So, here it comes, the first album of the Something Wicked storyline. Let’s first handle the singer discussion: I am a fan of Barlow and again I miss him. But Tim Owens is definitely an exceptional singer and his voice on Framing Armageddon is not the aspect for this average rating or does curtail the quality. No way! As my rating is hinting at, the quality is not as high as you could expect it from a band like ICED EARTH. The typical Jon Schaffer riff work is, of course, major part of the songs, but they are not that crispy and ass kicking anymore. Furthermore the old warhorse has much lowered the speed making most of the songs sounding like ballades. That would be ok if they were from the same stirring magic as Melancholy or I Died For You but they are not. I also miss songs like Stormrider or Pure Evil, they would have added some energy and something special. That’s the reason why this album is a little bit descending into mediocrity. Even songs like Something Wicked Pt. 1, Ten Thousands Strong or The Clouding, which can be considered as good, are not able to save this album. OK, don’t paint the devil on the wall; it is not all that bad. As a fan of the band, I can recommend giving it a chance, but being aware, it is not a Dark Saga or Something Wicked This Way Comes album.