ICED EARTH Unveils 'Night Of The Stormrider' 35th-Anniversary Remixed And Remastered Edition

Influential metal band ICED EARTH has released a remixed and remastered edition of its seminal second album, "Night Of The Stormrider", exactly 35 years to the day since its original release on November 11, 1991. The release comes without pre-orders and is in stock, ready to be shipped. First issued via Century Media, this concept album is one of the band's most intense and enduring statements: a dark, aggressive power/thrash metal epic that helped define their early sound.

To coincide with the physical release, ICED EARTH has unveiled a new video for the track "Travel In Stygian", which is available to view now below.

Written primarily by founder and rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer, "Night Of The Stormrider" follows a man betrayed by religion who turns away in rage. Dark forces claim him as their vessel of vengeance and destruction, transforming him into the Stormrider. He brings apocalypse to the earth before accepting his fate in eternal damnation. The narrative unfolds across tracks that blend furious riffing, galloping rhythms, atmospheric passages, and soaring melodies, from the explosive opener "Angels Holocaust" and the title track "Stormrider" through the haunting "Desert Rain", the relentless "Pure Evil", and the epic closer "Travel In Stygian".

This is the only ICED EARTH album to feature vocalist John Greely (whose powerful, theatrical delivery ranges from growls to high screams) and drummer Richey Secchiari, alongside Schaffer, lead guitarist Randy Shawver, and bassist Dave Abell. Recorded at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, it captured the band at a pivotal period of songwriting intensity and ambition.

For the 35th anniversary, the album has been freshly remixed and remastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, bringing greater clarity, punch, and depth to the original recordings while preserving the raw power and atmosphere that made it a classic. A landmark of early '90s American metal, "Night Of The Stormrider" stands as a testament to Schaffer's vision and the band's uncompromising early fire, now sounding more vital than ever.

Jon Schaffer states: "'Stormrider' was a big step forward for ICED EARTH. It was the second album that we had done on 24-track, 2-inch tape. I'm really stoked to hear this new mix by Zeuss. He really did a great job. We were on a really tight budget back in those days, and this is a very complex and intense record. It really benefits from this new mix. There is a whole new level of detail and life in the drums and bass guitar. John's vocals have never sounded better on this record. It's the pinnacle of audio quality and packaging to date for this classic record. I think the die-hards will dig this."

The "Night Of The Stormrider" 35th-anniversary release includes:

* Red/black ripple icedearthmerch.com exclusive vinyl - limited to 100 copies
* Silver/black ice vinyl - limited to 100 copies
* Blue/black galaxy - limited to 250 copies
* CDs with slipcase - limited to 1000 copies
* 1/4-inch reel-to-reel tape Limited to 50 copies and cassettes limited to 200 copies at www.dissonanttapes.com
* "Stormrider" 35th-anniversary t-shirts - limited to 100 at icedearthmerch.com

Get your copies now via www.icedearthmerch.com for North America and The Circle Music for Europe and rest of the world.

"Night of the Stormrider" track listing:

01. Angels Holocaust
02. Stormrider
03. The Path I Choose
04. Before The Vision
05. Mystical End
06. Desert Rain
07. Pure Evil
08. Reaching The End
09. Travel In Stygian

ICED EARTH 1991 lineup:

Jon Schaffer – Rhythm, Lead Guitars, Vocals
Randall Shawver - Lead Guitar
John Greely - Lead Vocals
Dave Abell - Bass Guitar
Richey Secchiari - Drums

Produced by Jon Schaffer and Tom Morris
Recorded in 15 days in September 1991

Remixed and remastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris in 2026

ICED EARTH effectively split up after Jon was arrested for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

In October 2024, Schaffer was sentenced to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service in connection with his involvement in the riot. At the sentencing hearing, Jon was also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 financial assessment. Schaffer later became one of about 1,500 people accused of crimes related to the riot who were pardoned by U.S. president Donald Trump.

Following the initial reports that Schaffer was involved in the riot, his ICED EARTH bandmates distanced themselves from his actions. Singer Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton later posted separate statements on social media announcing their resignations. BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kürsch also quit DEMONS & WIZARDS, his long-running project with Schaffer. The allegations also apparently affected Schaffer's relationship with his longtime record label Century Media, which had released albums from both ICED EARTH and DEMONS & WIZARDS. As of mid-January 2021, the Century Media artist roster page did not list either band.

In April 2025, Schaffer said in an interview that the legal issues and professional setback he faced as a result of his involvement in the Capitol riot have been "the biggest gift" of his life, in part because "it is what led" him "to [Jesus] Christ."