Metal veterans ICED EARTH have released a remixed and remastered version of their landmark second album, “Night Of The Stormrider”, marking the 35th anniversary of its original release on November 11, 1991. Available immediately, the new edition comes without a pre-order period and is in stock, ready for shipping. Originally released through Century Media, this concept album remains one of the band’s most powerful and defining works, delivering a dark, aggressive blend of power and thrash metal that helped establish the foundations of their early sound.
To mark the physical release, ICED EARTH has also unveiled a new video for the track “Travel In Stygian”, which is available to watch below.
Primarily written by founding member and rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer, “Night Of The Stormrider” tells the story of a man betrayed by religion who turns away from it in anger. Consumed by dark forces, he becomes their instrument of vengeance and destruction, transforming into the Stormrider. He unleashes an apocalypse upon the earth before ultimately embracing his fate of eternal damnation. The story unfolds through a series of tracks combining furious riffing, galloping rhythms, atmospheric passages, and soaring melodies. From the explosive opener “Angels Holocaust” and the title track “Stormrider” to the haunting “Desert Rain”, the relentless “Pure Evil” and the epic closing track “Travel In Stygian”, the album delivers a dark and intense conceptual journey.
“Night Of The Stormrider” remains the only ICED EARTH album to feature vocalist John Greely, whose powerful and theatrical performance ranges from deep growls to soaring high screams, and drummer Richey Secchiari. The lineup was completed by founder Jon Schaffer, lead guitarist Randy Shawver, and bassist Dave Abell. Recorded at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida, the album captures the band during a pivotal period, showcasing their growing songwriting ambition and intensity.
To celebrate its 35th anniversary, “Night Of The Stormrider” has received a fresh remix and remastering treatment by Chris “Zeuss” Harris, enhancing the clarity, punch, and depth of the original recordings while retaining the raw power and atmosphere that made the album a classic. A landmark release in early ’90s American metal, “Night Of The Stormrider” remains a powerful testament to Jon Schaffer’s vision and ICED EARTH’s uncompromising early spirit, now sounding more vibrant 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 rest of the world.
