The Glorious Burden

The Glorious Burden stands as the seventh studio album released by the American power metal group Iced Earth. This concept album delves into significant episodes of military history, covering events such as the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence, the American Revolutionary War, and the Battle of Waterloo. It also honors occurrences including World War I, the World Trade Center attacks, and the military campaigns led by Attila the Hun.

Central to the album is a trilogy named Gettysburg (1863), with each track symbolizing one day of the Battle of Gettysburg, a crucial engagement during the American Civil War.

This album introduces lead vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens, who joined after his period with Judas Priest. Although initially recorded with original singer Matt Barlow, band founder Jon Schaffer expressed dissatisfaction with Barlow’s contributions, attributing this to Barlow’s increased focus on his law enforcement career following the September 11 events. As a result, Barlow exited, and Owens assumed vocal duties full-time. Nonetheless, some backing vocals by Barlow remain on the record, and he co-authored two songs.

The Glorious Burden is unique in featuring guitarist Ralph Santolla and represents the final studio participation for bassist James MacDonough and drummer Richard Christy.

The album was distributed in three editions: a limited two-disc digipak, alongside single-disc versions released in both American and European markets. Accompanying this release are music videos for "The Reckoning (Don't Tread on Me)", "Declaration Day", and an acoustic rendition of "When the Eagle Cries (Unplugged)".

Personnel

Iced Earth Tim "Ripper" Owens – lead vocals Jon Schaffer – rhythm guitar, lead guitar (except on "Declaration Day," "Red Baron/Blue Max," "Hollow Man," "Valley Forge," and "When the Eagle Cries"), acoustic guitar, backing vocals; co-lead vocals ("High Water Mark - II. The Burden of Command") Ralph Santolla – lead guitar on "Declaration Day," "Red Baron/Blue Max," "Hollow Man," and "Valley Forge" James MacDonough – bass guitar Richard Christy – drums Guest musicians Jim Morris – lead guitar on "When the Eagle Cries" Matt Barlow – backing vocals Sam King – backing vocals Jeff Day – backing vocals Howard Helm – piano Susan McQuinn – flute and piccolo Michael LoBue – bagpipes Prague Philharmonic Orchestra – featured on Gettysburg (1863) Trilogy

Production Jim Morris – producer, engineer, mastering Jon Schaffer – producer Tom Morris – mastering Leo Hao – artwork illustrations Travis Smith – layout design