Love it or hate it, as the world of metal began its rapid evolution out of the early rock-influence of the 70s, it wasn’t just a new and innovative form of music; it was an interactive lifestyle for its fans, and a groundbreaking pop-culture movement that grabbed a hold of a disgruntled section of society.
Forty years on and the heavy guitar riffs, the frenetic drumming, and the deafening nearly illegible screaming that makes up what most people today know as heavy metal, is still live and kicking. Cyprus has a steady following of devoted fans and this year alone we’ve already seen the likes of Sodom, Arch Enemy, Deep Purple and many more drive crowds wild with their energetic sweat-soaked live performance.
This week, heavy metal mavens get another treat when Iced Earth, the popular American heavy metal band from Tampa, Florida, head to Nicosia’s Pavilion as part of their European tour.
To say the history of Iced Earth has been a tumultuous one would be an understatement of great proportions. The band has undergone countless revolving musicians and several vocalists including once Judas Priest front man Tim Owens, and the fan-favorite Matt Barlow. As a result of the ever-shifting lineup, the band’s sound is constantly evolving and reinventing itself with mixed results.
Originally formed as Purgatory by Jon Schaffer in 1984, the band spent five years in a constant state of flux while testing the Florida live circuit. They slowly honed their sound by combining 80s thrash influences with the classic metal approach of Iron Maiden. Although Iced Earth never rose to the level of stardom in the America, they have always been a tremendous draw overseas.
Aside from founding guitarist, Schaeffer, no other band members have been in the band for every album. But one member, in particular, Barlow has put an indelible stamp on the signature sound that the band has created over the years.
Barlow, Iced Earth’s singer from 1994-2003 and 2007-2011, announced in March that he is officially retiring from the band in order to pursue a career doing administrative work for the Department of Homeland Security. With his retirement, Schaffer was faced with the difficult task of replacing the charismatic Barlow. Enter Stu Block, the former lead singer of Into Eternity. Armed with Block’s vocals and an excellent group of musicians, a re-energised Schaffer has set Iced Earth to reclaim their throne at the top of the power metal kingdom.
The supporting act for this Thursday’s show will be Sonik Death Monkey. It’s also worth noting that Iced Earth will be offering a very limited number of fans the opportunity to attend the show as the band’s guest VIPs. Fans who purchase a VIP package from www.icedearth.com will receive the following: a general admission ticket, VIP Meet and Greet with Iced Earth, an autographed tour poster, limited edition Iced Earth sticker set, limited edition Iced Earth T-Shirt and a VIP Commemorative Laminate. The VIP packages are very limited and available on a first-come/first-served basis via the Iced Earth website.
A rocking show with the popular American heavy metal band. December 15. Pavilion, Lakatamia. 8pm. €80/30. Tel: 96-580654/22-322222
