The Dark Saga

About

"The Dark Saga" is the fourth studio album by American heavy metal band Iced Earth, released on 23 July 1996. It was the first album to feature drummer Mark Prator and the last to feature bassist Dave Abell and lead guitarist Randall Shawver. It was also the first Iced Earth album to be co-produced by Jim Morri, who subsequently worked on all of the band's later release. Recorded between January and February 1996, "The Dark Saga" is a concept album based on the comic book character Spawn, created by Todd McFarlane. The character also appears on the album cover. Compared with the band's previous release, the album adopted a more melodic and streamlined musical style, with most songs lasting less than four minute. According to rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer, the stylistic shift reflected a more positive atmosphere during the writing process and a move away from the musical direction of the previous album, "Burnt Offerings". Although Dave Abell performed on the album, bassist Keith Menser appeared on the back cover because Century Media Records chose to feature the touring line-up. Menser was later replaced by James MacDonough. Mark Prator was also replaced after the recording sessions by Brent Smedley and consequently did not appear on the back cover. "The Dark Saga" was the first Iced Earth album not to be co-produced by Tom Morri. Instead, it was produced by Jon Schaffer and Jim Morri. The album cover depicts Spawn. Schaffer, a fan of the character, initially contacted Todd McFarlane's promotional staff regarding the possibility of contributing music to the forthcoming Spawn film adaptation and animated serie. After meeting McFarlane, Schaffer obtained his agreement to create the album artwork. Schaffer subsequently decided to base the entire album on the character. Although McFarlane was initially hesitant, he ultimately permitted the project to proceed. "The Dark Saga" was promoted through comic book shops and appearances at comic book convention. Although Todd McFarlane expressed approval of the album, Iced Earth's music was not used in either the Spawn film or the animated serie. During the supporting tour, the band performed its first headlining concerts in Germany. .

via Last.fm

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