ICED EARTH Opens Auditions For Bassist To Complete 2008 Touring Lineup

ICED EARTH is seeking a deeply passionate and motivated bass guitarist to complete the band's touring lineup for the 2008 tour season. If you have the chops to join Jon Schaffer and Brent Smedley in metal's most bulletproof rhythm section, read on.

Applicants MUST possess the following:

1. A demonstrated ability to play with impeccable timing and accuracy.
2. A commanding stage presence that bleeds intensity, aggression, and emotion.
3. Confidence in themselves but also a willingness to be a team player.
4. Proficiency in finger-style playing with some picking experience.
5. Residency in the United States (Midwest residence is a bonus, but not required).
6. A familiarity with the ICED EARTH catalog.
7. A flexible work schedule, as this is not an offer for a full-time band position. However, should you land the gig and exceed our expectations in 2008, an opportunity for further collaboration on tour and in the studio will certainly be considered.

Applicants should submit the following:

1. A demo video on DVD is preferred, but an audio CD or cassette tape of your performance is also acceptable.
2. A photo of yourself if you do not submit a demo in video format.
3. A brief biography outlining your experience and gear setup.
4. Contact address, e-mail address, and phone number should we wish to interview you further.

ICED EARTH writes in a press release, "Before we outline the format of your demo submission, know that, we ARE NOT INTERESTED in listening to a fully produced recording. DO NOT send us ONLY a finished CD release from any band that you have played with. We cannot judge your level of timing and accuracy if you send us a recording that's been mixed and produced. A simple LIVE home video or audio recording on a CD/cassette tape that documents your playing is all we need to know if you possess the finely-tuned skills we require. This, in addition to any recording of a live performance will be a plus in telling us what we need to know."

The following is what is required for further consideration:

1. A recording of you sitting down by yourself and playing LIVE along to a click-track.
2. Playing a minimum of four songs of varying tempos from ICED EARTH or a combination of songs from ICED EARTH and legendary bands such as IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH or RUSH. Pick well-known songs with challenging bass lines.

Please send your bio and demo materials in video or audio format to:

Spirit of 76 Collectibles
1728 17th Street
Columbus, Indiana
47201

* Please note that demos will not be returned.

If you have further questions, e-mail [email protected].

ICED EARTH's official web site, IcedEarth.com, posted a 36-minute audio interview it conducted with Jon Schaffer on January 15, 2008. The interview can be downloaded and/or heard at this location.

To download the interview, use your mouse to right-click on the link above, and then select, "Download Linked File." The download is 41.2 MB.

Topics covered in the interview include tour and release plans for 2008, longtime frontman Matt Barlow's return to the band, the band's first gig at ProgPower USA on September 27, 2008, and the impact of family and other personal committments on ICED EARTH's stategy for the future.

ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer issued a press release last month (Statement#1, Statement#2) announcing that the band was parting ways with vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (BEYOND FEAR, ex-ICED EARTH, JUDAS PRIEST) and was once again working with Tim's predecessor, Matt Barlow, who originally left ICED EARTH in 2003.

ICED EARTH performing at Wacken Open Air festival in 2007: