Dystopia (Iced Earth album)

Dystopia
Studio album by
Iced Earth
ReleasedOctober 17, 2011
RecordedMay–July 2011[1]
StudioMorrisound Recording
Genre
Length45:05
LabelCentury Media
Producer
Iced Earth chronology
The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Part 2
(2008) 		Dystopia
(2011) 		Plagues of Babylon
(2014)
Alternative cover
Tour Edition cover

Dystopia is the tenth studio album by American heavy metal band Iced Earth. Released on October 17, 2011, it was the band's first album to feature vocalist Stu Block, who joined after previous vocalist Matt Barlow left the band. Dystopia was also the only Iced Earth studio album to feature bassist Freddie Vidales and drummer Brent Smedley until his return in 2015.

The album was recorded during the summer of 2011 at Morrisound Recording, with co-producer Jim Morris. While not a concept album, many of the album's songs are inspired by dystopian themes and films,[2] very much like the group's 2001 album Horror Show, which was largely inspired by horror films and other similar subjects.[3] Two songs off of Dystopia (the title track and "Tragedy and Triumph") feature the return of rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer's Something Wicked concept, which has appeared on many of the band's previous albums.[2]

During its first week, the album sold over 6,000 copies in the United States and charted in eight countries, including Germany, Finland and the UK.[4][5][6] The album was met with a very positive response, with some critics calling it one of Iced Earth's best albums.[7][8] Many also praised Stu Block's performance and wide vocal range. Dystopia was followed by a world tour which included dates in countries that Iced Earth had never played before, including Cyprus, China and Australia.[9][10]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Stu Block interview was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b "Iced Earth reveal cover art and release dates". Icedearth.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
  3. ^ "Horror Show". Icedearth.com. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
  4. ^ "Dystopia first week sales". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  5. ^ ""Dystopia" music video". Blabbermouth.net. October 28, 2011. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
  6. ^ "Dystopia Finnish chart position". Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland ry. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  7. ^ "Dystopia review". Imperiumi.net. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  8. ^ "Dystopia review". Hallowed.se. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
  9. ^ "First-Ever Chinese Shows | The Official Iced Earth Website". Icedearth.com. Archived from the original on February 13, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  10. ^ "First-Ever Australian Shows | The Official Iced Earth Website". Icedearth.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.