Overture of the Wicked

Overture of the Wicked is a 2007 EP by Iced Earth, serving as a precursor to the full-length album 'Framing Armageddon'. It features re-recorded versions of the 'Something Wicked Trilogy' originally found on the 1998 album 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'. This release is significant for featuring vocalist Tim 'Ripper' Owens, whose operatic and aggressive style provides a distinct contrast to the original recordings. The EP showcases Jon Schaffer's signature 'galloping' guitar style with modern, high-fidelity production that emphasizes the rhythmic tightness of the band. Critically, it was seen as a bridge between eras, updating the band's core mythology for a new generation of fans while demonstrating the technical prowess of the mid-2000s lineup. The tracks form a cohesive narrative arc concerning the 'Set Abominae' character, blending elements of power, thrash, and progressive metal into a singular, dark aesthetic.