ICED EARTH Plagues of Dystopia EP (EU Record Store Day Exclusive Picture Disc)
- Plagues of Dystopia
- 12" Picture Disc
- Plagues of Babylon (2014) cover art one one side
- Dystopia (2011) cover on the reverse side
Iced Earth official Record Store Day 2023 release, Plagues of Dystopia 12 inch Picture Disc EP features updated artwork of the legendary Plagues of Babylon (2014) and Dystopia (2011) covers by line artist David Newman-Stump and colors by Roy Young. Also, exclusive to Side A of this EP, are 2 tracks reworked in the ultra-creepy narrative soundscape treatment of the songs “Plagues of Babylon" and “Democide”. Side B features a previously unreleased version of the song “V” from the Bang Your Head live album the boys recorded in 2016. Mixed and mastered by Jim Morris. The result in a stunning visual and audio experience for all die hard Iced Earth fans and collectors.
| A1 | Plagues Of Babylon (A Narrative Soundscape) | |
| A2 | Democide (A Narrative Soundscape) | |
| B | V (Live at Bang Your Head Festival) |
Iced Earth History
Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band formed in 1985 by guitarist and primary songwriter Jon Schaffer in Tampa, Florida. Known for their unique blend of thrash metal, power metal, and traditional heavy metal, the band’s sound is characterized by Schaffer’s galloping rhythm guitar style, epic compositions, and lyrics often inspired by history, mythology, and dystopian themes.
Originally formed under the name Purgatory, the band changed its name to Iced Earth in 1988 after relocating to Tampa, a hub for metal music in the 1980s and 1990s. Over the years, Iced Earth has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, solidifying their reputation as a staple in the heavy metal genre. Notable works include Night of the Stormrider(1991), The Dark Saga (1996), a concept album based on the Spawn comic book series, and Something Wicked This Way Comes (1998), which introduced the recurring “Something Wicked Saga” theme. Other standout albums include Horror Show (2001), inspired by classic horror characters, and The Glorious Burden (2004), which features songs about historical events, including a 32-minute epic on the Battle of Gettysburg.
Throughout its history, Iced Earth has experienced numerous lineup changes, with Jon Schaffer remaining the sole consistent member. The band has featured several prominent vocalists, including Matt Barlow, celebrated for his powerful and emotive voice; Tim "Ripper" Owens, formerly of Judas Priest, who brought a different dynamic to the band’s sound; and Stu Block, who joined in 2011 and added a modern edge to their music. Despite the shifts in personnel, Iced Earth has maintained a consistent ability to deliver storytelling and concept-driven albums that captivate fans.
Iced Earth’s influences include iconic metal acts like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, and Black Sabbath. Their lyrics delve into themes ranging from historical events to personal struggles and fantasy, making their music rich and multidimensional. Known for their energetic and theatrical live performances, the band has toured extensively worldwide, earning a dedicated and passionate fan base.
