Although Dystopia is not a concept album, founder Jon Schaffer admits there are unifying themes to several of the songs - and even an appearance by band mascot "Set Abominae." "I've always been fascinated by the darker side of life," Schaffer said. "Movies like Metropolis, Brazil, and The Matrix resonate with me. The same for albums like 2112, The Wall, and of course Operation:Mindcrime. Their images of a soulless, repressive society stuck with me over the years. It must be the sci-fi fan in me."

In much the same way Horror Show (Iced Earth's tribute to classic characters from literature and movies) was born, Schaffer said his interest in dystopian themes in music and movies led him to try his hand at that genre as well - even paying homage on the new album to the movies Dark City, V For Vendetta, and Soylent Green. The end result is Iced Earth meets the nightmarish offspring of Brave New World and Blade Runner.

Of special interest to long-time fans are two songs on Dystopia (the title track and "Tragedy and Triumph") that feature the return of the "Something Wicked" storyline and "Set Abominae."

Track List:
Dystopia
Anthem
Boiling Point
Anguish of Youth
V
Dark City
Equilibrium
Days of Rage
End of Innocence
Tragedy and Triumph

Dystopia is scheduled for release in Europe on October 17th, and in the U.S. on October 18th both via Century Media. Two bonus tracks have been recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.

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