But with the guitarist back to full fitness, the band will shortly begin writing their 12th album, tentatively titled The Judas Goat. They plan to launch a full touring cycle in early 2016.

Schaffer says: "The recovery after this surgery has been more difficult than the first time around in 2000. Although there have been a few setbacks, I am confident that I'm ready to resume my duties in Iced Earth, directing my full attention to the creative process, production, and touring future of the band."

He continues: "We are looking forward to songwriting and getting back in the studio. The creative direction of the new album is rife with intense and heavy emotions, as one would expect from an Iced Earth record, as well as a wide variety of lyrical inspirations and themes." Read more - here.

Iced Earth Music, DVDs, Books and more Iced Earth T-shirts and Posters Share this article