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Here we have one of the most anticipated albums of the year, Iced Earth's "Horror Show". This is the follow up to their best selling album ever "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and although this was supposed to be the second part to the "Something Wicked…" storyline they decided to put this collection of horror shows themed songs together. When I first heard the direction of this album I was a little hesitant but after listening to this album over and over and over and over…(I think you get the point…heh) I can say without a shadow of a doubt this album just plain and simple KICKS ASS!!!!

There are highlights throughout this album and I hardly know where to start. One of the major ones that come to mind is the excellent vocal work by Mathew Barlow which is a little of a change. Usually when you speak of Iced Earth it is in relation to Jon Shaeffer's unreal rhythm work but on this album Barlow's vocals really shine and show that he is one of the best vocalists in metal today. I am not saying that the guitar work by Schaffer is sub par since there are just absolutely killer riffs all over this album. Another highlight is the great drumming of Richard Christy. His work is just awesome on this and not in an overly technical way. Most metal fans will already know how good this guy is and what he can do and I love the fact that he doesn't try to overpower the music with drum fills to show off his talent. He adds that driving force to the music that gives it that aggressive head banging, grit your teeth and raise your fist and scream kind of feel. Overall I would say the biggest highlight for me is the songs themselves. If you are already a fan of Iced Earth like me then this album is just filled with everything you love about this band, unreal guitar work, catchy songs, excellent vocal delivery and an overall vibe that just defies you to NOT bang your head to the beat.

I would highly recommend this album to any metal head and if this isn't the best selling album of their career there is definitely something wrong. This album can be summed up in one word…..FuckingAwesome!!!

Track by track

Wolf-9.5
Damien-9.5
Jack-9
Ghosts of Freedom-8
Im-Ho-Tep (Pharaoh's Curse)-9
Jeckyl and Hyde-9
Dragon's Child-8.5
Frankenstein-9
Transylvania-9.5
Dracula-9.5
The Phantom Opera Ghost-9.5

Ratings

Vocals-9.5
Guitars-9.5
Bass-9
Drums-9.5
Production-9.5