Charlotte metalheads were in for a treat this past Sunday as metal masters Iced Earth made a stop at The Underground on their “Incorruptible Tour” bringing along Sanctuary and Kill Ritual for the ride. The band has recently released their twelfth studio album “Incorruptible” led by the outstanding songwriting of founding guitarist Jon Schaffer. The record is one of the best Iced Earth has done in recent years and fans came out in force for a chance to hear the new tunes in a live setting.
Opening up the night was the guitar driven metal machine named Kill Ritual. With high octane guitars courtesy of Steven Rice and the powerful vocals of David Reed Watson, the band was on fire as they played a short but solid set featuring songs from their latest album “Karma Machine” as well as a nicely done cover of U.F.O.’s “Lights Out.” This is a band that not only sounds great live but has a fun stage presence with bassist Chris Lotesto really playing it up posing for the crowd. It was an impressive performance and I am looking forward to seeing more of Kill Ritual in the near future.
Next up was the American thrash metal of Sanctuary with the masterful guitar work of Lenny Rutledge. This tour is a farewell tour paying tribute to the late Sanctuary vocalist Warrel Dane who passed away late last year. Joining the band as guest vocalist was Joseph Michael of Witherfall who did a fantastic job in a difficult situation. The band sounded tight even amid some emotional moments as they reflected on the late singer and dedicated a song to his memory while fans respectfully rocked out.
After a brief intermission, the moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived as Iced Earth took the stage. Drummer Brent Smedley was first out taking his place behind his massive drum kit complete with cage. The rest of the band followed as frontman Stu Block ran out as they kicked into “Great Heathen Army” from their latest record. From then on, it was an all out metal attack as guitarist Jon Schaffer traded licks with newcomer Jake Dreyer as Smedley and bassist Luke Appleton kept driving the pace. The setlist was heavy with tunes off the “Incorruptible” album and the audience seemed to already be familiar with most of them. Things really got ramped up with “Black Flag” and “Seven Headed Whore” as vocalist Block climbed to the top of Smedley’s drum cage holding on to the ceiling joists for support. New guitarist Jake Dreyer seemed to already feel right at home with the band fitting right in and playing to the crowd with his fist in the air. This was my first time seeing Iced Earth live and it certainly won’t be my last. The band was impressive putting on a hell of a show for their metal brethren. “Stormrider” was a personal favorite of mine as was the set closer “Travel In Stygian.” The crowd was not ready for the night to be over as chants of “Iced! Iced!” began to erupt across the venue. Iced Earth owillingly obliged as they returned for a two song encore featuring new song “Clear The Way” and the classic “Watching Over Me.”
The “Incorruptible” tour was everything a metal fan could ask for with outstanding performances from all three bands. Be sure to check out Iced Earth when they hit a city near you and check them out for yourself.
Set List:
Great Heathen Army
Burning Times
Dystopia
Black Flag
Seven Headed Whore
I Died For You
Vengeance Is Mine
Brothers
Dracula
Raven Wing
Stormrider
Angels Holocaust
Travel In Stygian
Encore:
Clear The Way
Watching Over Me
We would like to thank Jon Freeman from Freeman Promotions for the credentials to review the show.
