Iced Earth have been knocking about for a good while now, and across almost three decades they've pummelled the ears with some delightful treats. The 'Something Wicked' saga, in particular, is a collection of gems and with 'Plagues Of Babylon', that sprawling, grandiose narrative has once again been stretched across the course of...well, half an album.
Fans of the band will no doubt have a bit of a nerdgasm over the whole thing, but to the casual listener, it's an album stacked with ridiculous lyrical content. Which, luckily, is not a problem at all.
The title track sets the scene in the least subtle fashion possible; it's a militaristic, abrasive call to arms. When the vicious twin-guitar attack of John Schaffer and Troy Seele finally arrives, the whole thing is plunged into a cacophony of razor-sharp riffing.
'Plagues Of Babylon' finds Iced Earth doing what they do best – providing a happy medium for metal fans. Democide sounds like mid-tempo Slayer, albeit with added melody running through their veins, while the sinister gallop of The End comes across like an angry Iron Maiden.
Vocalist Stu Block cemented his place on 2011's superb 'Dystopia', but during this latest outing he triumphantly sits aloft a building and shits on previous Iced Earth singers from a great height. It feels like Block has been a part of the machinery from the very start and his diverse vocals prove to be the centrepiece of the album.
There are high pitched wails on the title track, screamed vocals during The End, and a ballad-esque croon on album highlight If I Could See You. Among The Living Dead is a no-brainer for the live environment, boasting gorgeous guitar harmonies and a chorus to bloody die for.
But, 'Plagues Of Babylon' clocks in at 62 minutes long and can prove to be a tad exhausting at times. The first half flies by without complaint, but as Iced Earth plod into the closing throes of the second half, Parasite and Spirit Of The Times aren't really required listening.
'Dystopia' was a shot of adrenaline, whereas 'Plagues Of Babylon' is the comedown after the sugar-rush. But, no matter. Iced Earth are a glorious cult concern and this is, for the most part, a solid album. It's a statement. This band is in it for the long haul.
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