ICED EARTH's webmaster has issued the following announcement:

"Jon Schaffer and Newbury Comics have teamed up for a special pre-order offer for the band's forthcoming new CD, Framing Armageddon.

Individuals who pre-order, Framing Armageddon at Newbury Comics will get a limited autographed CD booklet signed by Jon Schaffer with purchase. This special offer is valid for both domestic and international orders. Autographed booklets signed by Jon Schaffer only. Booklets will be available while supplies last. Newburycomics.com will post information when autographed booklets are sold out.

In 1998, Iced Earth released an album called Something Wicked This Way Comes. The final 20 minutes of that album featured the debut of the Something Wicked trilogy, a three-part epic overview of a story written and created by band mastermind Jon Schaffer.

While the above trilogy was only an overview, the entire story was written and laid waiting to be told. Now, almost 10 years later, after years of hard work and contemplation, Schaffer has delivered the first part of what could be his magnum opus. Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part I) is the first of two albums weaving a thrilling Sci-Fi tale of mankind's invasion of Earth, the planet occupied by the direct descendents of the Grand Architect of the Universe. These descendents, the Setians, are the Earth's most ancient culture, and are the wisest, most peaceful race in existence.

Not only is the story told through the music and lyrics, but in true Iced Earth fashion, through the album artwork as well. Over the years Schaffer has established a loyal record-buying fanbase through quality craftsmanship that runs through every facet of the band and their output. After the very successful release of the teaser single 'Overture Of The Wicked', it's certain that the fans will be utterly blown away by Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part I). Both musically and visually, this album will NOT disappoint.

Framing Armageddon is scheduled for release on the following dates: Germany - September 7th, All of Europe -September 10th, USA: September 11th."

Todd Brown