Iced Earth, Children Of Bodom, Evergrey
by John Haseltine
Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH.
April 25th, 2004
With their release of ‘The Glorious Burden’, Iced Earth are currently on a six week stretch of the U.S. Along with Iced Earth are Sweden’s Evergrey and from Finland, Children Of Bodom.
With this tour being a bit more tailored for their style of metal, Evergrey put forth a dynamic set. Only playing for about 35 minutes, which was so not enough. Evergrey seemed to captivate the audience, who after a couple of songs, warmed up nicely to them. With their set consisting of ‘Blinded , End Your Days , Recreation Day, A Touch Of Blessing and Master Plan, Evergrey flawlessly won over the crowd. Remember the name Evergrey. This one being their second round of the states, it’s sure not to be their last.
Next up, Finland’s Children of Bodom. Children Of Bodom belted out various tunes from several of their releases with a high flying fury. The very high energy set included such songs as ,’Double Vision, 24/7 , Six Pounder, Hate Me as well as a few others. Children Of Bodom kicked ass all over the place.
As the lights drop, and the Star Spangled Banner wails on, Iced Earth tear into ‘Declaration Day’. The place is in a frenzy. This is why they’re all here. Schaffer and Co. play an amazing set. Two hours long. Who the hell plays for two hours anymore? Well I’ll tell you. It’s Iced Earth. It was nothing less than great. Tim Owens does a superb job on all the earlier Iced Earth classics. Owens fills the slot left by Barlow as if he never existed. In no way is this a slam as I’ve been a fan since the’ Burnt Offerings’ release. I must say I was hesitant at first on this matter, as it was on the Judas Priest tours. No need to be here. This is where he belongs. They wail through ‘Burning Times, Vengeance Is Mine, Violate, Melancholy and Angel’s Holocaust. And to perfection I might add. Schaffer dedicates the next song, ‘Greenface’, which he originally wrote for the Navy Seals, to all the men and women in the military and special ops units overseas. Next ‘Red Baron’,and then one from Horror Show ,’ Dracula’. Owens tells everyone that they need to request the next song that they have a video done for, but it seems no one wants to show it. "Tell them to play it or fuck off." The song is ‘When The Eagle Cries’. Onto’ My Own Savior ‘ and then the Something Wicked This Way Comes trilogy. After a few thank yous and a few minute break, they head back out to play the full Gettysburg 1863 epic. About 30 minutes long, broke into three parts if you were unaware. Wearing the civil war uniforms from both sides as well as the two flag guitars that were used for the song. After the battle they round out the evening with the self titled track, ‘Iced Earth’. This had to be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. And believe me, I’ve seen a lot. Iced Earth are just as amazing live as they are on disk. If you don’t get a chance this time around, you will get a chance later in the year. As I spoke with Jon earlier in the day and he stated that they will be playing more U.S. dates this time around. Magnificent job to Schaffer and Owens , as well as the other amazing players of Iced Earth.
This is a well rounded tour package that should not be missed. You’ll be amazed as I was.
