Iced Earth Recruits Into Eternity Vocalist Stu Block
Band Photo: Iced Earth (?)
American power metal band Iced Earth has announced that Stu Block, the lead vocalist of Into Eternity, has been recruited as the band's new lead singer, replacing Matt Barlow, who will be leaving the band after Iced Earth finishes touring Europe this Summer.
According to leader Jon Schaffer, Robert Kampf, CEO of Century Media, early on suggested Block, whose band Into Eternity was previously on the CM label. That reminded Schaffer of one night in September, 2008, when Into Eternity opened for Iced Earth.
"Iced Earth was backstage waiting to go on,” said Schaffer. “We heard one of Stu’s incredible wails. I remember turning to Matt and saying, ‘Damn, that dude has serious range.'"
So while Iced Earth’s management team sifted through the growing number of prospective vocalists, Schaffer got in touch with Block.
After several phone conversations with the then-prospective Iced Earth vocalist, Schaffer asked his manager to e-mail Block several key Iced Earth songs, with the vocals stripped. Block went into his studio and recorded himself singing, then sent the files back to the team.
The result landed Block an intense two days at Schaffer’s studio where the two musicians hit it off.
"I felt a lot of chemistry between us, we knocked out a couple of great original pieces of music in no time” said Schaffer. “He’s very good at coming up with catchy melodies, and will help with lyrical duties as well. There’s no doubt Stu has an amazing vocal range and a lot of energy, but he also has the touring experience, which is a big plus for our plans of performing in all corners of the world."
In addition, Schaffer said Block has what Iced Earth needs in a front man: "stage presence that includes high energy, passion, and focused rage."
"Stu is charismatic and understands the depth and varying emotions in Iced Earth’s music,” said Schaffer. "So he will embody not only the emotion of our songs, but he will be able to perform them in a dynamic way. I believe fans are in for some incredible records and live shows in the coming years."
New Iced Earth vocalist Stu Block concurs: "Iced Earth fans are wonderful, wonderful people,” he said. “The music is so passionate. So they’re passionate, and very loyal to the band. I am, too. I’m a huge fan of Iced Earth myself. So I share that same passion, and I will show it on stage. I think the fans are really going to dig it."
Block continues: "It’s a huge honor to be doing this, to be part of this team,” he said. “It’s a dream come true, for sure."
Schaffer is totally stoked. "This is a new beginning,” he said. “It’s game-on time. Iced Earth is going to record and tour like it never has before. The band is really amped-up and ready to hit the ground running in November."
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53 Comments on "Iced Earth Recruits Into Eternity Vocalist"
Member
Member
6. writes:
Stu Block is on of the best vocalists in metal. He really does have a wide range of vocal skills, both death growls and beautiful clean vocals. I think this is going to be a great lineup.
I don't own any Iced Earth music (sorry) but if they release an album with Stu fronting vocals, that album will go into my collection.
7. writes:
R Tenney. If you're saying it sucks that Into Eternity will need to find a replacement I don't think they will. I'm sure Stu can put his efforts towards both groups at seperate times.
Because I've heard that Into Eternity is working on a new album, and I'm pretty sure Stu will do vocals on it. But I guess we'll wait and see.
8. writes:
Aah yes ZMA. A fellow Into Eternity fan! Saw them several years back in Cambridge Ma at Middle East; and they strafed that tiny club. They churn out incredible releases;these Canucks are the sh**! Good move by Shaffer;I didn't see it coming. Long live Into Eternity! We hope
Member
10. writes:
The IE thing is Shaffers band;always has been;always will be! Vocalist are almost for hire per diem. Unfortunately but that's the way it is HR. Hopefully that changes;cause I'm getting sick of revolving vocalist thing. Check out Into Eternity HR if your not completely familar with them. They put out some great stuff
Member
12. writes:
Hell yea R Ten. I've got their last 2 albums. Phenomenal band. I haven't seen them live yet but I sure hope I don't sometime in the future, that is if Stu still stays with the band. I think they made a great move choosing him.
