Product Description

In 1998, Iced Earth released an album called Something Wicked This Way Comes . The final 20 minutes of that album featured the debut of the "Something Wicked" trilogy, a three-part epic overview of a story written and created by band mastermind Jon Schaffer.

While the above trilogy was only an overview, the entire story was written and laid waiting to be told. Now, almost 10 years later, after years of hard work and contemplation, Schaffer has delivered the first part of what could be his magnum opus. "Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part I)" is the first of two albums weaving a thrilling Sci-Fi tale of mankind s invasion of Earth, the planet occupied by the direct descendents of the Grand Architect of the Universe. These descendents, the Setians, are the Earth's most ancient culture, and are the wisest, most peaceful race in existence.

Not only is the story told through the music and lyrics, but in true Iced Earth fashion, through the album artwork as well. Over the years Schaffer has established a loyal record-buying fanbase through quality craftsmanship that runs through every facet of the band and their output. After the very successful release of the teaser single "Overture of the Wicked", it's certain that the fans will be utterly blown away by "Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part I)". Both musically and visually, this album will NOT disappoint.

Track Listing

1. Overture
2. Something Wicked (Part 1)
3. Invasion
4. Motivation Of Man
5. Setian Massacre
6. A Charge To Keep
7. Reflections
8. Ten Thousand Strong
9. Execution
10. Order Of The Rose
11. Cataclysm
12. The Clouding
13. Infiltrate And Assimilate
14. Retribution Through The Ages
15. Something Wicked (Part 2)
16. The Domino Decree
17. Framing Armageddon
18. When Stars Collide (Born Is He)
19. The Awakening

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #38319 in Music
• Released on: 2007-09-11
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
Jon Schaffer and friends tackle the Something Wicked story once again on a collection that feels more like a symphony than a traditional rock album. The symphonic element reveals itself through sonic vignettes such as "Overture," "Reflections," and "Execution," each one serving as a bridge in an intriguing if occasionally nebulous storyline. In its way, the album favors atmosphere over solid songwriting--the epic "The Clouding" has numerous memorable musical moments but fails to fully capture the listener's imagination, despite some well-conceived and thoughtfully executed guitar work from Schaffer; "The Domino Decree" comes off like a Deep Purple retread and although at first exciting, eventually fades into a muddled piece. Part of the problem may be that vocalist Tim Owens often sounds reined in by his surroundings--occasional barbaric shrieks aside; another may be that the music often sounds more like the power metal bands (Kamelot, Blind Guardian) that Iced Earth influenced rather than Iced Earth itself. Framing Armageddon has some fine moments, and some lukewarm ones, as well. The overall impression is that the band might be best served by a fresh perspective and a little more focus on feel over faultlessness. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews

Iced Earth's Opus, A decade in the making
After 6 years of being an Iced Earth fan and anticipating this album that whole time, I am glad to say that this album was well worth the wait. Jon Schaffer has truly outdone himself here. The music, the orchestration, the lyrics, the awesome metal riffs; everything is here.

Glorious Burden is a good album, but it felt more like an album to test the waters than a typical solid IE release. With the band changing record labels as well as its singer, it just seemed like a hit or miss album with some awesome tracks but a few I didn't care for so much. However, any doubts this had created about this epic follow up are put entirely to rest. This is IE's best album to date. Ripper is at the top of his game with a sound that feels like it was crafted just for him, and this may sound like heresy to some, but I find it difficult to imagine Barlow's low, haunting tone on some of these tracks. And with all the great music that flows so wonderfully together, we also have a very well thought and complex sci-fi story that Schaffer has poured his blood and emotion into (The scope and story are more ambitious than a lot of sci-fi that I've read from novelists.) Just brilliant.

There are 19 tracks total on this concept album behemoth, too many to comment on each one, but there are definitely some notable standout tracks:

The album begins with "Overture", which sets the tone wonderfully. It has a very eastern feel with lots of string instruments and bongo style drums. It paves the way nicely for the opener track, "Something Wicked Pt 1". This track is mind blowing. I was expecting to hear the redone version of Prophecy that I heard on the single, but this is its own song. It begins with a stunning riff that seems to be a combination of old Metallica and Beethoven. "The Setian Massacre" I had already heard on the band's myspace page and it's a nice hard rocking track, reminiscent of The Reckoning. "A Charge to Keep" is Framing Armageddon's first ballad, and IE has exceeded their standards with great ballads on this one.

