The follow up to the excellent "Horrorshow" has definitely acheived what a follow up should do. There are actually times when i think this album blows away HS... The material is definitely a lot more epic and as a whole is a lot more fulfilling then HS as a whole. The only thing that makes this release just as good/a little better than HS is the fact that there is no Barlow. As you may have heard months ago, Matthew Barlow quit IE to join some sort of national security shit. Lame decision but I guess I respect it. If Barlow was on this album... I can't even imagine how amazing it would be. Anyways, Ripper Owens' vocals suit this album 92% of the time... the only time it doesnt really click is on "Reckoning (Dont Tread On Me)" that song was definitely written when Barlow was still in the band and was totally geared for his vocal style. Although it still sounds good, it just sounds like Barlow should be bellowing on that track. Overall... this album fucking rules and the title opus "The Glorious Burden" is a three part epic and is definitely the highlight of this album. Also, the artwork on this thing fucking rules. BUY THIS WHEN IT IS RELEASED!!!!

Thank you so much for posting that review. It answered pretty much all my concerns/questions. Does the patriotism ever get annoying or can you focus on the music pretty much?

Still, nothing will ever top:
"I'll cut you once,
cut you twice,
You're my midnight sacrifice.."

Also, is Digiorgio on this? I dont think so but I'm not sure.

the patriotism is tasteful. its a concept album so of course there is going to be a lot of patriotic themes... but surprisingly... the 3 part epic is actually about the war of gettysburg from a confederate soldier's point of view. so its not all like "oh yes... we prevailed because we are america" or something like that. its actually kinda sad. amazing album. and no... i dont think DiGiorgio is on this. about a year ago i was reading on Steve's official forum that he loathes Schaffer because he is oh so arrogant and is an asshole and stuff. oh... the opening track on the album is a wicked version of the Star Spangled Banner =)

DiGiorgio "left" after Horror Show (He was essentially supposed to only play on the album, according to him...but Schaffer thought he was going to tour or something, and everything got kinda crazy.) James McDonough is back [He played bass on Something Wicked, Alive in Athens, and the tribute album...and on the re-recorded tracks for Days of Purgatory, I think.]

Cryptic Anthony said:

Then you obviously haven't heard When the Eagle Cries.

Cheesiest song ever.

Cryptic Anthony said: