Iced Earth Offering Re-Recorded "Dante's Inferno" Track As Free Download
Band Photo: Iced Earth (?)
Iced Earth has re-recorded the entire 17-minute epic "Dante's Inferno" and is currently offering the track as a free download online.
“If there’s one song fans have asked us to play live more than any other it’s ‘Dante’s Inferno,’” Iced Earth main man Jon Schaffer said. “The simple reason why we haven’t is because the original click track was erased, therefore requiring a keyboard player to do the parts live. That’s OK for a special event like when we recorded Alive in Athens, but to hire a keyboard player for a full tour, for one song, just isn’t financially feasible.”
This summer, during the recording of "Dystopia," Iced Earth’s soon-to-be-released 10th studio album, the band entered the studio for the express purpose of remedying that situation and re-recording the closing track on the band’s 1995 album "Burnt Offerings."
Schaffer and new vocalist Stu Block talk about the recording of “Dante’s Inferno” in the video clip available after the jump. The new version of “Dante’s Inferno” can be downloaded at this location.
“Dante’s Inferno” (which is based on Inferno, the first part of Dante’s poem The Divine Comedy) hasn’t been played live since 1999’s groundbreaking Alive in Athens album. “We wanted to say ‘Thank You’ to all of our loyal fans who have waited so long to hear us play ‘Dante’ again,” said Schaffer. “So, we decided to give this to them, free. It’s because of our fans we’ve been able to make music all these years. This is a way to show how much we appreciate them.”
Schaffer promises “Dante’s Inferno” will be back in the band’s set lists for all upcoming shows on the 2011-2012 World Dystopia Tour. "Dystopia" is scheduled for release in Europe on October 17th, and in the U.S. on October 18th, both via Century Media. Two bonus tracks have also been recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.
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12 Comments on "Iced Earth Offering Re-Recorded 'Dante's Inferno'"
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Founder, owner & programmer
Barlow will always be the best Iced Earth vocalist, but I like this. I didn't like Ripper Owens era material at all. Gruff is better, but being able to hit some highs is needed when called for (by the power metal gods?).
Musically, I like the old material quite a bit though and have been spinning Days of Purgatory a lot recently (early classics redone by Barlow).
Member
I thoroughly enjoyed it, although Dante's Inferno has always been one of my favorite songs. I felt a couple parts, musically at least, weren't true enough to the original, but they are minor complaints. As for the vocals, I wish Stu hadn't tried so hard to emulate Barlow, but he does a damn good job of it either way.
I too did not care one bit for Owens as Iced Earth's vocalist. Between his vocal delivery and lack of magic and energy in the music I was turned off of IE in the last few years. Even the come-back album with Barlow was missing something it seemed. Hopefully Stu is just what the doctor ordered to reinvigorate the band.
at least its not another f***ing somthing wicked! They dragged that sh** out WAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY too long, IMO. Also IMO, it's what made part 2 not an excellent album for Barlow to have returned on. Whatever, if he wants to be a f***ing cop instead of being the frontman for a world-renowned band, that's fine. Many more with Stu hopefully!
Reviewer
IMO Glorious Burden has been Ripper's best vocal work to date. However, i also thought that both Framing Armageddon and The Crucible of Man were stale aside from a handful of songs.
I love Dante's Inferno, and i think stu does the song justice. not a fan of the overlapping vocals in the beginning, but that's really my only gripe.
Member
Stu is a ripping vocalist...slighty thinner bottom end tone than matty, but a better high end...which is perfectly logical, given their natural voice typing
I think stu is a perfect fit for the IE...there also seems to be a tangible bond of brotherhood between him and jonny, which is crucial in the long run
I like how he captures elements of long lost Greely's vocal style at intervals...
Ripper is a good vocalist who thas tried too hard being the "rockstar" character, replacing forsaken frontmen...dude just needs to his own sh!t, and he'll be alright
I for one am happy for this Union....hey, ya like that phrasing, Dixie Boy Jonny??? :)
Good Sh!t motherfvckers! \m/
f***ING QUOTES BY
ICED EARTH
FROM THE NEVER ENDING
MOUNTAINS BLACK , to the
bottomless lakes iam
the ruler and has been for
eternities long
my vizards are many but
their essence is mine
forever they are in the hills
in their stone homes of
grief
because iam the spirit
of their existence iam
them
iam the ruler of
\m/etal
hell yeh
fck other bands
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Senior News Correspondent
sounds like IE is really back! hopefully the new songs sound as good and are musically as good.