And Hellrat, I sure as hell hope it's different this time. Maybe that's why IE has always had vocalist changes, cause they can't handle being stuck to one band. I definitely wouldn't wanna be with only one band. You gotta explore your creativity.
But anyway, I hope Stu stays with Into Eternity because it wouldn't be the same without him. I'm with R Ten in saying you should check out Into Eternity HR. Crazy band.
15. writes:
Massively talented Into Eternity are ZMA! They'll survive I know! Their guitarist runs the band so they will continue no doubt! While these guys work flew under the radar;it is stuff that people need too hear! Scaff got himself a great vocalist;cannot wait for new IE material! But hoping for new Into Eternity material as well... Torn about this!
16. writes:
Yea I know R Ten, and he's a great guitarist, I've seen some of his lessons on youtube. Maybe our dreams will come true and both albums will be released with no problems, and no more lineup changes. Oh and of course hopefully both albums will be face melting. Maybe this will put Into Eternity on the map for more people to hear. Just keep knockin' on wood and keep your fingers crossed I guess heh heh.
17. writes:
Schaff I mean above. Typing fast. Block reminds me of early Fates Warning John Arch! Incredible range! Checkout early Fates ZMA! Jon got himself a good one here. Hopefully Into Eternity continues with Block pulling double duty but I have my doubts it can happen! Anyways folks listen to some Into Eternity stuff and hit up some old Fates warning also!
18. writes:
Ah ok my bad R Ten. I'm actually listening to Fates Warning right now, and I absolutely see what you mean. Great band. I'll have to listen to more of their stuff thanks man. Lets just keep our hopes up.
And I'm with R Tenney in saying check out INTO ETERNITY and FATES WARNING.
Member
20. writes:
made a playlist of Into Eternity on boobtube and have been listening while i'm working here....very good quality, a little too many 'sing-song' arrangements for my taste, but that singer is very good indeed....definitely hear the Arch influence, good ear Big R! and his very top end sounds a lot like tim owens'
i also like his death and blackish styles, very good....maybe he will be given the chance to incorporate some of those facets in his coming work with Iced Earth
i still believe his tone is slightly thin, and he doesn't seem to have much of a bottom end, but that's just me being a hard a$$ :)
all in all, pretty impressive and should be an excellent fit in Iced Earth
will continue to give 'Eternity the chance to grow on me, and thanks for the heads up dudes! \m/
NP---into eternity---timeless winter
Member
21. writes:
Man, I hope Into Eternity stays together. One of my favorite Canadian bands, along with 3 Inches of Blood (and of course Rush).
I saw Into Eternity open for Sonata Arctica in 2005 or so. I own and would recommend Buried in Oblivion & Dead or Dreaming, two great releases.
22. writes:
Good to see u like HR! Schaffer rules IE with an iron fist and I'm sure Block will tow the line;and sing the parts handed to him !good to hear your in on the mighty Fates Warning love too! Loved em since Metal Blade comp#3 in 85. New Englanders to; being from Hartftord CT. New IE should be much anticipated to hear with the new addition imo!
Member
23. writes:
I knew Bruno'd bring that up. You never dissappoint brother. Looking at both sides of this, I feel there is concern if Into Eternity doesn't continue. I like Iced Earth and all, but at this point it crosses my mind that they may have done what they're gonna do at this point.
24. writes:
Into Eternity's drummer has taken a job teaching for a semester or two anyway. Stu is a f***in wicked singer. Now really looking forward to next IE with Stu on vox. Great and much deserved opportunity in my opinion.
That being said, Hail "Timeless Winter"
"Scooooooooortched by winters wraaaaaaaath"
Former Contributor
Member
28. writes:
hey, there's our young Cynical friend...hell, good to see ya Kiwi !
'hype over Into Eternity'....WHAT hype mate? i really never heard much of em before today, but then, i's jist a country bumpkin...don't know much no how anyway! :)
'singers are a transplantable commodity'....hhmmm, right
good guitar players seem to grow out of the ground anymore...good drummers are about a dime a dozen these days...solid bassists, well...nevermind
good singers are the rarest of the lot...what exactly is your point there, eh bud?
