Iced Earth - The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Part 2)

The second part of the Something Wicked series features the return of vocalist Matt Barlow.

Tim "Ripper" Owens is a great vocalist. He always does an excellent job on whatever project he's lending his talent to, as he did the last two Iced Earth CDs. But there was always the feeling he was a hired gun, and probably wouldn't stay with the band long term.

Last year Iced Earth mainman Jon Schaffer announced Owens would be leaving the band, and his replacement would be former vocalist Matt Barlow. Barlow has stepped down and switched careers a few years ago, but had gotten back into music with Pyramaze, and was willing to come back to Iced Earth.

Coming on the heels of last year's part 1, The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Part 2) is a little more restrained. It's still a concept CD with dramatic and epic songs, but there aren't quite as many theatrical elements and instrumental interludes.

Schaffer balances the songs well, mixing over the top opuses with more traditional power metal songs and a couple of ballads. The CD flows very well. Vocally Owens may be technically better, but Barlow fits in with Iced Earth's sound very well. He has a strong baritone voice, and his also able to power up and hit the high notes when needed. They also brought in a professional choir to do background vocals on a few songs, and that adds a lot of atmosphere to those tracks.

It's great to have Barlow back in the band, and The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Part 2) is a prototypical Iced Earth CD. It has a filler song or two, but it's still a worthy addition to their catalog.