Ashes of Ares will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “The Dark Saga” of Iced Earth with a tour in 2025
ASHES OF ARES announced a European tour in autumn on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of “The Dark Saga“, Iced Earth’s third study album, published in 1996. The group, led by the band’s ex -women Matt Barlow (voice) and Freddie Vidales (guitar), prepares to take the album to the live.
In an interview, Barlow has given the keys to this anniversary tour and left the door open for a return to Iced Earth.
Personal motivations and memories
Matt Barlow explains to The Metal Voice that, for him, “The Dark Saga” marked a positive turning point for the band. “I can’t talk about Iced Earth without talking about my entry into the band with ‘Burnt Offerings‘. That was huge for me … but it was a difficult time for the band, “he said. Barlow stressed that” The Dark Saga “was a renewal:” For me, and I think for Jon too, it was a renewal, a new impulse for the band. “
A story about Spawn
The connection with the universe of Spawnthe comic character created by Todd McFarlane And that stars the story of “The Dark Saga”, emerged casually. “We were celebrating Christmas … I think I bought Jon a Batman figure, and the other boys liked Spawn figures. And he said: ‘What the hell is this?’” From there, Schaffer immersed himself in the character’s historywhich would end up inspiring the narrative of the album.
A professional growth stage
Barlow also remembers how the album represented an important development in its career as a vocalist. “It was a very good growth experience with that album. I started working with a vocal coach who really understood my voice … He taught me to focus on my strengths and highlight them,” he explains. In addition, he collaborated with producer Jim Morris, which helped him transfer that evolution to the live.
Musical celebration without political connotations
Regarding whether they are worried about celebrating the anniversary of “The Dark Saga” after Jon Schaffer’s legal problemsMatt Barlow was clear: “We know everything that has happened … for me, and I think for fans, the important thing is music.” He adds: “We are going to celebrate Jon and what he has done. He has composed incredible music, and I have been lucky enough to be part of that.”
Barlow also confirms that they have had the Okay of Schaffer to make this tour: “Yes. Obviously, we have things that we must meet … We will not use Iced Earth logos, and we will make sure the promoters do not. Jon, as an author, will receive its part for the music played live“.
A possible return to Iced Earth?
On a hypothetical return to ICED Earth if the band reactivates, Barlow, who is brother -in -law of Schaffer and in 2020 they collaborated again in the EP “Winter Nights”, says: “That It depends totally on jon. It is his band one hundred percent … but he would be delighted if that happened, either with me or with another person. And I can’t talk about it, because I don’t think this time … it is not even in the long term at this time. “
After the public reappearance of Jon Schaffer, the guitarist and leader of Iced Earth said that he wants to make music “to glorify God.”
Ashes of Ares edited his homonymous debut in 2013, which followed “Well Of Souls” and the EP “Throne Of Iniquity”.
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