IcedEarth.com checked in with Tim Owens this week to
get a brief update on the current events taking place
in the ICED EARTH world including the U.K. fall tour
in support of HEAVEN AND HELL as well as his comments
on news this week that former ICED EARTH vocalist
Matthew Barlow has returned to metal as the new
frontman for Danish band PYRAMAZE.

IE.com: The forthcoming [ICED EARTH EP], "Framing
Armageddon", is due for release in late August or
early September which is before you tour to support
HEAVEN AND HELL in the UK but not before the summer
festivals (Sweden Rock, Rockwave, Wacken Open Air).
Will you be playing new material from "Framing
Armageddon" at the festivals? If so, roughly how many
songs will you perform from that record?

Tim: Well, we haven't even talked about the songs yet,
one step at a time. I would think that for the summer
we will play the single but not sure if anything else
off "Framing Armageddon". I wouldn't think anything
else! Gotta lot of tunes to chose from…with a back
catalog as big as it is!

IE.com: Mixing for "Framing Armageddon" is scheduled
for early May. The tracklist contains a whopping 18
songs. Do you have any personal favorites among them?

Tim: Man, I love 'em all…I love the track "Framing
Armageddon", It is heavy and I like the heavy stuff.
But really they all sound great, a lot of light and
shade on it, and that is what you want if you like
ICED EARTH.

IE.com: "Framing Armageddon" marks your second tour of
studio duty with Jon Schaffer and Jim Morris. On your
ICED EARTH debut, "The Glorious Burden", you arrived
at Morrisound after the entire album had been written
and actually recorded. What did you learn from your
first studio experience with Jon and Jim that helped
you prepare for the recording of the new material,
knowing now that you will be the voice of ICED EARTH
for many years to come?

Tim: Well, It is a good time in the studio with them,
we laugh a lot! The new stuff just sounds great, I
love it, and it has been a good time doing it. I think
we all know a little more what to expect on this CD.

IE.com: Former ICED EARTH vocalist Matt Barlow
announced this month his return to metal with the
Danish band PYRAMAZE. Have you had an opportunity to
meet or converse with Matt since you joined ICED
EARTH?

Tim: Man, I think it's great, Matt is a great guy and
a great singer — I'm glad he is back in the metal
game. I met Matt years ago, I think around '97 at a
JUDAS PRIEST show. I saw Matt and Jon standing
somewhere by the merchandise booth so I talked with
them and got them backstage to hang out after the
show. I stayed in touch with Jon after that. But I
would say Matt is a friend, I have nothing but kind
words and respect for him.

IE.com: Any comments on your upcoming tour in support
of HEAVEN AND HELL this November in the UK? Given the
relatively short history of the Dio-era BLACK SABBATH
lineup, touring with them is a rare opportunity for
any band which may never happen again.

Tim: This will be a blast. Ronnie is a great guy and
with Wendy [Dio] being the manager of BEYOND FEAR
[Owens' side project] and knowing how they run their
operation, this should be killer! My favorite SABBATH
was with Ronnie at the helm, however I did love
SABBATH with Ozzy as well, and Ian Gillian…But Ronnie
is the man! Maybe I will get up and sing a little
"Neon Knights" with them…hahahahah!

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