Iced Earth is my favorite band, so I may be SLIGHTLY biased. But this was my first time seeing them live in my 10+ years of fan-dom, and I was not let down.
This is by far the best line-up Iced Earth has had in it's 20+ year career. Stu Block NAILED every song, note for note. Freddie, Brent, and Troy were tight as ever, and killer performers. But me, being the obsessive fan I am, could not take my eyes off of Schaffer. The mastermind songwriter and rock-solid rhythm guitar player that's been behind Iced Earth all this time. Jon Schaffer is the face of strength and determination, art and passion. He is the inspiration that every struggling musician/songwriter needs, because he's been there, worked his butt off for almost 3 decades, and has succeeded at what he is most passionate about. And above all else, he's a total badass! Just look at a picture of him!
That being said, I obviously love Jon Schaffer, and I love this band, and I loved this show. They didn't play every song I wanted them to, of course (that would take about two to three days straight of playing to accomplish), but every song they played was one everyone was thrilled to hear. And these guys are total pros at what they do. And really cool guys to top it all off. Got to meet and speak with them before the show (via the awesome meet and greet package). They were all smiles, and appreciative of their fans.
Bottom line: Killer show from a killer band. CHECK THEM OUT!!!
-C
Masquerade @
- Atlanta @
, GA @
- Sun, Mar 4, 2012 @
Favorite moment: Two words: Dante's Inferno. YES!!! @
Setlist: Don't remember every one, because there were so many, but here's what I recall:
Dystopia, V, Stand Alone, Slave to the Dark, When the Night Falls, Watching Over Me, Dark City, Dante's Inferno, Days of Rage, Damien, Iced Earth.... I'm sure there were more, but my memory fails. @
Opening act(s): Halcyon Way & Warbringer @