by Ed RivadaviaReleased in 1998, Something Wicked This Way Comes offers Iced Earth virtually replicating their previous effort The Dark Saga, but with somewhat less inspired results. "Burning Times," "Stand Alone," and "My Own Savior" are fine slabs of the classic metal / thrash metal combination the band has become known for, but they lack the spark of yesteryear. "1776" is a humdrum instrumental in the Iron Maiden mold, and while "Watching Over Me" and "Consequences" show the band breaking new melodic ground, "Disciples of the Lie" and "Blessed Are You" are two of the few truly memorable songs. Perhaps time limits are the real problem, as the band seems most at home during the extended compositions comprising the "Something Wicked" trilogy which closes the album.