Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Interview By Ali Blackdiamond

Self – described “hybrid vocalist,” due to his skill in different vocal styles and ranges, ICED EARTH‘s Stu Block is busy preparing for the imminent release of new album, “Plagues Of Babylon,” (6th January on Century Media Records) along with the Worldwide Plagues Tour. Stu joined ICED EARTH in 2011, replacing vocalist Matt Barlow and went on to release his first album with the band, the highly acclaimed “Dystopia.”

Blackdiamond had a chat with Stu just before Christmas to discuss the new album and all things ICED EARTH. Some excerpts from the interview can be read below and you can listen in full on the audio player:

Discussing new album “Plagues Of Babylon” Stu described his thoughts:

“I’m excited! It’s up to the fans – I can’t wait to see what they have to say about it. We’re happy with it, we’re proud of the album.

The first half is a concept piece about the zombie apocalypse, being sort of placed inside the Something Wicked universe and the second half is stand alone songs, ones that have their own subject matter. It’s all very dark and very heavy, we’re really proud of it.”

“Plagues Of Babylon” will also be released on vinyl, prompting a discussion:

“It’s something that a lot of people are holding onto again, I have a bit of a vinyl collection myself – you get more artwork on that kinda stuff, you can see more detail. You get picture discs, the sound is pretty cool, I think some people are getting back into it.”

On Stu‘s future, when asked if he had other plans as well as his role in ICED EARTH, he said:

“I just see Iced Earth in my future, that’s all.”