Night of the Stormrider

Night of the Stormrider is the second studio album by the American heavy metal band Iced Earth, released in 1991 through Century Media Records. It is a concept album centered on an idea that was created by the band's leader Jon Schaffer. Night of the Stormrider is the only Iced Earth album to feature lead singer John Greely and drummer Rick Secchiari. The album was re-released in a remixed and remastered version in 2002 by producer Jim Morris.

Concept meaning

The album's concept is about a man who is betrayed by religion and turns away from it in anger. The dark forces of nature reach out to this enraged man and use him as their vessel to bring death and destruction to Earth. He is commanded to travel to a desert, where he is given visions that reveal the truth of humanity, and warp his mind further to make him the "Stormrider". After the destruction of the world, he is then damned forever into the depths of Hell, also referenced as the River Styx. After being forever damned and taunted by evil spirits, he eventually sees what he has done, and realizes that it is too late to repent.

Track listing

All lyrics and music written by Jon Schaffer, except where noted.

Personnel

Iced Earth

• John Greely – vocals
• Jon Schaffer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals (on track 2), co-producer
• Randall Shawver – lead guitar
• Dave Abell – bass
• Rick Secchiari – drums

Additional musicians

• Roger Huff – keyboards
• Kent Smith – keyboards

Other personnel

• Tom Morris – producer, engineer
• Jim Morris – mixing, mastering (on 2002 remixed and remastered version)
• Axel Hermann – artwork
• Travis Smith – artwork (on 2002 remixed and remastered version)
• Rick Borstelman – artwork
• Frank Albrecht – photography
• Dirk Rudolph – layout
• Philipp Schulte – product coordination

References