Night of the Stormrider is the second studio album by the American heavy metal band Iced Earth, released on November 11, 1991, through Century Media Records. It is a concept album based on an idea created by the band's leader, Jon Schaffer. This is the only Iced Earth album to feature lead vocalist John Greely and drummer Rick Secchiari. The album was later re-released in a remixed and remastered version in 2002, produced by Jim Morris.
Concept
The album tells the story of 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, transforming him into the "Stormrider." After the destruction of the world, he is damned forever into the depths of Hell (referenced as the River Styx). Tormented by evil spirits, he eventually sees what he has done and realizes it is too late to repent.
Track Listing
All lyrics and music written by Jon Schaffer, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Angels Holocaust" | 4:53 |
| 2. | "Stormrider" | 4:47 |
| 3. | "The Path I Choose" | 5:54 |
| 4. | "Before the Vision" | 1:35 |
| 5. | "Mystical End" | 4:44 |
| 6. | "Desert Rain" | 6:56 |
| 7. | "Pure Evil" | 6:33 |
| 8. | "Reaching the End" | 1:11 |
| 9. | "Travel in Stygian" | 9:32 |
| Total length: | 46:06 |
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
Production
- Tom Morris – producer, engineer
- Jim Morris – mixing, mastering (2002 remixed/remastered version)
- Axel Hermann – artwork
- Travis Smith – artwork (2002 version)
Genre and Style
The album blends elements of power metal and thrash metal, characteristic of Iced Earth's early sound. It is considered a landmark release in the band's discography and a notable entry in the American heavy metal scene of the early 1990s.
