When I review bands, especially in metal - I believe there is a certain asset that makes them stand out above the rest; if they don’t have it, they’ll be seen as another cookie-cutter clone of the ones that they claimed to be influenced by the most. To be seen as new, something different – you need to strive for this in order to achieve that status. To blend everything that inspires you, to mold yourself into something unique – many can accomplish this, but only few can perfect. How do I know this? I’ve been honored to get an interview with the epitome of unique, and someone who has perfected this. I’m here with hybrid vocalist Stu Block, known for his vocal work on Canadian death/progressive metal band INTO ETERNITY and now, the legendary ICED EARTH.  

Lizz of THE METAL PIT:  Hey Stu, how are you?

Doing Great!!

I bet you’re just as excited as we all are for the release of “DYSTOPIA”. For those who haven’t pre-ordered a copy yet - What can you tell us about it? Being introduced to the ICED EARTH family, how did the production go for the album? 

Dystopia is about being a prisoner to our everyday lives and technologies around us. Jon and I are into movies and so we watched a few dystopian movies and wrote about them. There are a lot of things gong on in the world today that make us feel like prisoners in our own lives.
      The production went well. Jon has the vision and he just did what he does. It was a fun process.

Speaking about new material - How has the production for the new INTO ETERNITY album been going and what can we expect from it? Is there a release date yet?

I have recorded a couple of songs with Into Eternity and it will be a slower process due to my schedule with Iced Earth. I have to concentrate all my efforts with Iced Earth…it's my full time job now. No Into Eternity release date yet.

 I think it’s safe to say that you are more than capable to perform any style within your broad vocal range; though ICED EARTH is very different compared to INTO ETERNITY. Can ICED EARTH fans expect the same vocal style as you normally would perform in INTO ETERNITY? 

No. I will be doing traditional Iced Earth vocals in Iced Earth.   

Have there been any new challenges you’ve faced since you’ve joined ICED EARTH?

Not any huge challenges…the recording process was fun but challenging in some spots.

Did you write any lyrics for the songs featured on “DYSTOPIA”?

I co-wrote 10 songs with Jon. I wrote lots of lyrics and melodies.

What are some of your favorite ICED EARTH songs, old and new?

”Dante's Inferno” and “Damien” for the old and “Anthem” and “Dystopia” for the new.

The tour is coming up soon! Care to share to the fans what is to be expected while on tour?

We will be switching a couple of songs up each night. We may do video tour diary.

I think it’s tough for any new vocalist to fill in the shoes of any previous vocalist. Were you intimidated at all when Jon asked you to join ICED EARTH? What went through your head when he asked you?

I was a bit intimidated. But at the end of the day I have to do what I do and bring the metal to the people!!

 And Stu, I can’t help myself but ask. Was the moustache a mandatory ICED EARTH-joining requirement, or was it expected to grow when you joined?

That's funny. No not at all. We were at Guitar World in New York and I was taking the hair out of my brush and I rolled it and put it on my face as a mustachio. I was being silly. Hahaha!

Other than your awesome voice and epic moustache, is there anything else you want to share with your fans? 

I can’t wait to rock out for all the wicked fans out there. See ya on the road!!!

Stu, on behalf of THE METAL PIT, I want to thank you and congratulate you again, and wish you the best of luck on the tour!