Released in 1998, Something Wicked This Way Comes offers Iced Earth virtually replicating their previous effort, The Dark Saga, but with somewhat less inspired results. "Burning Times," "Stand Alone," and "My Own Savior" are fine slabs of the classic metal/thrash metal combination the band has become known for, but they lack the spark of yesteryear. "1776" is a humdrum instrumental in the Iron Maiden mold, and while "Watching Over Me" and "Consequences" show the band breaking new melodic ground, "Disciples of the Lie" and "Blessed Are You" are two of the few truly memorable songs. Perhaps time limits are the real problem, as the band seems most at home during the extended compositions comprising the "Something Wicked" trilogy which closes the album. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
Carsten Drescher (Design), Matthew Barlow (Vocals), Jim Morris (Guitar), Jim Morris (Engineer), Jon Schaffer (Guitar), Jim Morris (Keyboards), Jon Schaffer (Vocals (Background)), Jon Schaffer (Cover Art Concept), Larry Tarnowski (Guitar), Howard Helm (Piano), Travis Smith (Artwork), Jim Morris (Vocals (Background)), Jim Morris (Mandolin), James Macdonough (Bass), Carsten Drescher (Artwork), Greg Capullo (Artwork), Jim Morris (Producer)
Something Wicked This Way Comes is Americanheavy metal band Iced Earth's fifth album, released on July 7, 1998, by Century Media Records. It is the band's first album featuring lead guitarist Larry Tarnowski, and also features the return of former studio drummer Mark Prator, who wasn't part of the band during re-recording sessions for Days of Purgatory.
The song "Watching Over Me" was written in memory of Bill Blackmon, a friend of Jon Schaffer's who had died in a motorcycle accident. He also suggested the name Iced Earth to Jon.
The live version of "Stormrider" included as a bonus track on the Japanese release (As well as the 2008 reissue of Night of the Stormrider) was recorded at the 1998 Wacken Open Air festival.
