Iced Earth Enter Studio to Start Tracking New Album

Iced Earth just wrapped a series of dates overseas and will be back on the road later this month, but the time in between isn't exactly a vacation. The group just revealed via a Facebook posting that they're starting to track their next album.

In the message, the band posted a photo of a drum kit in the studio (seen below) and the missive, "We are happy to report that tracking for the new Iced Earth studio album has begun! We will keep you posted of the developments here. Spread the word!"

It's of interest that Iced Earth posted the drum kit as the first inkling of their new album recording. There will be a new man pounding the skins for the band as Brent Smedley stepped away from the group back in May, citing personal family reasons. Raphael Saini was named as the new skinbeater, and recently joined them for their summer European dates.

Smedley stated of his exit, "I have family members that are elderly and frail and need my help here in Jacksonville. It's been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I simply cannot commit to the kind of schedule the band deserves and requires so I decided to ask permission to step down from my post." The band stated, "Brent has been a valued member of the group for a long time. We thank him for his contributions, friendship and energy and wish him all the best for the future. We want to welcome Raphael with open arms and are expecting for our fans to give him the welcome he deserves."

Iced Earth have been touring in support of the 'Live in Ancient Kourion' concert CD/DVD/Blu-Ray. The group has already revealed that 'Plagues of Babylon' will be the title of their upcoming disc. They expect to work on the album between breaks in their touring schedule and have announced a headline tour kicking off in Jan. 2014 to support the forthcoming release.