Schaffer clearly can play, but his writing isn't the most original to come down the pike, well, ever. One must seriously question if Schaffer thinks that "long" and "epic" are synonymous. Here's a hint: they aren't. More about the notion of epic, adding choral effects or symphonic elements do little to change pedestrian music into something grandiose. While Owens can certainly sing, his style never seemed to fully mesh with the Iced Earth sound, which is to say Metallica by way of Iron Maiden. Schaffer's music just isn't "classic" enough to suit Owens' voice. Being part of Yngwie Malmsteen's band may prove a perfect fit, at long last, although Beyond Fear was also a fun record necessarily very well suited to Owens' abilities.

Back to Framing Armageddon, it is not completely without merit. The production is sterling, and the music proves adventurous at times. "Ten Thousand Strong," also seen on the Overture of the Wicked EP, and "The Clouding," which invokes Pink Floyd, are the best songs offered. Overall, however, ponderous tones lend more to the plodding than the intriguing. Any review of this record would be incomplete without derision, er, mention of the album's concept: mankind actually invaded Earth and the original inhabitants lay in wait until such time they will destroy man. Sci-fi? Sure. Thrilling? Not so much. Even Schaffer's own voice (thanks, voiceover promo CD) sounds disinterested. To long-time fans of the band, rejoice that the then bad-mouthed Matt Barlow has returned. Maybe he can straighten out this mess.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 68:57