Member
Former Contributor
31. writes:
Haha, how are ya hellrat you bastard. I just mean you can easily transplant a singer from a bad band to a good band and it go well - I agree they're rare!
@R Tenney - I actually listened to "No Exit" at work today coincidentally, FW are purely prog-metal and f***ing fantastic. I'm not saying they're nu-metal at all, but I stand by the fact there are clearly a few nu-metal style riffs patched haphazardly in their music - it's a weird combo actually seeing how progressive they are.
Supporter
Podcaster/Writer
33. writes:
into eternity is awesome. sucha underrated band. idk what hype cynic's talking cuz this is literally maybe the 3 article i've even seen with the name into eternity in the headline here on MU since i've been a member. i'm not even a fan of iced earh, mainly due to my lack of interest in power metal, and even i know this is a good fit, since into eternity sometimes crosses that power metal bridge with the vox.
bruno: great fvcking albums bro.
ERADICATION OF THE MIND - BEGINNING OF THE END - NO ESCAPE! ARMAGEDDON! \m/
Member
Member
36. writes:
never a big Into Eternity fan, but Stu's a great vocalist and I think a stylistic fit, though obviously no one will sound as perfect with them as Barlow. Maybe the same band initials thing is a sign? doubtful. But I do hope the files of Block singing over old IE tracks is released... that'd make a cool post-Something Wicked 3 EP or something of the sort.
Member
38. writes:
BlindGreed- thanks bro, I agree this version of Iced Earth may not live up to their back catalog. Perhaps, Like Sabbath withi Gillian or Van Halen with Cheron, they still may make some music that is worthwhile, albeit to a much smaller fan base? Bottom line: If they make a good CD, I will buy it.
I can't believe I missed all the Into Eternity hype? Where was I, hahaha?!?! When I think "hype" I think Bullet for a Valentine, Trivium, that fugly blond chick in the dress (In the Moment?), Beyond the Dark Horizon, etc.
39. writes:
@ Cynic. I can kinda see where you're coming from with the nu-metal stuff, but at the same time I can't, if that makes sense. Into Eternity's guitarist has classical training which you can hear from the bands newest single Time Immemorial off their latest album.
I think they incorporate a lot of different riffs from a lot of different styles of metal and music in general. I don't know maybe I'm wrong.
But I love Into Eternity, it took a little bit for me to get into them though, because they really jump around in each of their songs, and most times you never see it coming. It's something I think you have to get used to.
Oh and R Tenney I agree with that Iron Maiden thing you said about Fates Warning. So true haha.
Member
41. writes:
Hear ya ZMA. My ears don't hear nu metal influences in Into Eternity but whatever. My ears were pretty deaf to that cultural phenomenon anyways. Apart from first few Korn releases and Deftones who I love I paid little attention to nu metal. I remember that mookish buffoon Durst and that hideous Crazy Town sh**. Bad memories! Anyways for true listening bliss check out Fates Warnings 85 classic The Spectere Within. Think yall agree that Mr Block sounds similarly Cheers gents! NP: The Apparition; Mighty Fates Warning!
Podcaster/Writer
43. writes:
Yea hellrat I don't get that hype thing either. I don't think I've heard anyone in my area mention Into Eternity accept the people I got to listen to them.
Yea R Tenney I feel the same in a way. I mean if I listen I guess I'd hear it. But they have so many influences anyway it almost doesn't even matter.
But I'm still a Korn fan, and I just got into Deftones, with their new album, which I think is great. I was into Limp Bizkit back in the day (don't hate me heh heh) partly because I was a WWF wrestling fan, and I heard them a lot because of it. But Durst annoys the hell out of me.
I'll have to listen to Fates Warning more. I only listened to one song when you told me about them R Tenn but I'll listen to more. Great stuff.
