Album Review: Iced Earth - 'Plagues Of Babylon'

Iced Earth have put out some successful early work and then some arguably indifferent metal pieces, but with their 2011 release of 'Dystopia' the band put themselves back on the map. This past,  powerful and praised album has set some high standards for the group with their most recent release 'Plagues Of Babylon'... which they have thankfully managed to meet.

The opening title track begins with a drum beat that feels like it is taking us to war and once the guitar kicks in an epic atmosphere is created. While the guitar work may have fallen short on some of the band's past albums, the intensity, spectacular riffs and quality production of it all has really made the guitars shine.

Earlier fans of Iced Earth will be pleased with tracks such as 'Demoncide' and 'The Culling' really taking you back to the original sounds of the Iced Earth's earlier days. Even with the change up in vocalists the band has managed to let their roots shine through while also stepping up their game. These gruff vocals along with back up vocals by Hansi Kursch create a style that goes so well with what is one of Iced Earth's heavier albums to date.

The full-length is energetic and powerful, with songs such as 'Resistance' blasting throughout to create a catchy track. Songs such as 'The End' add some contrast to these intense, pounding moments with a slower, emotional tone and an acoustic outro that moves perfectly into ballad, 'If I Could See You.'

The later half of the album is missing some of that energy that the first half exudes, but this is up there with one of Iced Earth's best works over the past couple of releases. They have managed to smooth out some of the kinks present in their previous works and have created an anthem for all their fans to be proud of.

'Plagues Of Babylon' is one of Iced Earth's best works over their more recent career. Their new vocalist manages to recreate their original sound while the complimentary killer guitar riffs all go together to make something enjoyable. While it might not win album of the year, these guys have managed to step up their game. 

1. Plagues of Babylon

2. Democide

3. The Culling

4. Among The Living Dead

5. Resistance

6. The End?

7. If I Could See You

8. Cthulhu

9. Peacemaker

10. Parasite

11. Spirit of the Times

12. Highwayman