Iced Earth - Horror Show [2001]

The first four tracks are quite good. Of them, only "Jack" seems to capture the energy that they used to have. However, the songwriting has improved and become more complex. "Im-Ho-Tep" is a bit of an oddity that really doesn't float my boat... makes me bored. "Jekyll & Hyde" is much more like it: catchy, energetic, and wonderfully written. "Dragon's Child" has a very validating feel to it. "Transylvania" has a very boring and contrived first half but then goes into a really cool second half with good solos. "Frankenstein" is a straight-forward and largely uninspired song that feels flat. "Dracula" has more energy. "The Phantom Opera Ghost" has lyrics that are cringingly cliché, but the music is quite good. Overall, it's not as strong as Something Wicked, but the good parts are very good. It's a very polarized album.

Rating: 7.5

http://www.icedearth.com/

All ratings are out of 10. Rating may not be a whole number.

Iced Earth - Something Wicked this Way Comes [1998]

From galloping and heavy romps to thrashy rapid-succession triplets to calm and beautiful strolls. Nearly all of the songs are catchy and well-written. "My Own Savior" is too camp for my tastes as the chorus feels like a bad joke. The quality and strength are very far cries from Dark Saga's mostly bland effort.

Rating: 8

http://www.icedearth.com/

All ratings are out of 10. Rating may not be a whole number.

Iced Earth - Dark Saga [1996]

There aren't any real high points of this album. It's more like an album of mediocrity. Ok, but nothing inspirational or moving.

Rating: 6

http://www.icedearth.com/

All ratings are out of 10. Rating may not be a whole number.