Is Incorruptible a good place to start with Iced Earth?

Yes, Incorruptible is recommended as a starting point for new Iced Earth listeners. Epic heavy metal anthems merge historical themes with soaring melodies and intricate guitar work, embodying a powerful storytelling tradition. Incorruptible is Iced Earth's twelfth studio album, released during a period of renewed creativity following the return of founding member Jon Schaffer. This album follows their 2014 release Plagues of Babylon, marking a significant phase where the band sought to reconnect with their classic sound while addressing contemporary issues.

Who is Incorruptible for?

Incorruptible works well if you're into epic narratives with historical themes, dynamic journey with emotional peaks and engaging storytelling through powerful vocals.

How many songs are on Incorruptible?

Incorruptible has 10 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Incorruptible

Iced Earth · 2017

54 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

Epic heavy metal anthems merge historical themes with soaring melodies and intricate guitar work, embodying a powerful storytelling tradition.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Great Heathen Army Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its aggressive riffs and battle-themed lyrics, encapsulating Iced Earth’s signature style of storytelling through music.
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Ghost Dance (Awaken the Ancestors) — Blending haunting melodies with powerful lyrics about indigenous struggles, this track illustrates the band's ability to weave historical narratives into compelling music.
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Clear the Way (December 13th, 1862) — This lengthy epic details a pivotal moment in American history, showcasing the band's mastery in creating atmospheric compositions that reflect on complex themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong melodies and intricate guitar work with thematic depth, though it doesn't fully break new ground in heavy metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
Several tracks feature intricate guitar solos that intertwine with melodic vocal lines, emphasizing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
The last track is a historical narrative set to music, featuring orchestral elements that elevate its dramatic impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

epic narratives with historical themes
dynamic journey with emotional peaks
engaging storytelling through powerful vocals
headphone detail hunting for nuances

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid lengthy, narrative-driven albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows renewed creativity and solidifies Iced Earth's presence in metal.
Themes: historical battles· indigenous struggles· American Civil War
Career context: Incorruptible is Iced Earth's twelfth studio album, released during a period of renewed creativity following the return of founding member Jon Schaffer. This album follows their 2014 release Plagues of Babylon, marking a significant phase where the band sought to reconnect with their classic sound while addressing contemporary issues.
Stylistic neighbors: Blind Guardian· Nevermore· Judas Priest