ICED EARTH - The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Part 2 2-LP (Purple/White Splatter Vinyl)

Overall, the album is a grand return to form for the band. I do recommend a couple of listens to it, and a scanning of the lyrics as it packs more punch if you know what the hell is going on. The band is tight, and Schaffer has finally put as much effort into the music as the lyrics, for the first time since "Horror Show". I didn't think I'd say this about Iced Earth again after "The Glorious Burden" and "Framing Armageddon", but I truly can't wait for the next album from one of my all time favorites. They have gotten their act together, seem to finally have a solid core in the band of Smedley, Schaffer and Barlow, and I hope at least these three stick together for a while, and that Freddie Vidales will actually play bass on the next record.