ICED EARTH Bassist Interviewed On 'Maximum Threshold' (Audio)

ICED EARTH bassist Freddie Vidales was interviewed on the October 15, 2011 edition of the "Maximum Threshold" show. The chat is now available for streaming using the audio player below.

Interview (audio):

ICED EARTH's 10th studio offering, "Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17 and in the U.S. on October 18 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.

The release of "Dystopia" will be followed by the most extensive world tour ICED EARTH has ever undertaken.

The European leg of the 2011-2012 "World Dystopia Tour" has been posted on the band's official web site, and all official social-media sites. The trek begins October 30 in Bochum, Germany.

ICED EARTH guitarist/mainman Jon Schaffer admitted the recording of "Dystopia" was especially challenging because of the band's summer festival gigs requiring him to criss-cross the ocean numerous times.

Despite the challenges, Schaffer said working with new vocalist Stu Block was "a pleasure."

"You just can't ask for a better attitude," said Schaffer. "Stu is so excited to be here. He brings a youthful exuberance to the band, which is a lot of fun. And he's a real dude. He's down to earth, and willing to try anything that Jim [Morris, co-producer, engineer] or I throw at him. He's stepping into the shoes in a very natural way."

Schaffer continued: "We're opening up a part of his voice and a style of singing that he didn't even really know he had. We're exploring this whole new range. And we're just getting started. I believe Stu will continue to grow and has the potential to grow into one of the greats, one of the guys that will go down in metal history. If he stays on this course, with the attitude that he has, his willingness to learn, and his passion, he's destined for really great things. I firmly believe that."