Horrorshow - A Turning Point in Iced Earth Legacy

 

Introduction

In this post, I talk about the music of Horror Show and the lineup changes that followed. This album marked the end of the classic Matt Barlow era, the beginning and end of the Ripper Owens era, and the eventual return — and second exit — of Matt. It’s one of the most important transition points in Iced Earth history. I also have my video from YouTube as you scroll down.

Horror Show Turns 25 Years Old

On this day 25 years ago, Iced Earth released Horror Show, a full concept album based on classic monsters and horror film icons. Matt Barlow’s voice is incredible on this album — layered, powerful, and dramatic.

This album marked the debut of Richard Christy on drums and the only studio appearance of Steve DiGiorgio, who didn’t tour with the band but is known for his work with Testament and Megadeth.

What made Horror Show unique is that it featured more of Matt’s writing than usual, since Jon Schaffer typically wrote the majority of Iced Earth’s music. My favorite track has always been Dragon’s Child, and Matt also contributed to songs like Ghost of Freedom and Dragon’s Child.

Matt Barlow’s Exit (2002–2003)

Matt did appear on Tribute to the Gods in 2002, but Horror Show was his last original album before leaving. Matt told Jon in late 2002 that he wanted to step away from the band, and Jon actually talked him into staying a little longer. But during the early sessions for The Glorious Burden the following year, Jon felt the passion wasn’t there anymore.

Matt wanted to give back to society, become a police officer, and spend more time with his family. He cut his famous “7‑layer hair” — hair down to his lower back — and fully committed to a new life. He became a police officer in Delaware, a job he still holds today.

Because Matt was leaving, Jon brought in Tim "Ripper" Owens in late 2003. Which Ripper debut would be on the Reckoning EP. Matt had recorded early versions of The Glorious Burden, but Jon felt Matt’s heart wasn’t in it anymore, so he chose to move forward with Ripper.

Ripper Era and Matt’s Return (2003–2008)

Ripper originally joined Iced Earth as a favor from Judas Priest, but once Halford returned to Priest, Ripper became Iced Earth’s full‑time vocalist. He recorded The Glorious Burden and Framing Armageddon (Part I).

Ripper left in late 2007 — and it wasn’t a warm exit. It was abrupt and cold.

Ripper has stated in several interview that he had a bad falling out with Jon Schaffer and will never return as their singer. But at least Iced Earth doesn't try to erase Ripper from the history. Priest acts like Ripper were never in the band. I liked Ripper in the band, but Ripper voice wasn't the same on the Barlow's songs.

Meanwhile, Matt returned to music in April 2007 as the singer for Pyramaze, and recording the excellent album of Immortal. Which came out in 2008.

Later that same year, Matt officially returned to Iced Earth and recorded the ep of I walk Among you which came out in June of 2008. Matt also sang The Crucible of Man. But this album was written for Ripper’s voice, not Matt’s, which forced Matt into a vocal style that wasn’t natural for him. It created challenges and made the album feel like a mismatch.This could explain why those songs aren't played a lot between 2008 to 2011 with Matt. 

Matt Barlow told Jon in the spring of 2011 that he would finish the European tour and was done with the band. Which Matt last show was in August of 2011.

Matt would leave again in 2011 because he couldn’t tour full‑time anymore, which clashed with what Iced Earth needed at the time. Stu Block would join afterward and remain until the band’s hiatus in 2021.

Video

Closing Thoughts

When you look back, Horror Show is the moment everything changed. Matt left, Ripper came in, Matt came back, and the band kept shifting. But this album captured the last real spark of that classic era. Twenty‑five years later, it still hits hard and still shows why Matt Barlow was one of the best underrated voices in metal. Let me know your thoughts!