Tim "Ripper" Owens - Official Forum

metalus

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155364

In the wake of vocalist Matt Barlow's retirement, dozens of demos and resumes flooded ICED EARTH's management team. But one name kept popping up — INTO ETERNITY vocalist Stu Block (pictured below), who has been named the new lead singer for ICED EARTH.

According to Schaffer, Robert Kampf, CEO of Century Media, early on suggested Block, whose band INTO ETERNITY was previously on the CM label. That reminded Schaffer of one night in September 2008 when INTO ETERNITY opened for ICED EARTH.

"ICED EARTH was backstage waiting to go on," said Schaffer. "We heard one of Stu's incredible wails. I remember turning to Matt and saying, 'Damn, that dude has serious range.'"

So while ICED EARTH's management team sifted through the growing number of prospective vocalists, Schaffer got in touch with Block.

After several phone conversations with the then-prospective ICED EARTH vocalist, Schaffer asked his manager to e-mail Block several key ICED EARTH songs, with the vocals stripped. Block went into his studio and recorded himself singing, then sent the files back to the team.

The result landed Block an intense two days at Schaffer's studio where the two musicians hit it off.

"I felt a lot of chemistry between us, we knocked out a couple of great original pieces of music in no time," said Schaffer. "He's very good at coming up with catchy melodies, and will help with lyrical duties as well. There's no doubt Stu has an amazing vocal range and a lot of energy, but he also has the touring experience, which is a big plus for our plans of performing in all corners of the world."

In addition, Schaffer said Block has what ICED EARTH needs in a front man: "stage presence that includes high energy, passion, and focused rage."

Schaffer added, "Stu is charismatic and understands the depth and varying emotions in ICED EARTH's music. So he will embody not only the emotion of our songs, but he will be able to perform them in a dynamic way. I believe fans are in for some incredible records and live shows in the coming years."

New ICED EARTH vocalist Stu Block concurred: "ICED EARTH fans are wonderful, wonderful people," he said. "The music is so passionate. So they're passionate, and very loyal to the band. I am, too. I'm a huge fan of ICED EARTH myself. So I share that same passion, and I will show it on stage. I think the fans are really going to dig it."

Block continued: "It's a huge honor to be doing this, to be part of this team. It's a dream come true, for sure.”

Schaffer is totally stoked. "This is a new beginning," he said. "It's game-on time. ICED EARTH is going to record and tour like it never has before. The band is really amped-up and ready to hit the ground running in November."

And to prove it, ICED EARTH has released the European leg of a world tour that will take the band to countries it has never previously played. All told, the 2011-2012 ICED EARTH world tour will be the largest the band has undertaken since its inception.

nckissfan · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 4:16 pm Post subject:

I like Stu, and think he will fit in IE very well. He is a cool dude, too. I look forward to the next cd. I am disappointed about Into Eternity, though, hopefully they get their shit in gear, and get a cd out. It has been way too long.
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IcedPriestOfFear · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:33 pm Post subject:

interesting...
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The bass player/vocalist for In Through the Out Door and the bass player/backup vokills for Die Deader

MykeHavoc · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:48 pm Post subject:

I guessed it and was correct. He was the first person that came to mind when Barlow released his statement. I think it's a good fit. Will be interesting to hear what they come up with and what the old songs sound like, for sure.
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Liquidskul · Greenface Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 57

ripperowens213 · Metal GOD Joined: 19 Sep 2008 Posts: 1193

Never even heard of this guy or his band.

I wonder how long it will take before Shafter fires him? 1 Cd 2 Cd's?

I cant wait to hear all the Nut Huggers hating on this poor dude.

Hope he does well.

nckissfan · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:57 pm Post subject:

they already are on the Iced Earth facebook page.
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metalus · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 4:51 am Post subject:

Charger · Sentinel Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 2330 Location: Finland

Never head this guy or about his band before...well good luck to him, working with Jon he sure as hell is gonna need it!
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Gleb Monster · Greenface Joined: 25 Mar 2010 Posts: 74 Location: Russia

oh. I hoped Schaffer now starts singing for IE himself.
when I heard Stu Block for the first time, he seemed pretty cool to me. But then one of my friends showed me the Into Eternity live recording and... I was so, sooo dissapointed

well, this new guy is not bad in studio, but sometimes sounds just like shit live.
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"Country music mixed with a little rock and a little blues..."
Trace Adkins

MykeHavoc · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 11:22 am Post subject:

Well, come on, every singer has on and off days, Give it a chance. You know that Jon will sack him if he doesn't pull through.
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IcedPriestOfFear · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 12:21 pm Post subject:

Liquidskul · Greenface Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 57

nckissfan · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:29 am Post subject:

I have seen Stu sing with Into Eternity 6 times. Only once did he have an off night, might have been sick or something. The other nights he nailed the songs.
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IcedPriestOfFear · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 6:00 am Post subject:

i must say that the new album is a MAJOR improvement from the last one! not knocking Barlow but the songwriting sounds very fresh and in your face much like the vocals! Stu sounds like he is out for the kill on here! they haven't sounded this good since Tim last sang for them
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The bass player/vocalist for In Through the Out Door and the bass player/backup vokills for Die Deader