Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band currently composed of only Jon Schaffer, formed in Tampa, Florida and based in Columbus, Indiana. They were formed in 1984 under the name the Rose, then Purgatory, by guitarist, main songwriter and bandleader Schaffer and original drummer Greg Seymour. Iced Earth released their debut album in 1990 and have since released twelve studio albums, four EPs, three compilations, three box sets, three live albums and eleven music videos.
Iced Earth in 2012
Guitarist Jon Schaffer, who founded the band in 1984, is the only remaining original member of Iced Earth.
Matt Barlow joined the band for 1995's Burnt Offerings. He would record three more albums with Iced Earth before his first departure from the band in 2003.
Iced Earth in Stockholm, 2009
Jon Ryan Schaffer is an American heavy metal musician. He is the rhythm guitarist, bandleader and principal songwriter of the Indiana-based heavy metal band Iced Earth, which he formed in 1985 under the name Purgatory. He is also the lead singer in his political side project Sons of Liberty and, until 2021, played guitar for Demons & Wizards, his collaboration with Blind Guardian frontman Hansi Kürsch. In a 2019 poll by Guitar World, Schaffer was ranked as the 25th-best rhythm guitar player of all time.
Schaffer in 2016
Schaffer performing with Iced Earth in 2010
Schaffer performing in 2012