Iced Earth and Sons of Liberty mastermind Jon Schaffer discussed the future of both projects on the Metalópolis podcast. He revealed that while he is certain about Iced Earth’s eventual return, his immediate focus is writing a new studio album for Sons of Liberty after picking up the guitar for the first time in years following a long personal struggle.
“Yeah, it is a project. In a way it’s a solo project, but not really, because there’s a lot of different people that have contributed to it,” Schaffer explained. “Newly added Sons Of Liberty guitarist Matt O’Rourke will be on the next studio album. I just started playing guitar a few weeks ago for the first time in years. Matt’s got some great musical arrangement ideas, and mine are starting to happen, so I think we’re gonna do something cool.”
Regarding other contributors and touring plans, Schaffer remained noncommittal. “But who else performs on it, on a record, I don’t know. And as far as touring goes, we don’t have any plans. We may. It just depends on what opportunities arise, but that’s not really the goal with this.”
Schaffer’s return to music marks a significant moment after years away from the spotlight. His soul is guiding him toward a specific creative direction. “I’m certain that there’s gonna be more Iced Earth off in the future, but I don’t know right now 100% because, like I said, I’m just now starting to come out of this nightmare and starting to play. My soul is telling me I need to do another Sons Of Liberty chapter, another record that will show where my head and where my soul’s at now, and then we’ll see what comes later.”
He emphasized that immediate plans remain uncertain. “There’s no immediate plan. I mean, we’ve had a couple offers, but there’s no immediate plans to take it on the road. We’ll see. Maybe. Maybe it will.”
Schaffer’s musical comeback comes after a transformative period in his personal life that has reshaped his artistic priorities and worldview. The Sons of Liberty project has already begun its return with the release of Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2), a bold reimagining that fuses material from the project’s earlier works, Brush-fires of the Mind (2009) and Spirit of the Times (2011). This definitive edition features newly remixed versions with updated live drumming and fresh production, breathing new life into the politically charged material that has defined the Sons of Liberty sound.
The physical release of Thought Crimes arrived on July 4, 2026, marking a symbolic date that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The collection is available in multiple formats including a limited double gatefold vinyl edition in five vibrant colors, a luxurious limited-edition leather box CD, a digipak CD, and cassette versions. The album is currently available on all streaming platforms, making Schaffer’s artistic statement accessible to a global audience.
Schaffer’s decision to focus on Sons of Liberty rather than pursue immediate Iced Earth reunion reflects his current creative and spiritual priorities. Despite receiving substantial financial offers to reunite Iced Earth, the band’s founder has chosen to decline these opportunities in favor of completing his Sons of Liberty vision. This choice underscores his commitment to artistic authenticity over commercial considerations, prioritizing the message and soul of his work over financial gain.
The Sons of Liberty project represents more than a musical endeavor for Schaffer. It serves as a vehicle for expressing his evolved perspective following years of personal struggle and reflection. The new production, handled by acclaimed mixer Jim Morris and mastered by BJ Ramone, combined with fresh artwork by David Newman-Stump and Roy Young, presents a fully realized artistic statement that reflects where Schaffer’s head and heart currently reside. As he continues to rebuild his musical foundation and reconnect with his craft, the path forward for both Sons of Liberty and Iced Earth will unfold organically, guided by creative inspiration rather than external pressures or predetermined timelines.
