The album is basically a dedication to America and the events of September 11 which are very clearly highlighted (hard to miss the message), but there are two songs on there that might be considered a bit strange: what do Attila the Hun, and the Red Baron have to do with America anyway? Ok, so it's not that strange to have these songs, but they kind of stick out. (Attila The Hun's song is a marvellous concept for ex.: primitive huns growling at the graceful romans - this reflected in the vocals... there are some great songs recorded). A lot of work, and therefore a lot of potential. Just strange at first glance.

The epic "Gettysburg (1863)" is one of my two favourites, and it is found on the second CD, which was only necessary because of the bonus tracks included on the American version (this is the one I got my hands on) - second fav is "Waterloo" - absolutely amazing! Anyway, the intro consists of the national anthem of America (not much there for me - no offense, but there isn't), and this one for ex. won't be included in the European version. The ever patriotic "When The Eagle Cries" unplugged version is also a bonus, but it is my opinion that I could easily do without that song as well. I'm only sorry about "Greenface", a track that I like, and wouldn't want to have it omitted from my copy of the album.

Guitar works beautifully on the entire record and, as we might've gotten used to so far, no instrument is disappointing. Overall I'm satisfied, even though I know I'm going to miss Barlow... he'll never be as successful as a lawyer as he was as a vocalist of a metal band. There are just certain things a man is built for, and Barlow was built for Iced Earth. No matter. I'll try to get over...

I've heard that originally Schaffer was going to record the record with Barlow at the mike, but he wasn't satisfied with his performances (something with his heart not being into it...) and he searched for replacement immediately. I've listened to this album a dozen times, and still haven't realized that Matt is gone, and Tim is here to stay. But that's only me. Some people say they've gotten used to the fact by the second listen. "The Glorious Burden" is much more powerful than "Horror Show" however and I do love that about it, and the heart put into it is very well felt as well, but "The Dark Saga" still remains their number one accomplishment, in my opinion, and only a performance as good (or maybe better?) could make me LOVE the band again. (Timmy boy, are you up to it?).

Overall satisfied, but now that one of my fav vocalists is out of music, there will have to be a lot of improvement on the next material to make me a "die-hard" fan again (I'm not to be blamed - I was traumatized :) ) Europeans won't really "feel" the lyrics (especially "When The Eagle Cries" - to me it's not more than a ballad - sorry again, I'm not trying to be heartless, I'm only saying what I feel), but if you settle for powerful music and good melodies then "The Glorious Burden" you're going to like.

written by Cseke Róbert

Playing time: 78.28