American Metal has had many problems in recent years via the various attempts of those hoping to experiment outside the box and deliver a new found premise of sorts all in the name of musical evolution. However, if I may be a bit cliché here, as the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Surely we could have skipped the nu-metal movement and rap metal was equally ridiculous. As for the hardcore, emo, screamo crap that is popular among some youth of today, it too falls drastically short. Thank God that we have bands such as Iced Earth to save us from such abomination. As a band who continues to instill traditional Metal values by only improving upon their abilities and not trying to redefine the genre, there may yet be hope for the scene here in the states. In addition to excellent musicianship the creative force behind the band, Mr. Jon Schaffer is also a fantastic storyteller. I recently had the immense pleasure of speaking with Jon in regard to his latest masterpiece The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Part 2 where he gives quite an in depth look at the concept behind the album. Boasting a bit of surprise information, he also let me in on some unknown facts surrounding the departure of Tim “Ripper Owens” and the return of long time vocalist Matt Barlow to the bands ranks. Listen in to the 30+ minute interview below.