44. writes:
Good for you ZMA! Aah I won't hate ya for liking that abomination imp biscuit. We all gotta start somewhere. Good to see your on the Into Eternity: Fates Warning tip fella. Good for you. And I'm sure I got some cds in my extensive library I'm hardly willing to admit I own! Anyways bottoms up bro @ chug one for that Brit born St Paddy fella! Cheers dude
Former Contributor
45. writes:
Here we go: Yeah 15 reviews/90% on MA for a band which is not particularly huge is what I call hype.
Here's my original comment "they sound like borderline nu-metal at times" Borderline, at times, so don't mince my words. Secondly I never said or doubted anything about them being progressive, and equating nu-metal with bad is your imaginings not mine.
Track 1 of Buried In Oblivion, 0:45 - is that a Mudvayne riff or something? Haven't I heard Corey taylor yelling jumpdaf*** up over something like this before? Combine that with the ultra melodic chorus breaks and that's where I'm coming from. I can do this for the whole cd if you like.
46. writes:
Definitely R Tenney. I'm on to much better music then them now heh heh. Will do bro.
@ Cynic. I understand where you're comin' from. My bad if I read something wrong. It'd be cool if you did it for the whole cd though. That'd be an interesting review. Are you into them at all Cynic? Or is it not you're style? Just curious.
47. writes:
Damn Cynic ;coming out swinging huh? I know of the intro of your speaking of! I would also expect a flat billed ball cap wearing tard to come out grabbing his d*** saying aah yeah motherf***ers! I hear melo death with prog influences in Into Eternity. Vocals @ music are all over the place which upon first listen must be a shock! Still love Block though! Blackened thrash ;death ;soaring harmonys;dude has it all imo. Cynic listen to some Arch Fates like Spectre within or Awaken the Gaurdian. What you listed yesterday good but not great as far as Fates go.
Former Contributor
48. writes:
Ha yeah sorry I don't mean to be so defensive. Like Nevermore, Behemoth, Lamb Of God they're in the class of bands I respect for being metal but just not really into. Never been a fan of modern metal or most melodeath so that outweighs the great vocals and progressive stuff I'd otherwise enjoy. I'm looking forward to his Iced Earth work then I guess!
"Awaken The Guardian" is the tops - never got into "Spectre Within" though the production seemed really murky. I'll give it another listen though so cheers.
49. writes:
Alright guy. I better understand your position. Go back and give Fates Spectre Within another listen though;less than perfect production and all. After Arch left these guys thought about changing bands name! He was that awesome! Have ole Bruce air raid siren a run for his money imo ! Arch also lifted borrowed heavily on poet lauriates like Tennyson etc which added to the greatness imo! Cheers guy!
50. writes:
Good to see u also like Diamond Eyes like I do! Great record! Also listen to Around the Fur @ White Pony? Saw these cats blister a 35 minute set in Boston in 99 opening for Pantera@ the mighty Sabbath! Been a fan ever since! Seeing em at Casino in Hampton Beach NH in May! Haters be damned these dudes put on an excellent show!
51. writes:
Cynic. It's understandable that you're defensive when a bunch of people question or mix up what you say on the internet heh heh. But I totally get you. At least there's the respect ya know? Great players and they're a good band but it's just not what you're feelin'.
52. writes:
Into Eternity i have been a fan of since my cousin dragged me to one of their concerts in Regina before they had any albums released. At first I was upset when Stu came into the band because i preferred the original singer, however he has quite grown on me since then, and is now one of my favorite vocalists after hearing him live a half of dozen times.
And well, Travel In Stygian was one of the songs to really get me into metal, and if I ever get a chance to hear Stu sing that song, I will be one of the happiest men alive.
Member
53. writes:
hey Enraged, do you like Stygian with Barlow or Greeley on vox better?
For some reason, I always liked Greeley's singing a bit better on that particular song....but it pretty much ends there, as I do think Matt's renditions of the others are a good cut above
But I am also looking forward to getting the chance to hear Stu's vocal on it...i never heard Ripper on there
anyway, Great fvckin song!
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1. R Tenney writes:
This will definitely be a good fit. Decision kinda caught me offgaurd. Was expecting a unheard of replacement. Into Eternity is such a great band; kinda sucks they'll now need to find a replacement