Influential metal band Iced Earth have released a remixed and remastered edition of their seminal second album, “Night of the Stormrider“, exactly 35 years to the day since its original release on 11 November 1991. The release comes without pre-orders and is in stock, ready to be shipped. First issued via Century Media, this concept album is one of the band’s most intense and enduring statements: a dark, aggressive power/thrash metal epic that helped define their early sound.
To coincide with the physical release, the band have unveiled a new video for the track “Travel in Stygian“, which is available to view below.
Stream the remixed and remastered version of “Night of the Stormrider”: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/icedearth/night-of-the-stormrider-35th-anniversary-remix-2
Written primarily by founder and rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer, the album follows a man betrayed by religion who turns away in rage. Dark forces claim him as their vessel of vengeance and destruction, transforming him into the Stormrider. He brings apocalypse to the earth before accepting his fate in eternal damnation. The narrative unfolds across tracks that blend furious riffing, galloping rhythms, atmospheric passages, and soaring melodies, from the explosive opener “Angels Holocaust” and the title track “Stormrider” through the haunting “Desert Rain”, the relentless “Pure Evil”, and the epic closer “Travel in Stygian”.
This is the only Iced Earth album to feature vocalist John Greely (whose powerful, theatrical delivery ranges from growls to high screams) and drummer Richey Secchiari, alongside Schaffer, lead guitarist Randy Shawver, and bassist Dave Abell. Recorded at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, it captured the band at a pivotal period of songwriting intensity and ambition.
For the 35th anniversary, the album has been freshly remixed and remastered by Zeuss, bringing greater clarity, punch, and depth to the original recordings while preserving the raw power and atmosphere that made it a classic. A landmark of early ’90s American metal, “Night of the Stormrider” stands as a testament to Schaffer’s vision and the band’s uncompromising early fire, now sounding more vital than ever.
Jon Schaffer states: “Stormrider was a big step forward for Iced Earth. It was the second album that we had done on 24-track, 2-inch tape. I’m really stoked to hear this new mix by Zeuss. He really did a great job. We were on a really tight budget back in those days, and this is a very complex and intense record. It really benefits from this new mix. There is a whole new level of detail and life in the drums and bass guitar. John’s vocals have never sounded better on this record. It’s the pinnacle of audio quality and packaging to date for this classic record. I think the die-hards will dig this.“
The “Night of the Stormrider” 35th anniversary release includes:
- Red/Black Ripple icedearthmerch.com exclusive vinyl – Limited to 100 Copies
- Silver/Black Ice vinyl – Limited to 100 Copies
- Blue/Black Galaxy – Limited to 250 Copies
- CDs with slipcase – Limited to 1000 Copies
- 1/4 inch reel to reel tape Limited to 50 Copies and Cassettes Limited to 200 Copies at www.dissonanttapes.com
- Stormrider 35th Anniversary T-shirts – Limited to 100 at icedearthmerch.com
Get your copies now via www.icedearthmerch.com for North America and The Circle Music for Europe and ROW.
“Night of the Stormrider” Tracklisting:
1. Angels Holocaust
2. Stormrider
3. The Path I Choose
4. Before the Vision
5. Mystical End
6. Desert Rain
7. Pure Evil
8. Reaching the End
9. Travel in Stygian
ICED EARTH (1991 Line-up)
Jon Schaffer – Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Vocals
Randall Shawver – Lead Guitar
John Greely – Lead Vocals
Dave Abell – Bass Guitar
Richey Secchiari – Drums
Produced by Jon Schaffer and Tom Morris
Recorded in 15 days in September 1991
Remixed and Remastered by Zeuss 2026
Iced Earth online:
Website: http://www.icedearth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIcedEarth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icedearth_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialIcedEarth
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/iced-earth/18030030
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3KEixcRfBS5K3E91Vn1Kdy
