THE DARK SAGA

'''The Dark Saga''' is a concept album by the American heavy metal band Iced Earth. The album is based upon the comic book character Spawn created by Todd McFarlane, who also provided the album artwork. It tells the story of a man who sells his soul to the devil in order to return to his true love on Earth. But he soon discovers that she is married to his own best friend. He is left completely alone in the world, and although he has good inside, he is influenced by dark forces. Everything that he desires is denied, even his own death.
The majority of the songs on the album are short, running no longer than 4 minutes in length, except for the last four songs which all clock in over four minutes. Most of the song structures are much simpler and more straightforward than those on the previous Iced Earth albums. Many fans note the improved vocal range of lead singer Matt Barlow, who had taken singing lessons after the release of Burnt Offerings. This is also the first Iced Earth album featuring drummer Mark Prator, and the last new release featuring bassist Dave Abell. There is also a limited edition digipak version floating around in Europe that includes a cover of "The Ripper" by Judas Priest as a bonus track. It also appears on the reissue of The Melancholy E.P..

Contents

Track listing

Credits

Track listing

# "Dark Saga" (Schaffer) – 3:43
# "I Died For You" (Schaffer) – 3:47
# "Violate" (Schaffer) – 3:38
# "The Hunter" (Schaffer) – 3:55
# "The Last Laugh" (Schaffer, Shawver, Barlow) – 3:47
# "Depths Of Hell" (Schaffer, Shawver, Simmons) – 3:01
# "Vengeance Is Mine" (Schaffer, Shawver, Barlow) – 4:22
# "Scarred" (Schaffer, Shawver) – 5:54
# "Slave To The Dark" (Schaffer) – 4:03
# "A Question Of Heaven" (Schaffer) – 7:40
# "The Ripper" (Tipton) – 2:44 (only on Limited Edition)

Credits

★ Jon Schaffer - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

★ Matt Barlow - Lead Vocals

★ Randall Shawver - Lead Guitar

★ Dave Abell - Bass Guitar

★ Mark Prator - Drums