The first live album from 'Iced Earth' and possibly one of the most extensive live albums ever released, especially if you own the version with the bonus disc which is reviewed here. Recorded in Athens over two nights with completely different set lists, comprehensively charts the best from their previous six studio albums. The all round performances are superb and arguably catches the band at the peak of their careers, 'Matt Barlow' in particular continues to astonish and proves what he can do in the studio, he can repeat live and further enhances my opinion that he was one of, if not the best Power Metal vocalist around before his early career change.

Disc One opens with 'Burning Times' a pulsating 'Iced Earth' classic, driven by relentless rhythm and an atmospheric tolling bell, 'Matt Barlow' immediately impresses, displaying his magnificent range on this splendid opener. Even brisker is the thundering 'Vengeance is Mine', a darker track upheld by pummelling drum and bass, perhaps not my favourite 'Iced Earth' number but this is still a very solid rendition. If you thought the first two cuts were heavy, wait until 'Pure Evil' is unleashed upon your speakers, this just rips plain and simple, 'Matt Barlow' rules supreme, while guitarist 'Jon Schaffer' and 'James MacDonough' perform impeccably. Continuing in fine form is a ripping account of 'My Own Savior', another top track accomplished faultlessly, with plenty of thumping rhythm and nasty ripping vocals. The pace drops for 'Melancholy' and here the crowd really gets involved, in this exquisite rendition of a powerful heartfelt song, in which 'Matt Barlow' again shines. Next up is a splendid run-through of the expansive epic 'Dante's Inferno', while a forceful working of the crowd pleaser 'The Hunter' fails to disappoint. The second epic of the album 'Travel in Stygian' follows and this masterfully executed version is a real winner and another highlight of the first disc. The pulsating 'Slave to the Dark' ensues and this classic sounding 'Iced Earth' track is driven by the usual exacting rhythm work we have come to expect, while being graced with 'Schaffer' and 'MacDonough's' skilled fret work. The first disc closes with 'A Question of Heaven' a beautiful song which should silence critics who thing 'Iced Earth's' material lack variety, this is perfectly performed and rides along a superb melody.

'Dark Saga' opens disc two and superbly balances the bristling chugging rhythm with the more melodic passages, that shows great contrast in 'Matt Barlow's' magnificent singing. The tempo is lifted further for the raging 'Last Laugh' and a brutal rendition it is too, as the rhythm section pull out all the stops for one uncompromising ripper. Next up is an exquisite account of 'Last December', I've always liked the lyrics to this track and here they are delivered to perfection, this is all backed up by relentless rhythm guitaring for another highlight. The pace drops for perhaps 'Iced Earth's' best ballad 'Watching Over Me', 'Matt Barlow's' vocals are so heartfelt and the excellent lyrics really hit home. The tempo is restored for the menacing plodder 'Angels Holocaust', the instrumental introduction sounds nothing short of stunning live and overall probably betters the studio counterpart. The following two rippers, 'Stormrider' and 'Path I Choose', are pretty brutal and ultimately splendid versions, complete with plenty of audience participation as the band really whips the crowd up. The tempo softens for 'I Died for You' another track which displays 'Barlow's' superb range, as he goes from ripping to subtle / melodic seamlessly. 'Prophecy' ensues and cleverly builds form refined beginnings to an uncompromising neck jolting gallop, supported by some great guitar solos and splendid subtle wind-down. The Maidenesque 'Birth of the Wicked' ensues with more than a nod to 'Powerslave', despite this it's still a quality track, with decent sing-a-long lyrics, duelling fret work and more captivating vocals. 'The Coming Curse' is another excellently executed epic, that while a tad long-winded, is still a very enjoyable track complete with Eastern influences and haunting female backing vocals. Lastly we are gifted 'Iced Earth', and although it's not one of my favourites this rendition betters the original, but a stronger track might have been chosen to close the album, especially if you only have the two CD version of this album.

Bonus disc three perhaps doesn't contain tracks as well know as the first two discs, but has a few surprises which makes it well worth obtaining. 'Stand Alone' opens the account in brutal fashion while 'Cast in Stone' is intricately played and overall a tasty rendition, full of brisk fret work and 'Barlow's' ungodly vocals. The pace softens a little for 'Desert Rain', possible a little too repetitive to be an 'Iced Earth' classic, but this is nevertheless a quality version, with plenty of atmosphere and potent instrumentation. 'Brainwashed' follows but has never been one of my favourites, a little reminiscent of cruder tracks from 'Priest's' 'Jugulator', all said not a poor rendition. Improvements are made with a ripping account of 'Disciples of the Lie', while 'When the Night Falls' balances brisk and pulsating with refined melodic passages for another highlight. 'Diary' starts out dark and ominous, but picks up into a pure thrash out, 'Barlow' again sounds stunning on this aggressive ripper. The tempo drops for a superb run-through of the commanding 'Blessed are You', while 'Violate' closes in ultra heavy fashion.

This is a stunning modern classic live album, that any 'Iced Earth' or even 'Power Metal' fan should have in their collection.