EP Review: Jon Schaffer’s Purgatory – Purgatory (Century Media Records)

Purgatory, founded in 1985, was a US metal band and the predecessor of the legendary Iced Earth.

Iced Earth’s master mind Jon Schaffer has teamed up with Purgatory’s original singer Gene Adam (also vocals on Iced Earth;s self-titled debut album), Mark Prator (drums – also known from his work on Iced Earth’s “The Dark Saga” album), Bill Owen (original bassist of Purgatory), Jim Morris (guitars – known as producer and owner of Morrisound Studios) as well as Ruben Drake (Demons & Wizards, Sons Of Liberty) on bass to newly record five old Purgatory tracks, written in 1985/1986.

To avoid confusion with bands of the same name, the “Purgatory EP” is released under the name Jon Schaffer’S Purgatory.

The EP is going to be released on December 21st 2018 via Century Media Records.

Perhaps an EP for dedicated fans more then anything else who are hungering for a combination re-recording like this. I’m not familiar with the original tracks so I have no comparisons to make, instead judging the five tracks as they are.

Opener In Your Dreams is a grand start with booming percussion, an eerie tone (children singing!) and guitar melody that heightens the darkness that surrounds the fairytale style of the track. The vocals are extremely on point here and throughout the EP.

The blend of heavy metal and power metal really comes to the forefront on Dracula, the riffs galloping along and the lyrics really adding some cheese to things. While In Jason’s Mind really nails the fantastical style of the EP, rooted in fantasy but built on quality horn-throwing metal.

The darker side of inspirations continues with Jack, a track based off the legend of Jack Ripper before Burning Oasis wraps things up with a bit of methodical head-banging rhythm. A very satisfying listen that will draw in as many new fans as old!

Jon Schaffer’s Purgatory – Purgatory Full Track Listing:

1. In Your Dreams
2. Dracula
3. In Jason’s Mind
4. Jack
5. Burning Oasis

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Jon Schaffer’s Purgatory will be available via all major streaming services and you can pre-order physical vinyl versions here.