"Ten Thousand Strong" is arguably the best track on the album. Even though I already heard it with the Overture single, the buildup intro track Reflections puts it in a whole new context. Just amazing. This is one of those songs that makes you want to raise your fist and cheer.

"The Clouding" is definitely the most unique of this CD, and I don't believe we've heard anything like it before. It's long -at about 9 minutes- and the first 5 of those are in a slow ballad style with some ambient guitar not unlike Pink Floyd. It turns into a hard rocker with a riff that would fit right at home in an early Sabbath album. Pretty cool song. Framing doesn't stop rocking there either. It continues with "Order of the Rose", "Infiltrate and Assimilate" (reminds me of Violate or Disciples), the epic "Domino Decree" and the title track "Framing Armageddon".

Those may be the tracks of note, but there is nothing unworthy of Iced Earth in the entire album. Every song, including the few short bridge tracks, flow well into each other to tell this story. The lyrics are thoughtful and well sung by the ever versatile Tim "Ripper" Owens. And of course, we have the riffing, the trademark style that is all Schaffer and that keeps me loving this band with every release.

Jon Schaffer, if you are to read this, I tip my hat to you. This is your best work yet and you are an inspiration to anyone who aspires to do something great.

This album is amazing, and anyone who likes metal, nay music, weather or not they have listened to IE or not before, should buy this album. I eagerly await part 2! Cheers and rock the f*** on!

not their best effort
I cant believe the rave reviews this album is getting- I am a LONG TIME Iced Earth fan, 12+ years, in fact my first album was Burnt Offerings (one of their best ever), so thats why it is hard to say this, but..

This album is not one of their best. Why? All of the songs are really forgettable and average. Nothing stands out. None of the riffs stand out. It doesnt have any "wow" moments, it just kind of drones on and on and on. The production value is excellent, and its a cool concept - but the songs no way near deserve the accolades they are getting. The songs just never ... take off, they never really go anywhere they just sorta ramble.

I cant believe it is getting 4.5/5 star reviews. It doesnt even remotely compare to Dark Saga, Burnt Offerings and Stormrider. Just my .02

IE'S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE...THIS IS WELL-CRAFTED, REMARKABLE METAL CREATED BY A MAN AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME
I've been listening to Framing Armageddon all day. I have two words for it:

HOLY CRAP!!!!!

This isn't the Iced Earth of even just a few years ago. This is a new IE, with more melody, more depth, and more variety in their songs -- and vocals from Tim Owens that perfectly match the music.

Whereas in the past I thought Tim's vocals seemed tacked on, almost like they were purposely cast to replace (former vocalist) Matt Barlow's vocals, on Armageddon Tim's voice fits the music to a T. It's obvious Armageddon was a collaboration, with Jon writing for Tim's killer vocal style rather than for Matt's.

I know I'll take heat for typing this, but I think Armageddon is IE's best work to date. I love Something Wicked and Horror Show. I think Alive in Athens is a landmark in live metal recordings. But Framing Armageddon is in a different league entirely.

The recording is crisp and multi-layered. There's just the right amount of everything. Track 12, "The Clouding," is a phenomenal song. But so are many of the other tracks -- especially "The Domino Decree," a song that skirts the edges of classic prog rock by using keyboards that remind me of Kansas. "Domino" is a stirring, bold, transcendent song on an album brimming over with masterful songs.

Tim shines. No doubt about it. His soaring voice has finally found a home that showcases it. But I think it's Jon Schaffer who deserves high marks for crafting music that lives and breathes, that stands alone as truly great music, rather than music that's clearly created by Jon Schaffer. Jon has a trademark style of riffing and songwriting. Even his guitar tone is classic. But I'm not hearing Jon Schaffer on Framing Armageddon. Even his guitar tone sounds different. No, I'm hearing a mature songwriter who has just created an album that spotlights the talents of everyone involved, not just himself. This is Jon Schaffer's masterpiece. He is clearly at the top of his game.

Framing Armageddon grabbed me from the first listen and has continued to hold my attention virtually all day long.

Remarkable. Absolutely remarkable.

THIS is an Iced Earth that I'd love to see tour.

Bring it to the U.S., Jon!