Metal Anarchy

Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer is returning to the music world with a new Sons Of Liberty release titled “Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2).“ The collection will be available on July 4. This news comes after the musician was sentenced to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service for his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

“Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)” Track Listing:

CD:

01. “Jekyll Island”
02. “Full Spectrum Dominance”
03. “False Flag”
04. “Our Dying Republic”
05. “Molon Labe”
06. “Indentured Servitude”
07. “Feeling Helpless?”
08. “Don’t Tread On Me”
09. “The Cleansing Wind”
10. “Mind Control”
11. “Alive”
12. “Tree Of Liberty”
13. “Spirit of the Times”
14. “We The People”
15. “Jekyll Island” (Full Version)

Vinyl:

Side 1:

01. “Jekyll Island”
02. “Don’t Tread On Me”
03. “False Flag”
04. “Our Dying Republic”
05. “Indentured Servitude”

Side 2:

01. “Tree Of Liberty”
02. “Feeling Helpless?”
03. “The Cleansing Wind”
04. “We The People”

Side 3:

01. “Alive”
02. “Full Spectrum Dominance”
03. “Molon Labe”
04. “Mind Control”
05. “Spirit of the Times”

Side 4:

01. “Jekyll Island” (Demo)
02. “Don’t Tread On Me” (Demo)
03. “False Flag” (Demo)
04. “Our Dying Republic” (Demo)
05. “Indentured Servitude” (Demo)

Schaffer commented:

“Sons of Liberty was always meant to be more than music; it was a wake-up call and an attempt to start brushfires of freedom in the minds of those with ears to hear. Those who know me, know that I am not here to please everyone; not with my music, nor with my ideals and principles. I respect the rights of others to disagree, and to speak freely.

I will stand up for their rights, especially if I strongly disagree with them. This is the cornerstone of liberty. It’s not so impressive to stand up for the people that share your beliefs and agree with you. Are you into freedom enough to allow others to live as they choose, as long as they don’t aggress? This is a legitimate question that we all should reflect on.

My wish with the first SOL album in 2009 was to inspire the people to inform themselves. When these songs were first released, I wanted to expose the financial and political systems that prosper through aggression and subjugate our personal freedom. 17 years later the message has only become more relevant, and the situation more urgent.

Adding Mark Prator’s drums and Jim Morris’ new mix finally gives these tracks the sonic power they deserve. They both absolutely crushed it. It doesn’t sound like a demo any more. The artwork is a huge step up from the originals as well. Back in ‘09 I had no vision for what the Brushfires cover would look like. It was the first and only time in my career that has happened. However, this time it came to me, and I believe it’s one of the best covers in my entire catalog. Roy Young and David Newman Stump did a fantastic job

The system has tried to silence and cancel this music because it speaks uncomfortable truths, but you cannot cancel the spirit of liberty. Not yet. The aggressors are working hard to destroy our power of discernment, distract us, divide us, and in the end, conquer us.

This collection of music is for everyone who refuses to be a spectator in the struggle for their own sovereignty. I am always learning, and I am always willing to be convinced that another point of view is a better way forward. Bring a reasonable argument, and I’m all ears.

Through the years I have grown, and changed my views as I learn, but my principles remain. I can’t see any other viable path to peace than through freedom. I think about these issues often, and discuss them in great depth with my friends. It is my strongly held belief that collectivism, when mandated by the state, in any form, is more dangerous to our liberties than an invading army. Trading our freedom for “safety” has never turned out well. Not ever.

In the future it is my intention to write a new chapter of Sons music focusing on what I believe to be the solution. Until then, as a great friend and mentor says… Don’t aggress. Be an excellent human. Live and let live.

Peace.
Jon“