Iced Earth/Sanctuary/Kill Ritual
March 17, 2018
Atlanta, GA
The Masquerade (Heaven)
Review by: Eric Layton
The luck of the Irish was definitely with the faithful metal soldiers in attendance at the newly renovated Masquerade Saturday night as Iced Earth rolled into Atlanta. Jon and the guys were supporting their most recent release “Incorruptible”. Sanctuary and Kill Ritual rounded out the bill for an epic night of killer music.
Kill Ritual kicked off the evening’s festivities with a high energy, in-your-face performance. I really knew nothing of this band but after I saw them I had homework to do. These guys have been around since 2010, and originally formed from members of Imagika, Dark Angel, and Eldritch. The current lead singer, David Reed Watson, was all over the stage belting out anthemic tunes. He busted out into the crowd several times, jumping on the rail and singing with the audience. They reminded me of a heavier, early Alice In Chains. These guys were really good and I would recommend checking them out.
Sanctuary took the stage next with a tribute performance to Warrel Dane, who passed away suddenly in December of 2017. This tour was not only a farewell to Warrel, a but a farewell to the band. Joseph Michael (Witherfall, ex-White Wizzard) was chosen for lead vocals for the tour and his performance was perfect. Joseph has an amazing range and displayed its glory Saturday night. Aside from sound issues for the first part of the set, they were great and I’m glad I was finally able to see this classic band.
Jon Schaffer and the most recent incarnation of Iced Earth took the stage and decimated the audience. Stu Block’s vocals and energy transcended anything I could have ever expected. Jake Dwyer (ex-White Wizzard) blistered through the leads and Jon’s rhythm guitar combined for an all-out assault on the senses. The guys moved about the stage effortlessly and seemed to be having a blast. The set list was heavy with selections from the new album, like Raven Wing, Black Flag, and Brothers, as well as some of their classic hits from a storied 30-year career. For me, the encore of Watching Over Me was the highlight of the night. These guys left it all on the stage with an amazing performance.
I was up on the front rail for the entire show. I had every intention of leaving my spot a few songs before the end to grab my merch and be near the door to make my long drive home by the last song but Iced Earth prevented that from happening. The performance was spellbinding and I couldn’t pull myself away. I would look back at the merch table and ponder the crowd-free shopping I could be enjoying, then back at the stage and the choice was simple. I witnessed one of the greatest performances I have seen in a very long time. They sold out of the tour shirt by the time I got there but nothing will replace the memories of this mind blowing performance.
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