Something Wicked This Way Comes is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Iced Earth. Released on June 22, 1998, it was the band's first album to feature bassist James MacDonough and guitarist Larry Tarnowski, and is the only Iced Earth album to be solely produced by Jim Morris, who has worked with the band since 1996's The Dark Saga.

Recorded in March 1998, Something Wicked This Way Comes introduced Jon Schaffer's fictional story Something Wicked Saga, which would be later expanded upon by the band. Because of these changes, only guitarist Jon Schaffer, vocalist Matt Barlow and bassist James MacDonough were credited as "Iced Earth", making Something Wicked This Way Comes the first of only two albums to feature a three-piece line-up of the band; the other one being The Crucible of Man.

Writing and recording

Musically, Something Wicked This Way Comes is significantly heavier than its predecessor, The Dark Saga. Even though some material had already been written prior to the actual writing process, Schaffer has admitted that he struggled writing the remaining songs,

The album is the first to feature Jon Schaffer's Something Wicked Saga. Originally Schaffer had planned to have the entire record be a concept album on the "Something Wicked" storyline,

Something Wicked This Way Comes was recorded in March 1998 at Morrisound Studios, in Tampa, Florida. Mark Prator, who had previously played on The Dark Saga, was recruited to play the drums, while Larry Tarnowski was hired as the lead guitarist (although some additional lead guitar parts were played by Jim Morris). For the album's supporting tour, drummer Brent Smedley rejoined the band, while guitarist Larry Tarnowski was hired as a full-time member as well. The band also recorded their first live album, Alive in Athens, in Athens, Greece on January 23 and 24, 1999.

Critical reception

Since its release, Something Wicked This Way Comes has had a polarized reaction from critics. Some have viewed the album as one of Iced Earth's strongest,

Track listing

All songs written by Jon Schaffer, except where noted.

Personnel

;Iced Earth

  • Matt Barlow – vocals

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References

  • Iced Earth's Official Website