the band’s official website and MySpace page with exception of the track, “'A Charge to Keep'” which is an iTunes exclusive.
Iced Earth have also confirmed 16 North American tour dates for the Fall of 2008 that will take the band to all corners of the United States including New York, Florida, Oregon, and California, as well as dates in Toronto and Montreal, Canada. Joining the band as special guests are Into Eternity and Saviours for the US dates. For the dates listed below, Iced Earth will be offering a very limited number of fans the opportunity to attend the show as the band’s guest VIPs. Fans who purchase a “Child of the Wicked” VIP package with icedearth.com will receive the following:
A Ticket to an Iced Earth Concert
VIP meet and greet with Iced Earth
Autographed item from Iced Earth
Limited Edition Iced Earth T-Shirt
VIP commemorative laminate
The VIP packages are very limited and available on a first-come/first-serve basis via the Iced Earth website. The VIP package cost is $65 including the concert ticket. VIP packages and ticket sales via icedearth.com will be available starting June 13. Regular tickets sales via Ticketmaster and all other outlets will not begin until June 20 and will be subject to local service fees. Go to this location to purchase VIP packages.
September 21 – Harpos. Detroit, Michigan*
September 22 – Phoenix Concert Theatre. Toronto, Ontario, Canada
September 23 – Le Medley. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
September 24 – Trocadero. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania*
September 25 – 9:30 Club. Washington, D.C.*
September 26 – Amos’ Southbend. Charlotte, North Carolina*
September 27 – Center Stage. ProgPower USA IX. Atlanta** (SOLD OUT)
September 28 – House of Blues (Orlando). Lake Buena Vista, Florida*
September 29 – The Orange Peel. Asheville, North Carolina*
September 30 – House of Blues. Cleveland, Ohio*
October 14 – The Norva. Norfolk, Virginia*
October 15 – The Palladium. Worchester, Massachusetts*
October 16 – Nokia Theater. New York, New York*
October 22 – Hawthrone Theater. Portland, Oregon*
October 23 – Regency Center@ The Grand Ballroom. San Francisco, California*
October 24 – The Avalon. Los Angeles, California*
* With Into Eternity and Saviours
** VIP package not available at ProgPower USA. The festival is sold out.
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