Power metal purists ICED EARTH return with an expected blast of over-indulgent wankery on "Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Pt. 1)." This record continues a story that began over 10 years ago by guitarist/band guru John Schaffer on the "Something Wicked This Way Comes" record. (Why this album is titled "Part One" is anybody's guess...) If you're wondering: no, this story bears no relation to the very famous story by Ray Bradbury of the same name. (Hey Schaffer! Got some more ideas for song titles for ya! How about "A Tale of Two Cities," "War and Peace," and/or "Huckleberry Finn!") The story deals with an alien race hell bent on subjugating the human race, ancient prophecies, and other such bullshit. (Wasn't this the same storyline from KISS' infamous "Music From the Elder"?) It's unclear exactly why it took so long in between episodes, but this is evidently a story that Schaffer just had to get out.

Conceptual junk aside, the music on the album is expectedly strong, if ridiculously self-indulgent. The band makes no bones about its lofty aims, with the "Overture" greeting the listener with the sound of violins and strange percussion. It's good to hear that the "Ripper," Tim Owens, has seemingly grown in confidence with every recording he makes away from JUDAS PRIEST. His voice is really coming into its own. Drummer Brent Smedley does his best to replace former ICED EARTH clinicians Bobby Jarzombek and Richard Christy, but his playing does seem to lack some of the flair of his predecessors. The metal on "Framing Armageddon" is abundant and familiar, with ICED EARTH's signature blend of power metal and thrash in full evidence. Of particular note is "A Charge to Keep," a metal anthem in the spirit of PRIEST's "Taking on the World." Keep the fast forward button at the ready, however, because ballads like "The Clouding" don't do much to further the band's cause.

Uninspired concepts and tired themes do not a metal album make. It all comes down to the music, and thankfully, ICED EARTH do deliver on that. If you've ever been a fan of ICED EARTH before, your appetite will be more than sated by "Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Pt. 1)".

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: www.icedearth.com

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