Former Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow has commented on the possibility of a band reunion. While he hasn’t discussed future plans with founder Jon Schaffer, he respects Schaffer’s current commitment to his side project Sons Of Liberty.
“I couldn’t say to that, man, ’cause I wouldn’t even want to get into that or get into Jon’s mind or what he’s thinking or doing right now,” Barlow said. “I know he’s heavily into promoting Sons Of Liberty and getting out there.”
Barlow expressed support for Schaffer’s re-release efforts. The founder has re-tracked drums for the Sons Of Liberty material. “So that’s worked out really well,” Barlow continued. “I’m anxious to talk to him about how it’s going as far as the sales and all that stuff and any future plans. But I haven’t talked to him about that as of yet.”
While a reunion remains uncertain, Barlow maintains a positive relationship with Schaffer and remains open to future conversations about Iced Earth’s direction. However, the reality of a near-term reunion appears increasingly unlikely given Schaffer’s explicit statements about the band’s future and his current artistic priorities.
Jon Schaffer has made clear that an Iced Earth reunion will not happen anytime soon. Despite receiving substantial financial offers to bring the band back together, the Iced Earth founder has prioritized his new direction with Sons Of Liberty over revisiting the band that defined his career for decades. Schaffer has stated he is done with the anger that characterized much of Iced Earth’s output. He is instead moving forward with fresh musical projects that reflect his current mindset and artistic vision.
The last official Iced Earth lineup featuring both Schaffer and Barlow was for the 2017 album Incorruptible. Nearly a decade has passed since the band last recorded together. Schaffer has focused his energy on Sons Of Liberty, which released new music in 2024 and continues to be his primary creative outlet. The band’s extended hiatus has left fans hopeful for a return, but Schaffer’s commitment to his side project suggests that Iced Earth remains dormant for the foreseeable future.
Barlow has expressed eagerness for Schaffer’s next musical endeavors and indicated willingness to return to Iced Earth if the opportunity arose. The reunion is not currently feasible given Schaffer’s stated position. The founder’s decision to decline lucrative offers to reunite the band demonstrates his resolve to pursue his current artistic direction rather than capitalize on nostalgia or financial incentives. This stance reflects a deliberate choice to move beyond Iced Earth rather than a temporary pause in the band’s activities.
The situation underscores the complexity of band reunions in the modern metal landscape. Founding members may choose to pursue new creative directions rather than revisit past projects, regardless of fan demand or financial opportunity. Schaffer’s focus on Sons Of Liberty represents a fresh chapter in his career. He appears committed to exploring this direction fully before considering any return to his most famous project.
