Horror Show
Reviewed by:
riseofmusic, on january 06, 2012 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Iced Earth has a pretty unique sound. I'd probably describe them as a very thrashy power metal. They also have some elements of prog. This song being about horror requires a certain atmosphere to be created. In this particular album they do a good job giving a very sinister feel to the music. They do a very nice job knowing when to implement fast galloping riffs or a slow tempo doom metal sound. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: I really like the idea of this album. Every song is about a classic horror story from Frankenstein to wolfman. Some songs do a very good job at conveying there message whereas others are very mediocre. I'd have have to say that overall it's pretty well written with just a few songs particularly standing out. I really enjoy the way they overlay voices over different music tracks to give the impression another character is speaking. Matt Barlow being the singer that he is doesn't seem to have much trouble really bringing these tracks to life. // 8
Impression: I'm pretty familiar with Iced Earth, and I'd say that out of the albums I know I feel that "Horror Show" isn't Iced Earth's most impressive album, but one of their better works. I feel that the song "Frankenstein" probably shines out as one of the best this time around, and this is especially so if you're familiar with Mary Shelly's original story. I also very much enjoy "Ghost Of Freedom" and if I had to choose would probably list in as my favorite. With that said, this album is a very good metal album oriented toward those who enjoy listening to the story told in each track. // 8
Horror Show
Reviewed by:
Busproof, on november 03, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Horrow Show is Iced Earth's six, and probably most powerful, performance. Containing strong elements of power metal with the intensity of thrash as well as horror movie inspired lyrics, it has plenty of variety, with many low E string thrash sessions as well as acoustic passages and some very impressive solo work. This is definately a hard hitting album in the Iced Earth discography. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Since this is a concept album, many of the lyrics revolve around the general theme of classic horror movies, reviving such classic characters as Dracula and Wolfman in a metal context. Matt Barlow is an amazing vocalist, and this album is a prime example of his skills as a singer. He hits heavenly highs and carries a deep sense of emotion in his voice. In songs like Dracula and Jeckyl and Hyde, you can feel the sadness and fear in his voice, which to me, is a very rare trait for singers now adays. // 10
Impression: The emotion and power carried in each song makes this album a masterpiece. Lyrically, it keeps you interested, and Barlow's voice, coupled with the riff work of Jon Schaffer, pulls you into the song and truly expresses the character's mindset and emotions. There something hear for everyone as well, heavy passages, and light passages, and don't be pushed away from checking out this album for fear of it being "just another power metal album", for it is quite the contrary. If stolen or lost, I would replace it in a heartbeat - this is definately an album I suggest everyone look into or purchasing. // 10
Horror Show
Reviewed by:
evil_dead_2004, on march 12, 2004 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: This is amazing album with awesome sound production. From trashy to melodic passage, to soothing acoustic. This album has it all. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: I love the lyrics on most of the songs, but some of the lyrics like Jeyll and Hyde, and Frankenstein are a little chessy, the rest are just great. Jon Shaffer is one hell of a songwriter. This is by far vocalist Matthew Barlow's best preformance, and his voice fits in really good with the music. My favorite song is Phantom Opera Ghost. It is Iced Earth first attempt at a duet, and it's so amazing,it gave me chills. // 8
Impression: This is my favorite Iced Earth album, and I think it's their best one to date. The most stand-out tracks are Wolf, Damien, Dracula, Ghost of Freedom, and Phantom Opera Ghost, this is a must get album for all heavy metallers. If I were to lose it or have it stolen, I'd would definitely buy it again. This is Iced Earth at their very best. We'll miss you Barlow. // 10
Phantom Opera Ghost is The best song, this and Damien are the best compositions by Jon. If only Matt where still here...I dont know about the new dude.
Amazing album! There was talk about a possibility of a Phantom Opera Ghost 2 since Jon wanted to add an additional 5 or 6 minutes originally but wasn't allowed to.
Iced Earth is for me one of the best Power Metal bands ever.This Album is my favourite from them.It's very great.The drums are just awesome, Richard Christy did a very good job on this album and Matt is at his best like always did.
This is one of my favourite IE albums, next to burnt offerings. I personally dislike their new singer, and it is a shame that we lost Barlow from the metal community.
