Description
2011 was a sad year forIced Earth: Favorite singerMatt Barlowhas left again after he has released only one album in 2008 since his reunion with the band. Before letting him go,Iced Earthhas toured with him through the whole year and concluded this tour with a farewell gift toBarlowon Wacken Open Air, before he passed the microphone to former and now again
singerStu Block. While everyone was sceptical at first, if an extreme metal singer fits in a power metal band,Dystopiaastonished most of the critics becauseIced Earthhas presented themselves in a light that vanished a long time ago. The success of that album resulted in another tour, this time a world tour, where they have played in basically every corner of the world, including China, Australia and Turkey.
From that world tour,Iced Earthrecorded one concert which they have played inCyprus. On this show, they have played 24 songs - intros and interludes likeIn Sacred Flamesnot counted - including the monstruous 16 minutes longDante's Inferno. With a total playtime of 2:31:16, this show was only 20 minutes shorter than the legendaryAlive in Athensshow in 1999.
Back toLive in Ancient Kourion: the show starts with the title track of the back then newest album. The most exciting part of this album, as mentioned, wasStu Blocksinging songs that are originally with other singers, which are of course the majority. Here we have to say that we have barely seen a singer with such a stage presence.Tim Owensshined on the twoJudas Priestlive albums and sang the Halford songs perfectly and studio conform, butStugoes one step further and gives almost all the songs his own touch. Already onBurning Timeshe plays the host for the crowd and even though he repeats that thing in many songs, but it doesn't get annyoing. Some parts are sung differently, others simply more energetically and enthusiastically that from the original singers, especaily the songs originally withTim OwenslikeTen Thousand StrongandDeclaration Day, but alsoWhen the Night Falls, which he of course sang better thanGene Adam, but alsoMatt Barlow.
Between the songs there are also some funny and entertaining moments, whereStu Blockinteracts with the crowd. A really great performance!
This album comes out in deluxe Triple Gatefold edition, in two colors (Gold / Red) 500 limited edition each. Also available a very special Deluxe edition in Box, including poster and a special printing.
