Line-up :
Matthew Barlow - vocals (Iced Earth, Pyramaze)
Bill Swentor - guitar
Jim Barlow - guitar
Adam Evans - bass
Dave Breazeal - drums (Trokar, Unholy Ghost)
Parts of this song were later used by Iced Earth after Matt Barlow joined.
| 1. | Driven By Hate | [view lyrics] | |
| 2. | Extinction Prevalent | ||
| 3. | Entry Number 161914 | ||
| 4. | Behead The Deathless | [view lyrics] |
line-up :
Gene Adam - Vocals (Iced Earth, Unearthed, Atomik Cocktail)
Bill Owen - Lead Guitar (Sanctum (US), Unearthed, Innersanctum)
Jon Schaffer - Rhythm Guitar (Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards)
Dave Abell - Bass (Iced Earth, Unearthed, Knights of Tethys)
Greg Seymour - Drums (Sanctum (US), Innersanctum, Iced Earth)
The band would change their name to Iced Earth before releasing their fourth demo. The "Horror Show" demo was an idea that Jon Schaffer played with for many years, before re-using some of the song titles on the Iced Earth album of the same name (the songs themselves are completely different).
Review :
As an early demo, this is excellent. Unlike what many people think, Gene Adam has a good voice, unless he's trying to sing high (when he sounds like a castrated leprechaun that inhaled helium). Even then, Rob Halford sounds pretty much the same...almost comedic, really...but I digress...
Jack has some great riffs, and Steve Harris-level bass in the mix (which is cool...good basslines). And the music fit their Alice Cooper - meets - Iron Maiden style shows. Eerie, heavy, and still sounds good. In Jason's Mind is a bit more awkward, but is still good mid-tempo metal. All in all, this is a damn good find, and hopefully Jon will compile all the old demo songs for a rerelease (and no rerecording like those Days Of Purgatory debacles...).
| 1. | Jack | 03:44 | [view lyrics] |
| 2. | In Jason's Mind | 05:10 | [view lyrics] |
| Total playing time | 08:54 | ||
Line-up :
Gene Adam - Vocals
Randall Shawver - Lead Guitar
Jon Schaffer - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Dave Abell - Bass
Greg Seymour - Drums
Very rare collector's item. The songs are available in their original version in
the "Dark Genesis" boxed set.
Review :
Iced Earth's first demo is an awesome example of the band's talent presented in a more energetic, raw form. The production isn't as refined as on their self-titled debut, so the demo just plain reeks of metalness. The guitar tone is powerful, the solos are brilliant, the drumming is masterful and the vocals sound just as vicious as they do on the debut (for those that like the band's singer). Two songs on this demo didn't go on to be included on the debut, the intro track "Enter the Realm" and "Nightmares." The former is just a brief acoustic instrumental, nice but forgettable. The latter is a thrash classic with a sweet intro solo. The Days of Purgatory version with Barlow isn't even close to as glorious as this demo's version of it.
It doesn't offer much more if you already own the first album, but it's an interesting look at the band's early material if you're an Iced Earth fan. Plus "Nightmares" is a cool ass song. Certainly worth obtaining if you get the chance.
| 1. | Enter the Realm | 00:54 | |
| 2. | Colors | 05:05 | [view lyrics] |
| 3. | Nightmares | 03:42 | [view lyrics] |
| 4. | Curse the Sky | 04:46 | [view lyrics] |
| 5. | Solitude | 01:43 | |
| 6. | Iced Earth | 05:33 | [view lyrics] |
| Total playing time | 21:43 | ||
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