I figured since Dickie started out with a metal album review, I would as well. But where he went the brutal route, I’ll go the power metal/ symphonic route. This is one of the few really solid “concept” albums I’ve heard. Not that I’ve heard many. The songs revolve around battle, mostly of American wars, but they throw in a song about Atilla the Hun, and another one I can’t think of at the moment.
Before I go on, let me say, that I LOVE this band. They get me pumped when I’m tired, let me vent when I’m angry, or keep the mood going when I’m happy. The riffs are hard, the percussion is solid, the guitar solos are fluid, and the lyrics and vocals are masterful. And, their use of sound-effects really adds to the feel of the album. Not that I’m biased or anything.
The album opens with a metal rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. I’m no flag waving rah-rah type American, but this song makes even me want to run through a battle field, Old Glory streaming behind me. And then, goes straight in to a song called “Declaration Day,” obviously about the Revolutionary War. The pounding bass riff and the screeching vocals really get the pride and anger the revolutionaries must have felt. All in all, a very strong opening.
It then moves on to a slightly less angry, but no less powerful song “When the Eagle Cries” referencing 9/11. I don’t see it as an overtly patriotic song, but more capturing the feel of that morning, the anger, shock, and sadness most of us felt. This is the first song that got me a little misty, and not the last.
The next two tracks, “The Reckoning” and “Green Face” are probably my favorites on the album. Tim Owens screeching vocals and Richard Christy’s double bass pedals really come through on both. If I’m in the car, and either of these come on, I can’t help but to roll down all the windows, crank it up and pound on the steering wheel.
Then comes “Valley Forge” which is great, and probably my favorite lyrically. I’ll let them speak for themselves.
Close your eyes and imagine
the soldier at Valley Forge
The suffering that he endured was real
starvation, total war.
Yet in has eyes the iron will to win
and for the cause, he won't relent
Would he look upon us now in anger and disgust
His politics a birthright and our creed
Will we let ignorance and laziness bring our demise
Complacency, we're blinded by our greed
A little preachy maybe, but I kind of like that some times. It makes me feel superior. :P “Atilla” keeps the adrenaline pumping, with visions of bloodied Romans and an endless sea of barbarians.
“Hollow Man” brings the tone down quite a bit. I’m not a huge fan. Maybe it’s just its placing. After those testosterone laden tracks before it, it brings me to a full stop. Though, I do enjoy the guitar solo at the end.
“Red Baron/ Blue Max” brings it back WAY up. My favorite is when Owens screams “RED BAROOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!”
The last three tracks “The Devil to Pay,” “Hold at All Costs” and “High Water Mark” tell the story of the Battle of Gettysburg. They’re really the crowning achievement of the album. You’ll rock out, you’ll tear up, you’ll never look at Robert E. Lee the same.
I’d definitely recommend anything by Iced Earth, but the Glorious Burden is their best.
Now, on to the beer…
I should establish myself as the resident Hop Head early on. I'll let Dickie speak for himself, but I'm pretty sure he's more into the malty stuff. I'll start with one of my favorite hoppy brews. I chose this one, also because it just happened to be in my fridge and I'm a little tired and don't feel like going out to get something else.
Brewer: Troegs Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA
Beer: HopBack Amber Ale
Serving type: 12oz bottle
ABV: 6%
Pours a medium dark amber color, very few bubbles can be seen. Head is about a finger in thickness, pale, creamy color. Doesn’t stay long, but I’m not the best at pouring yet.
Very strong hop nose to start first sip has a surprisingly prevalent malt flavor that quickly gives way to the hops once again. On the second sip I expect the malt. Definite toffee flavor that lingers on the edges of my tongue. But still, the hops prevail… oh my beautiful, bitter, delicious hops. And as the beer rolls down my throat, I taste a slight fruitiness that I can’t put my finger on. Lacing isn’t too heavy, but it definitely lingers on the glass.
Mouthfeel is primarily light, but the liquid coats my tongue ever so slightly. After a few more sips, I give up reviewing and just enjoy the beer. Could definitely drink a few of these (and I have on multiple occasions). It’s pretty hoppy, but not so strong as to completely assault your palate.
If you’re a raging hophead like me, you’ll love this brew. If not, I feel like you still might be able to enjoy it. Either that, or I'm just too used to hops now. Maybe have a few more moderately hopped beers before this one, but even then, HopBack can bridge the gap to even hoppier beers than itself (See: Stone’s Arrogant Bastard Ale, Clay Pipe’s Hopocolypse, or Victory’s HopDevil).
There ya have it! Matt's post numero uno. Hope you enjoyed. I'm sure the format will change a bit as I get more comfortable posting, so be patient while I find my groove.
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