Unfortunately, Schaffer wrote this album the same way he’s written the last few... boring concept albums where the songs bleed into one another, often at the same pace, and ultimately become tiring. And this whole "Something Wicked" idea, it’s getting old. Please, no part 3. I can dig trying to do a concept record, but with each new Iced Earth album they become increasingly predictable, a tract we’ve been on since Horror Show. On Something Wicked this Way Comes, the concept was very loose, no storyline to hold together, and hence it remains - in my opinion - their best album to date.

Still, not all is for naught, there are some standouts here. "I Walk Alone" sounds like pre-Ripper Iced Earth, a nice reminder of what this band set out to be. "Come What May," another nice tune, sweet chorus, something that sticks in the head, and "Gift or Curse" displays some nice guitar work in its slow spots before shifting gears to some tasty riffs. Other than that, it all sounds the same, bound by its ridiculous concept.

Ten years ago I was among the people that thought Iced Earth were the torch bearers of American Metal, staying true to the genre perfected in the 80’s, bringing in the fire and aggression of the new generation. To say we had high hopes because of this band is an understatement. They’ve grown, they’re selling out mid-sized venues in the states, and now they’re becoming a parody of themselves. It’s time to take a different approach, make it fresh, new, and exciting again.

written by Alan Gilkeson

Playing time: 59:09