ICED EARTH: Drummer BRENT SMEDLEY Rejoins The Fold

10 October 2006

ICED EARTH mainman Jon Schaffer has sent the following announcement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"I just wanted to make a quick and exciting announcement that I think many of you will be very happy about. Brent Smedley is coming back to ICED EARTH for the recording and touring of the 'Something Wicked' saga Parts 1& 2, and beyond.

"For those of you not familiar, you can hear Brent's amazing drumming on the 'Alive in Athens' CD, which in my opinion is the best thing about the recording. I can tell you that on a personal level this makes me very happy. Brent left the band about seven years ago due to personal issues and I've missed him ever since.

"WELCOME BACK BROTHER!! The machine-gun-tight rhythm section is back!!!!

"I wish Bobby Jarzombek [HALFORD, SEBASTIAN BACH] the best of luck in his future endeavors; it was a pleasure jamming with him in the short time that we did.

"Due to a personal situation, Ernie Carletti will not be able to participate in band activities. I will be making a significant announcement concerning the guitar and bass player positions very soon. Also, the writing is going well and things are on track. I will post some details soon on www.icedearth.com. As challenging as this gigantic story is to tell in music, I have no doubt that it will be the pinnacle of ICED EARTH's work thus far"

ICED EARTH in late June announced the addition of Elkton, MD guitarist Ernie Carletti to the group's ranks.

Carletti is currently facing charges in Delaware in connection with the rape of a 19-year-old University of Delaware student back in May of 2003. Other charges against Carletti are kidnapping and weapons possession.

Schaffer is currently working on a concept album based on the "Something Wicked This Way Comes" story that first appeared on ICED EARTH's 1998 album of the same name. A 2007 release is expected.

ICED EARTH's last release was the "Gettysburg (1863)" DVD, which came out in June 2005. The main program, a CGI-rendered video presentation of the epic "Gettysburg" trilogy from 2004's acclaimed album "The Glorious Burden", drew praise from fans and media alike. The DVD was also reportedly being used as a teaching tool in several high schools across the country.

Source: blabbermouth.net

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