PURGATORY – Purgatory EP (2018)

Here comes something nice for all fans of real US metal: PURGATORY, founded in 1985, was a US metal band and the predessessor 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. The result is a 25-minute prime example of real, straight US metal at its very best. Everyone into ICED EARTH or bands such as OMEN or LIEGE LORD must check this out. Beside the fantastic production, combining the spirit of the glorious 80s metal scene with an up-to-date sound, one should especially recognized the breath-taking vocal performance of Gene Adam, which makes this gem of real US metal a mandatory purchase. The EP is going to be released as limited Digipak and 12” vinyl MLP with 4-page LP-booklet and an etching on side B (of course on 180 gram vinyl and of course mastered for vinyl for best audio quality). A cool cover artwork by David Newman Stump and Roy Young (known from their work on ICED EARTH’s recent studio album “Incorruptible”) as well as liner notes by Jon Schaffer, Gene Adam, Bill Owen and Greg Seymour (the original bass player of the band) complete the picture. To avoid confusion with bands of the same name, the “Purgatory –EP” is released under the name JON SCHAFFER’S PURGATORY.

Century Media Records is proud to announce a very special release: ICED EARTH’s mastermind Jon Schaffer has teamed up with his old pals in PURGATORY, the band that he originally founded in 1985, then later became ICED EARTH, to record five tracks that were written between 1985 and 1987, now to be released as the “Purgatory” EP on December 21st as limited Digipak CD, limited LP (with 180 gram vinyl, 4-page inlay and etching) and digitally. Produced and mixed by Jon Schaffer and Jim Morris and mastered by Zeuss this very fine release showcases the foundation of the invincible metal monster known as ICED EARTH. All five tracks featured on the EP offer real US metal and perfectly capture the spirit of the mid 1980’s with a powerful production, rounded up by liner notes or comments of Jon Schaffer, Gene Adam, Greg Seymour and Bill Owen and a fitting cover artwork by David Newman Stump and Roy Young, known from their excellent work on ICED EARTH’s latest album “Incorruptible”. The greatest surprise might be Gene Adam, ICED EARTH’s original singer who sang on the band’s self-titled debut album from 1990, who delivers his best vocal performance ever. The song “Dracula” can be checked out as of now. Enjoy!

Jon Schaffer’s PURGATORY is for all ICED EARTH maniacs out there, for all fans of real US metal in the vein of Omen, Liege Lord or Savage Grace, and for all metal fans in general – young and old.

“Purgatory” is dedicated to Richard Bateman, the band’s original bass player, who passed away right before the EP went into production. Rest in peace, Richard.

“Purgatory” tracklist:
In Your Dreams (4:55)
Dracula (6:08)
In Jason’s Mind (5:03)
Jack (4:00)
Burning Oasis (5:38)

Jon Schaffer’s PURGATORY is:
Jon Schaffer – Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Vocals
Gene Adam – Lead Vocals
Bill Owen – Lead Guitar

Guest appearances by:
Jim Morris – Lead Guitar
Ruben Drake – Bass Guitar
Mark Prator – Drums